Independent Study

MSNT 503B

Synthesis and functionalization of carbon nanotubes

Gadhdar Reddy

Dr.Sven eklund

Louisiana tech University

Table of Contents
Abstract......................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction................................................................................................................................................4
References..................................................................................................................................................4
 Abstract

Carbon nanotubes have been found to be a versatile material with various applications. Historically the
storngest material known to man defined the age . We had stone and then we discovered bronze which
was stronger and could be shaped way more easily. Bronze gave way to iron as steel was found to be
more versatile and it eventually led to the Industrial age which gave us complete control over nature.
Carbon nanotubes are a man made material that are stronger than steel and are poised to lead this
revolution as we exert more control on our world. Different techniques of production of this magic
material were studied and functionalization of nanotubes with different chemical compounds is
presented.
 Introduction

Organization

• Introduction to nanotubes: Discovery and stuf

• What are nanotubes and why we need them
• Methods of making nanotubes over time, how Ijima made them
• How nanotubes were made by Ajayan and others
• Smalley HiPCO
• Solar powered reactor
• Production in space
• Production due to meteorite impacts
• CoMoCat
• Long nanotubes-substrate based techniques Mention Resasco, why we need em Pasqueli table
• Chinese techniques
• Functionalization of nanotubes
• COOH
• Amide
• Chemical reactions on fullerenes.
• Cost of production
• Future hopes
• Projections & conclusions

Carbon nanotubes belong to the family of fullerenes and were discovered in 1991 bySumo Ijima
working at NEC laboratories in Japan [1]. There are two types of nanotubes, Single walled and multi
walled. The Single walled carbon nanotubes are single molecules which can be visualized as being
formed by rolling grapheme sheets over themselves.
Carbon nanotubes are synthesized just like fullerenes, by vaporizing carbon and letting it condense
over itself. Fullerenes are formed in the absence of any catalytst while nanotubes require the presence
of an Iron catalyst particle that is small enough to allow the nanotubes to assemble.
There are 3 major techniques for synthesiszing carbon nanotubes :
Arc discharge
Chemical vapor deposition and
Laser Evaporation.
Arc discharge Is by far the easiest technique

References

[1] S. Iijima, “Helical microtubules of graphitic carbon,” Nature, vol. 354, Nov. 1991, pp. 56-58.