Effects of multidimensional-assembly-structures of CNTs on the evolution of various properties of resultant products therefrom

Abstract

The realization of the exceptional intrinsic properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) remains a significant challenge in the field of CNT yarns and films. A fundamental lack of understanding regarding how the bundle dimensions determines the properties and how to control these bundles has resulted in insufficient performances of CNTbased components. Recognizing the absence of systematic guidelines for preparing high-performance CNT yarns or films, our focus has been on investigating the driving forces behind multidimensional CNT bundles to uncover structure-property correlations based on the dimension. We have revisited the state-of-the-art progress in engineering methods for microstructure to provide insights on achieving the desired microstructure. The interdependencies between electrical and mechanical properties, as well as the agglomeration and alignment behavior of both nanoscale and microscale bundles, emphasize the importance of selecting between dried-state engineering and swollen-state engineering of bundles within CNT yarns or films depending on their dimensions. On the basis of consideration and discussions on the advanced technologies and theoretical approaches, we have proposed possible routes to further enhance the properties of CNT yarns and films.