Final Report Summary - SPANG (Spark ablation for nanotube growth)
The main objective of the SPANG project was to develop low-price synthetic routes for high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes. The benchmark method for producing high-quality carbon nanotubes dictates the use of laser ablation. Namely, graphite is evaporated in a laser beam and by means of the right catalyst as well as of the proper process conditions the carbon plasma condenses to quite long, nearly defect-free single-walled carbon nanotubes and a small amount of by-products (amorphous carbon and graphitic particles). As far as the spark ablation method is concerned, the laser beam is replaced by an electron beam which stems from a spark discharge. This method, compared with the former one, turns out a much more cost-effective alternative. Another method for producing high-quality nanotubes pertains to the evaporation of graphite in an electric arc. The so-called arc-jet method lies on the injection of a hydrocarbon gas through a nozzle into the electric arc and the resultant gas flow conditions are similar to the corresponding ones of the laser ablation method. Furthermore, the arc-jet technique enables the formation of a continuous process as opposed to batch processing which is implemented in conventional nanotube synthesis.
In order to duly observe the quality of nanotubes, a procedure has been standardised which consists of the combination of electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical absorption and X-ray diffraction as well as thermal gravimetry and electrical measurements.
Finally, a study of the use of nanotube networks in printed circuit boards has been performed, namely concerning their use in lead resistors as well as in capacitors.
In order to duly observe the quality of nanotubes, a procedure has been standardised which consists of the combination of electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical absorption and X-ray diffraction as well as thermal gravimetry and electrical measurements.
Finally, a study of the use of nanotube networks in printed circuit boards has been performed, namely concerning their use in lead resistors as well as in capacitors.
