Development of CNT-metal-filters by direct growth of carbon nanotubes

Abstract

A novel filter, named as the ‘CNT-metal-filter’, that nanostructures composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are formed on a conventional metal filter has been developed. The carbon nanotubes were grown directly upon the micron-sized metallic fibers of the filter using thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The carbon nanotubes were grown with bush-like nanostructures covered around the micron-fibers and their diameters were ranged from 20 to 50 nm, shown in scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. The CNT-metal-filter has higher filtration efficiency without the significant difference of pressure drop, which is because the carbon nanotubes function as the trap of pollutant nanoparticles.