Investigation into alignment of carbon nanotubes within bulk materials printed from aqueous dispersions

Hutson, Judith

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129330 Copy

Description

Title

Investigation into alignment of carbon nanotubes within bulk materials printed from aqueous dispersions

Author(s)

Hutson, Judith

Issue Date

2025-05-08

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Lyding, Joseph W

Department of Study

Electrical & Computer Eng

Discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Carbon nanotubes
• alignment
• orientation
• characterization

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as exceptional tensile strength. Thus far, however, translating these properties to a bulk material has proved challenging, as the junctions between individual CNTs are a limiting factor in the material's performance. Maximizing conductivity therefore requires minimizing both the concentration of inter-tube junctions and the resistance of those junctions. The former can be mitigated to an extent simply by increasing nanotube length, but this comes with difficulties in growth and material fabrication and does nothing for the latter issue. Improving alignment, however, addresses both issues, allowing charge to travel further in one direction between junctions and maximizing inter-tube contact lengths to reduce resistance. Because carbon nanotube alignment is so beneficial, a great number of approaches exist. This work endeavors to introduce the major alignment methods and describe avenues of alignment measurement and quantification, allowing for a methodical approach to the issue.

Graduation Semester

2025-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129330

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Judith Hutson

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