Multifunctional free-standing single-walled carbon nanotube films.

Nasibulin, Albert G; Kaskela, Antti; Mustonen, Kimmo; Anisimov, Anton S; Ruiz, Virginia; Kivistö, Samuli; Rackauskas, Simas; Timmermans, Marina Y et al. · ACS Nano · 2011

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We report a simple and rapid method to prepare multifunctional free-standing single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films with variable thicknesses ranging from a submonolayer to a few micrometers having outstanding properties for a broad range of exceptionally performing devices. We have fabricated state-of-the-art key components from the same single component multifunctional SWCNT material for several high-impact application areas: high efficiency nanoparticle filters with a figure of merit of 147 Pa(-1), transparent and conductive electrodes with a sheet resistance of 84 Ω/◻ and a transmittance of 90%, electrochemical sensors with extremely low detection limits below 100 nM, and polymer-free saturable absorbers for ultrafast femtosecond lasers. Furthermore, the films are demonstrated as the main components in gas flowmeters, gas heaters, and transparent thermoacoustic loudspeakers.