Paper-like 3-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs)–microfiber hybrid: A promising macroscopic structure of CNTs

Abstract

A promising macroscopic carbon nanotube (CNT) system has been developed by catalytic chemical vapor deposition method through CNT growth on a three-dimensional network of sinter-locked conductive metal microfibers (e.g., 8-μm-nickel fibers). This approach permits the desirable large-area fabrication and a unique combination of binderlessness, excellent thermal/electrical conductivity, macro-/meso-sized hierarchical porous structure and the individual/uniform dispersion of CNTs. CNTs with a yield of up to 50–60 wt% can be obtained until noticeable cracks or defects appear. This hybrid presents substantial potential in many applications, such as electrochemical energy storage. Owing to the excellent ion diffusivity, high conductivity and high concentration of active graphite edge planes, this hybrid delivers good capacitances (e.g., 47 F g⁻¹ CNTs) at high rates.