This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate plasma enhanced vapor-liquid-solid (PE-VLS) growth of carbon nanotubes. The resulting low cost, low temperature process will enable commercial applications of high quality carbon nanotubes grown on large area substrates. Since the discovery of nanotubes in 1991, breakthrough applications have been anticipated in structural, electronic, electrochemical, catalytic, and sensing materials technology. Unfortunately, existing laboratory synthesis and processing techniques are inappropriate for nanotube commercialization. However, the understanding gained from these laboratory techniques does indicate a new path to commercially attractive synthesis. This novel, PE-VLS process combines and develops two cost-effective materials processing technologies: VLS growth, and non-equilibrium, volume, plasma processing. This Phase I project will first demonstrate uniform substrate coverage of nanometer catalyst dispersions. Second, high temperature VLS growth will demonstrate catalyst effectiveness for nanotube synthesis. Third, nanotube adherence to the substrate will be evaluated. Finally, plasma enhancement will demonstrate the quality increase and bulk temperature decrease obtainable with PE-VLS. Potential commercial applications for the PE-VLS process include electrochemical electrodes, flat panel displays, surface modification, composite structures, catalysis, sensors and ultrafiltration. With our industrial partner, we will examine applications in low energy separation, fuel cells, and internal combustion engines.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships (IIP)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9861155
Program Officer
Darryl G. Gorman
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1999-01-01
Budget End
1999-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
$98,255
Indirect Cost
Name
Material Methods
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Irvine
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92618