Analyzing manufacturing methods of carbon nanotubes for commercialization

This research explores the history and structure of carbon nanotubes and the current technologies and methods available for synthesizing, purifying, and assembling carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, the current state of fabrication of carbon nanotubes has not reached a level where they can be commercialized. The most commonly used techniques of chemical vapor deposition (CVD), arc discharge, and laser ablation are discussed in detail with emphasis placed on three criteria: cost, rate, and flexibility. Satisfactory achievement in these three areas will result in the ability to have carbon nanotubes as a product. Assembly methods like nanopelleting and individual transplanting has helped make great strides towards reaching a state of commercialization, but several advancements need to take place with respect to carrying current processes out on a larger scale at affordable prices.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Dee, H. Devin (Herbert Devin)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Sang-Gook Kim.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/83706

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/83706