Projects > Purification and Separation
This group is investigating the deposition of SWNT networks from aqueous suspensions using several methods. One potentially scalable method is the spin casting of SWNT networks.¹ Low densities of unbundled SWNTs were deposited in an iterative process that yielded a thin-film network having tunable electrical properties. These deposits were characterized with atomic force microscopy (AFM), a semiconductor characterization system, and Raman microscopy. Further, percolation theory can be used to model the electrical behavior of these systems.² These types of thin-films have applications in new light-weight, energy efficient materials used for energy conversion and displays.
Electrical studies of spin cast SWNT networks.
Percolation theory explains the macroscopic performance of 2-dimensional networks deposited via various liquid deposition methods.
1. Q. Zhang, P. Vichchulada, and M. D. Lay, J. Phys. Chem. C, 114 (2010) 16292-16297
2. Q. Zhang, P. Vichchulada, M. Cauble,# and M. D. Lay, J. Mat. Sci., 44, (2009), 1206-1211