ИСТИНА

Carbon nanotubes exhibit outstanding properties, which, alas, are difficult to translate into macro scale. Two necessary conditions for successful translation are as follows: (1) the nanotubes must be aligned; (2) the nanotube length must be comparable with dimensions of a macro-sample or device. This work presents the results of the applied research comprising a synthesis way for such centimeter-long aligned nanotubes; scale-up of the production process through growth, pulling of the nanotubes into big spools; and processing. The macroscopic material requires the nanotubes in quantities, which are difficult or impossible to produce in laboratory bench scale. So it is necessary to scale up, which is a difficult chemical engineering problem. A suspended-bed synthesis rig is reported capable of producing at 1200°C carbon nanotubes, which are aligned due to in-process pulling, in spools in kilogram amounts. The core of the reactor block is a 324 mm diameter reactor made of high-temperature steel and clad with quartz. The aligned carbon nanotubes were investigated by electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis and XPS. It was shown that the material is dominated by aligned double-walled nanotubes. Investigation of electrochemical properties showed an unprecedented robustness to voltammetry cycling in alkali solutions and very fast charge-discharge. The capacity exceeded 27 F/g. The rolled carbon nanotubes and nanotube-reinforced polymers in the form of thin tapes or fiber or bulky composites demonstrate dramatic and anisotropic boost of mechanical and electrical properties such as jump of strength of a polyurethane tape from 18 MPa up to 500 MPa.