Know The Applications Of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes or CNTs belong to the family of nanomaterials that is solely based on carbon. They are categorized into different types based on the number of outer layer that the tube possesses, and they are Single Walled CNTs, Multi-Walled CNTs, Double Walled CNTs and Triple Walled CNTs.
Just as the name suggests, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is made up of a single outer layer that comprises of graphene atoms, whereas multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) consists of multiple layers of graphene. Similarly, double walled and triple walled are structured with double and triple layers respectively.
MWNTs have always remained to be a special interest of various industries. Their structure has bestowed it along with its proponents with incredible properties. Best thing is that they are available in different variants, depending upon the way they have been manufactured. The latest synthesis technique even known as laser ablation disposition helps in controlling the shape of the nanotubes, without affecting its layers, size or properties. Interesting aspect is that the core element of nanotube is even produced through natural phenomenon such volcanic eruption and forest fire.
Just as the name suggests, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is made up of a single outer layer that comprises of graphene atoms, whereas multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) consists of multiple layers of graphene. Similarly, double walled and triple walled are structured with double and triple layers respectively.
MWNTs have always remained to be a special interest of various industries. Their structure has bestowed it along with its proponents with incredible properties. Best thing is that they are available in different variants, depending upon the way they have been manufactured. The latest synthesis technique even known as laser ablation disposition helps in controlling the shape of the nanotubes, without affecting its layers, size or properties. Interesting aspect is that the core element of nanotube is even produced through natural phenomenon such volcanic eruption and forest fire.
How Was Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Discovered?
The multi-walled structure of carbon nanotubes is described as the Russian doll model, where sheets of graphene are arranged in concentric circles, where the interlayer distance between each tube is about 3.4A. Now, the discovery of these particles began in 1991. It was a period when nothing much was known about nanotechnology. However, Sumio Iijima of NEC introduced the wonder of carbon nanotubes to the world.
Though this was just the beginning, but focus was not laid on MWNTs until V.M Lukyanovich and L.V Radushkevich published the images of these carbon nanotubes in their papers. Though their discovery went unnoticed, but with time other scientists acknowledged their discoveries and were astounded by the results that were witnessed. According to these papers, multiwalled carbon nanotubes that was part of the carbon family was.
140 times harder than diamond (hardest natural material on earth)
500 times steel and
100 times electrically conductive than copper.
The conclusions that were drawn from their work, lead to a bloom of research, and scientists from every part of the world were now concentration on one fact, what could the future of these carbon nanotubes.
Work began and two different synthesis techniques evolved. Earlier, only arc-evaporation and chemical vapor deposition where used, but with time two advanced techniques originated and they were laser ablation and plasma torch. By the beginning of 2002, these multiwalled carbon nanotubes made its way to the commercial market.
Buy Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes to Experience its Endless Applications
Large scale production of carbon nanotubes began by the end of 2002, and their sales increased to a dramatic extent. Scientists, researchers, curious learners everyone wanted to buy MWCNT to understand what it was and how it worked. Now, this gave MWNTs the scope of various applications, some of which are.
Energy Storage: The carbon nanotubes can work as an amazing material for making of the electrodes of super-capacitors. Along with that they even have an amazing ability to fuel components of cell which includes lithium-ion batteries too. They can help in producing batteries which are long-lasting, efficient, and lighter for a wide range of devices like electric cars or trains. With these carbon nanotubes, the power density of the usual lithium-ion batteries can increase up to ten times.
Light Weight Transportation: The structure of MWNTs makes them light in weight and this quality can be extremely beneficial in automotive sector for transportation, as this can reduce the consumption of fuel which increases the efficiency of automobiles and at the same time decreases the emission carbon dioxide (harmful gases that contribute to global warming) The metallic parts of aircrafts and vehicles can be replaced with structural composites, that would decease 5-15% of its weight.
Antistatic and EMI shielding: These nanotubes can even be used for the shielding of various materials, so as to protect them from Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Electrostatic Dissipation (ESD) and many more issues the interrupt the operations of electrical devices. Hence, with the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes the processability, retention property and recyclability of various equipments increase to a greater extent.
Energy Storage: The carbon nanotubes can work as an amazing material for making of the electrodes of super-capacitors. Along with that they even have an amazing ability to fuel components of cell which includes lithium-ion batteries too. They can help in producing batteries which are long-lasting, efficient, and lighter for a wide range of devices like electric cars or trains. With these carbon nanotubes, the power density of the usual lithium-ion batteries can increase up to ten times.
Light Weight Transportation: The structure of MWNTs makes them light in weight and this quality can be extremely beneficial in automotive sector for transportation, as this can reduce the consumption of fuel which increases the efficiency of automobiles and at the same time decreases the emission carbon dioxide (harmful gases that contribute to global warming) The metallic parts of aircrafts and vehicles can be replaced with structural composites, that would decease 5-15% of its weight.
Antistatic and EMI shielding: These nanotubes can even be used for the shielding of various materials, so as to protect them from Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Electrostatic Dissipation (ESD) and many more issues the interrupt the operations of electrical devices. Hence, with the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes the processability, retention property and recyclability of various equipments increase to a greater extent.