Aligned carbon nanotube, graphene and graphite oxide thin films via substrate-directed rapid interfacial deposition

Nanoscale. 2012 May 21;4(10):3075-82. doi: 10.1039/c2nr00010e. Epub 2012 Mar 13.

Abstract

A procedure for depositing thin films of carbon nanostructures is described that overcomes the limitations typically associated with solution based methods. Transparent and conductively continuous carbon coatings can be grown on virtually any type of substrate within seconds. Interfacial surface tension gradients result in directional fluid flow and film spreading at the water/oil interface. Transparent films of carbon nanostructures are produced including aligned ropes of single-walled carbon nanotubes and assemblies of single sheets of chemically converted graphene and graphite oxide. Process scale-up, layer-by-layer deposition, and a simple method for coating non-activated hydrophobic surfaces are demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Oxides
  • Graphite