Issue 34, 2015

Nano-structural characteristics of carbon nanotube–polymer composite films for high-amplitude optoacoustic generation

Abstract

We demonstrate nano-structural characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT)–polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite films that can be used as highly efficient and robust ultrasound transmitters for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. An inherent architecture of the nano-composite provides unique thermal, optical, and mechanical properties that are accommodated not just for efficient energy conversion but also for extraordinary robustness against pulsed laser ablation. First, we explain a thermoacoustic transfer mechanism within the nano-composite. CNT morphologies are examined to determine a suitable arrangement for heat transfer to the surrounding PDMS. Next, we introduce an approach to enhance optical extinction of the composite films, which uses shadowed deposition of a thin Au layer through an as-grown CNT network. Finally, the transmitter robustness is quantified in terms of laser-induced damage threshold. This reveals that the CNT–PDMS films can withstand an order-of-magnitude higher optical fluence (and extinction) than a Cr film used as a reference. Such robustness is crucial to increase the maximum-available optical energy for optoacoustic excitation and pressure generation. All of these structure-originated characteristics manifest the CNT–PDMS composite films as excellent optoacoustic transmitters for high-amplitude and high-frequency ultrasound generation.

Graphical abstract: Nano-structural characteristics of carbon nanotube–polymer composite films for high-amplitude optoacoustic generation

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 Jun 2015
Accepted
15 Jul 2015
First published
20 Jul 2015

Nanoscale, 2015,7, 14460-14468

Author version available

Nano-structural characteristics of carbon nanotube–polymer composite films for high-amplitude optoacoustic generation

H. W. Baac, J. G. Ok, T. Lee and L. Jay Guo, Nanoscale, 2015, 7, 14460 DOI: 10.1039/C5NR03769G

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements