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Optimizing a Laser Process for Making Carbon NanotubesA systematic experimental study has been performed to determine the effects of each of the operating conditions in a double-pulse laser ablation process that is used to produce single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The comprehensive data compiled in this study have been analyzed to recommend conditions for optimizing the process and scaling up the process for mass production. The double-pulse laser ablation process for making SWCNTs was developed by Rice University researchers. Of all currently known nanotube-synthesizing processes (arc and chemical vapor deposition), this process yields the greatest proportion of SWCNTs in the product material. The aforementioned process conditions are important for optimizing the production of SWCNTs and scaling up production. Reports of previous research (mostly at Rice University) toward optimization of process conditions mention effects of oven temperature and briefly mention effects of flow conditions, but no systematic, comprehensive study of the effects of process conditions was done prior to the study described here. This was a parametric study, in which several production runs were carried out, changing one operating condition for each run. The study involved variation of a total of nine parameters: the sequence of the laser pulses, pulse-separation time, laser pulse energy density, buffer gas (helium or nitrogen instead of argon), oven temperature, pressure, flow speed, inner diameter of the flow tube, and flow-tube material.
Document ID
20100012800
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
Authors
Arepalli, Sivaram
(GB Technology, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Nikolaev, Pavel
(GB Technology, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Holmes, William
(GB Technology, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 2010
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, April 2010
Subject Category
Nonmetallic Materials
Report/Patent Number
MSC-23508-1
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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