Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical molecules of single-layer carbon atoms (graphene). They can be single-walled (SWCNT) with a diameter of less than 1 nanometer (nm) or multi-walled (MWCNT), and their length can reach several micrometres. Carbon nanotubes exhibit many remarkable properties, including outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity and exceptional tensile strength.
Application Notes - Carbon nanotubes
After only 1 or 2 passes, size reduction and PDI significantly improved, and the target objectives for this test were satisfied.
Increasing the pressure or the number of passes further reduced the particle size to the low nm range.
As shown below, some SWCNT and MWCNT formulations were processed using piston gap technology with our Stansted High-Pressure Homogeniser.
CNTs before HPH processing
CNTs after 1 pass through our Lab Homogenizer
After 2 passes
CNTs are usually prepared for application use by being dispersed into a liquid medium. This requires separating the bundles, a process often carried out by sonication. However, this method has disadvantages: It can be very time-consuming and is only suitable for low volumes.
Carbon Nanotube production - STANSTED High-Pressure Homogenizers
Our systems are much easier to scale up - to production volumes - than other technologies.
Accelerated processing is less time-consuming and resource-intensive than other methods.
Our technology provides an effective method to disaggregate and disperse CNT clusters with repeatable results.
Producing smaller particle sizes and CNTs of uniform size in dispersions with less potential damage to the nano-molecules.
Possible increase in CNT concentration to above 50%.
STANSTED High-Pressure Homogenizers - features
Ultra-high pressures to 60,000 psi (4200 bar) and processing from Lab R&D samples to production volumes over 1000 l/hour.
Sophisticated temperature control, including pre-and post-cooling or heating, helps preserve product quality.
Exceptional processing versatility and systems scalability.
Easy to use, clean and service. Low ongoing ownership costs.
Production scale system
Laboratory Homogenizer for R&D
Rotating single-walled zigzag carbon nanotube.
Triple-walled armchair carbon nanotube.
A scanning tunnelling microscopy image of a single-walled carbon nanotube.
