Abstract
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are a one-dimensional nanomaterial with several desirable material properties, including high mechanical tensile modulus and strength, high electrical conductivity, and good thermal conductivity. A wide variety of techniques have been optimized to synthesize MWCNTs and to fabricate thin films of MWCNTs. These synthesis and fabrication methods vary based on precursor materials, process parameters, and physical and chemical principals, and have a strong influence on the properties of the nanotubes and films. Thus, the fabrication methods determine the performance of devices that can exploit the advantageous material properties of MWCNTs. Techniques for the fabrication of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube thin films are reviewed, followed by a discussion of the use of MWCNTs as an electrode material for electrochemical double-layer supercapacitors (EDLCs). EDLCs feature high power density, excellent reversibility and lifetime, and improved energy density over electrolytic capacitors. Beyond surveying fabrication techniques previously explored for MWCNT electrodes, an alternative approach based on inkjet printing capable of depositing a small amount of active material is discussed. Such an approach allows for a high degree of control over electrode properties and can potentially reduce cost and active material waste, which are essential components to the gradual conversion to green energy.
Highlights
Carbon nanotubes are a one-dimensional nanomaterial and have been extensively studied since their initial discovery in the soot of evaporated graphite by Iijima [1] in the early 1990s
To determine the mean outer diameters of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), several measurements were made along nanotubes in the micrograph using the ImageJ image processing software
The major synthesis techniques for generating MWCNTs and depositing MWCNT thin films were discussed. Due to their unique geometry and mechanical and electrical properties, multiwall carbon nanotubes exhibit excellent performance when used as active components in electrochemical energy storage
Summary
Carbon nanotubes are a one-dimensional nanomaterial and have been extensively studied since their initial discovery in the soot of evaporated graphite by Iijima [1] in the early 1990s. Previous investigations into the synthesis and supercapacitor applications of MWCNTs and their thin films are discussed, with an emphasis on the use of nanotube materials in supercapacitor electrodes for electrical energy storage. MWCNTs can be synthesized via physical routes, i.e., the evaporation of graphite or other carbon precursors by electric current or laser sources, or via chemical routes, i.e., the growth of nanotubes on metallic catalyst particles from gas precursors. This is followed by a brief overview of their mechanical and electrical properties. An experimental section follows that details the fabrication of a double-layer supercapacitor using spin-coating and inkjetprinting methods, which have not been extensively studied in the literature
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