Abstract:

Continuous fibers of carbon nanotube intercalation compounds (CNTIC) feature aligned carbon nanotubes with intercalated species forming extended domains of periodic intercalation. Introducing intercalants into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enhances bulk fiber conductivity to levels comparable to copper or aluminum on a mass basis, while maintaining exceptional mechanical properties. This makes intercalated CNTs promising lightweight conductors, superior to most metals and graphite intercalation compounds.

This research focuses on understanding the vapor-phase intercalation process in CNT fibers from thorough study of their layered counterpart, graphite intercalation compounds (GICs), aiming to improve and intercalation conditions and guest species to our system. The study examines the structural and electrical properties of intercalated fibers, with the goal of applying the intercalation model in the future to other uniaxial materials. Recent work has involved intercalating highly aligned double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) fibers with Br and AlCl3. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and Raman spectroscopy confirm the regular distribution and structure of intercalants, with AlCl3 showing higher charge transfer and conductivity. Current efforts focus on resolving intercalant structures, preventing degradation, and translating our knowledge on the Thermodynamics and process of intercalation to NW systems. Future steps include studying the intercalation of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) to explore their behavior and potential as intercalated materials to create a novel branch on the study of unidimensional van der Waals materials.