Thermal imaging and analysis of carbon nanotube composites

Lian, Feifei

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/45564 Copy

Description

Title

Thermal imaging and analysis of carbon nanotube composites

Author(s)

Lian, Feifei

Issue Date

2013-08-22T16:47:58Z

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

Pop, Eric

Department of Study

Electrical & Computer Eng

Discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Date of Ingest

2013-08-22T16:47:58Z

Keyword(s)

• Carbon nanotube
• thermal transport
• thermal conductivity
• carbon nanotube films

Abstract

Carbon nanotube (CNT) films have a broad range of applications, from solar cells and transistors to bolometers and mechanical reinforcement additives for polymers. However, surprisingly little is still known about the thermal properties of such CNT films, and in particular about the intertube junctions. This study examines suspended films of conductive single-wall CNT (SWNT) films through electrical measurements and optical infrared (IR) thermometry in order to simultaneously characterize their electrical and thermal properties. Using an IR microscope, the real-time temperature profile of such CNT films under bias is mapped and used to extract thermal conductivity. A computation model was also developed to fit the one-dimensional heat diffusion equation to the temperature profile captured by the IR scope, including the effect of thermal contact resistance and heat loss to ambient. Transfer length method measurements were used to extract electrical contact resistance between the film and the electrodes. These methods were applied to investigate the properties of CNT films with several different morphologies, revealing that both electrical and thermal properties are strongly dependent on CNT volume density and junction within the films. Understanding fundamental transport within CNT networks allows us to try and decouple the properties and engineer novel materials for applications such as energy harvesting using thermoelectric power generation.

Graduation Semester

2013-08

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45564

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2013 Feifei Lian

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