Processing of Thin Carbon Nanotube-Polyimide Composite Membranes

作者：Pei Lei; Abbott Jonathan; Zufelt Kyle; Davis Andrew; Zappe Mike; Decker Keith; Liddiard Steven; Vanfleet Richard; Linford Matthew R^*; Davis Robert

来源：Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Letters, 2011, 3(4): 451-457.

DOI：10.1166/nnl.2011.1195

• Carbon Nanotube
• Polyimide
• Composite
• Thin Film
• Membrane

Here we report a straightforward method for fabricating freely suspended, thin, carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes infiltrated with polymers. A CNT film was made by compressing (rolling) vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) on a silicon substrate. A nanotube-polymer composite film was then fabricated by spin casting a polymer layer on top of the flattened CNT film. The composite film was subsequently released from the silicon substrate by dipping in HF solution, resulting in thin, smooth, suspended membranes. To aid in releasing intact, quality films, a mesh frame was adhered to the films prior to release. Characterization of the film and membrane was performed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This process is a new approach for making thin, reinforced, smooth films or membranes with high concentrations of CNTs, which may lead to higher performance materials.

• 出版日期2011-8