Synthesis of Carbon Nanostructures (CNTs, CNFs, Graphene): Science and Applications

Daniel Nessim, Chemistry, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel

The synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and graphene from catalyst on substrate using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has massively progressed in the past decade, especially the ability to control the nature of these structures on many length scales and in many aspects of their composition and morphology. Their pristine exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, coupled with the possibility of chemical functionalization to alter their bulk or surface properties (e.g., superhydrophobicity), make them a candidate of choice for a wide array of applications, such as additives or scaffolds for battery and supercapacitor electrodes, reinforcing elements of electrically-conductive polymer composites, sensors, future electronics, etc. 

The focus of my talk is to present and discuss the complex scientific aspects of the synthesis of carbon nanostructures, namely the roles of catalyst, underlayers, reservoirs, and gases using CVD. Along with the scientific discussions, I will show many different structures such as mm-tall, dense carpets of crystalline and vertically aligned CNTs on insulating and metallic substrates, self-delaminating and superhydrophobic 3D mats of CNFs, high-quality few layers graphene on nickel substrate, etc. Finally, I will present specific ongoing applicative projects that include the nanostructures presented and possible applications for future projects.