Carbon nanotube film structure

Abstract

A carbon nanotube film structure includes at least one carbon nanotube film or at least two stacked carbon nanotube films. Each carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes parallel to the surface of the carbon nanotube film and parallel to each other. A length of the carbon nanotube is equal to or greater than 1 centimeter.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 243,059, filed Oct. 1, 2008, entitled, “CARBON NANOTUBE FILM STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME,” which claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. §119 from China Patent Application No. 200810066048.7, filed on Feb. 1, 2008 in the China Intellectual Property Office, all of which are herein incorporated by references for all purposesBACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention generally relates to films of nano materials and methods for making the same, particularly, to a carbon nanotube film structure and a method for making the same.[0004]2. Discussion of Related Art[0005]Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) produced by means of arc discharge between graphite rods were discovered and reported by Sumio Iijima in 1991. CNTs are electrically conductive along their length, chemically stable, and each can have a very small diameter (much less than 100 nanometers) an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The method yields a carbon nanotube film with improved electrical and thermal conductivity, wide application scope, and purity, as well as ease of production and recycling, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.

Problems solved by technology

Applications of carbon nanotubes are rather restricted due to the carbon nanotubes made by the conventional method being generally grainy or powdery in macrostructure.

Secondly, forming a catalyst layer on the growing substrate.

Thirdly, providing a reacting furnace, and placing the growing substrate with catalyst layer into the reacting furnace.

However, some drawbacks arise from the conventional carbon nanotube film structure and method for making the same.

Firstly, due to the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film structure being entangled with each other and distributed in a disorderly manner, the excellent properties of the carbon nanotubes are poorly utilized.

Secondly, applications of the carbon nanotube film structure are restricted because the carbon nanotube film structure is not a free-standing structure and must be formed on a substrate.

Thirdly, the method introduces catalysts into the carbon nanotube film structure during the forming process, thereby reducing the purity of the carbon nanotube film structure.

Fourthly, it is hard to recycle the substrate for use in mass production.

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