Methods for controlling density, porosity, and/or gap size within nanotube fabric layers and films

摘要

A method for controlling density, porosity and/or gap size within a nanotube fabric layer is disclosed. In one aspect, this can be accomplished by controlling the degree of rafting in a nanotube fabric. In one aspect, the method includes adjusting the concentration of individual nanotube elements dispersed in a nanotube application solution. A high concentration of individual nanotube elements will tend to promote rafting in a nanotube fabric layer formed using such a nanotube application solution, whereas a lower concentration will tend to discourage rafting. In another aspect, the method includes adjusting the concentration of ionic particles dispersed in a nanotube application solution. A low concentration of ionic particles will tend to promote rafting in a nanotube fabric layer formed using such a nanotube application solution, whereas a higher concentration will tend to discourage rafting. In other aspects, both concentration parameters are adjusted.

主权项

1. A method of preparing a nanotube application solution, comprising:
forming a nanotube application solution, said nanotube application solution comprising a first plurality of nanotube elements at a first concentration level and a second plurality of ionic particles at a second concentration level dispersed in a liquid medium; and reducing said second concentration level of said second plurality of ionic particles such as to promote rafting within a nanotube fabric layer formed using said nanotube application solution; wherein said second plurality of ionic particles is selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts, nitrate salts, and ammonium nitrate salts or mixtures thereof.