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Design and Characterization of Hybrid Materials Using Carbon Nanotubes and Metals

Nawarathne, Chaminda
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4760-463X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1733831917100947

Abstract Details

2024, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Chemistry.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold immense promise in various technological applications, yet their efficacy has been hindered by challenges in establishing robust connections with metal surfaces. This study explores novel methods to address this limitation and enhance the electrical conductivity of CNT-metal interfaces. The resultant CNT-metal hybrid consists of strong bonding in between CNTs, and metal has been investigated in various applications such as sensors and energy storage devices. Covalent bond formation between open-ended CNTs and Cu surfaces is explored experimentally and theoretically. Vertical orientation of CNTs relative to the substrate, coupled with carboxylic functional groups on CNTs reacting with aminophenyl linkers on metal surfaces, facilitates amide bond formation at low temperatures. Theoretical analysis reveals bridge-like bond formations between carbon and adjacent Cu atoms, supporting the observed electrical conductivity enhancement. The robustness of covalent bonding is demonstrated through sonication tests. Due to the appealing nature of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in applications, the investigation extended on CNT films bonded to metal surfaces. Utilizing aligned CNT films, chemically covalent bonds are established between CNTs and various metal surfaces, including Cu, stainless steel, Au, indium tin oxide, and Al. Characterization techniques confirm the formation of robust bonds, with scanning electron microscopy validating their stability post-ultrasonication. Enhanced electrode performance suggests potential applications in sensor technology. Further, CNT bonded to metal electrodes were investigated in energy storage applications. Innovative fabrication of CNT-metal electrodes is achieved by forming chemical bonds between vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) and Au metal surfaces using linker molecules. Covalent bonds between CNTs and diazonium-based linker molecules on the Au surface result in highly conductive interfaces with minimal resistance. The resulting supercapacitors exhibit superior performance metrics, including specific capacitance and cycle stability, outperforming conventional VACNT-based EDLCs. These findings offer promising avenues for integrating CNTs into diverse technological domains, including sensors, electronics, and energy storage, by overcoming limitations associated with CNT-metal interface resistance.
Noe Alvarez, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Jianbing Jiang, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Hairong Guan, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
164 p.
Chemistry
Carbon nanotube metal materials; Carbon nanotube metal covalent bonding; Diazonium salt grafting; Carbon nanotube supercapacitors; Carbon nanotube electrodes; Carbon nanotube Cu, stainless steel, Au, Al, ITO

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Nawarathne, C. (2024). Design and Characterization of Hybrid Materials Using Carbon Nanotubes and Metals [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1733831917100947

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nawarathne, Chaminda. Design and Characterization of Hybrid Materials Using Carbon Nanotubes and Metals. 2024. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1733831917100947.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nawarathne, Chaminda. "Design and Characterization of Hybrid Materials Using Carbon Nanotubes and Metals." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1733831917100947

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1733831917100947
© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.