Nanostructure-based heating devices and methods of use

摘要

A heating device having a thermally conducting member made from a matrix of carbon nanotubes and having opposing ends. A connector portion can be positioned at each end of the conducting member, and can be capable of receiving a current from an external source to permit the conducting member to generate heat. A coupling mechanism can be included and associated with the connector portion so as to provide the connector portion with substantially uniform contact across a contact surface area with the conducting member. Methods of using the heating device are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A heating device comprising:
a thermally conducting member having opposing ends and made from a non-woven sheet of carbon nanotubes, the non-woven sheet having a first and a second surface and a plurality of continuous layers situated on top of one another therebetween, the carbon nanotubes of the non-woven sheet being sufficiently intermingled with one another such that an adequate number of contact sites exists to provide the necessary bonding strength between the intermingled nanotubes to form a continuous structure, and being able to support itself structurally independent of the assistance of a substrate or binder; a connector portion, positioned at each end of the conducting member, for receiving a current from an external source to permit the conducting member to generate heat; and a conductive coupling mechanism, separate from the thermally conductive member, disposed on a surface of the thermally conducting member and sandwiched between the connector portion and the thermally conducting member so as to enhance conductive contact between the thermally conducting member and the connector portion.