Technology
SCNTE designs and manufactures carbon nanomaterials for electronic and electrochemical applications. We are dedicated to the production of cutting edge technology and have created the world's first catalyst-free carbon nanotube electrode.
Contents |
Unique Process
The Difference
We do not use metal catalysts in the production of our nanomaterials. Unlike materials produced via Carbon Arc Discharge (CA) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), all of our nanotube products contain absolutely no electrochemically active impurities and are specifically designed to have extremely high edge plane character.
The Process
Our nanotubes are formed through a process called Carbo-Thermal Carbide Conversion (CTCC), patent pending. This proprietary process produces highly 'kinked' Solid Carbon Nanorods (SCNRs) which are a unique subset of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) that are ultra-small and display a high degree of edge plane character. Our SCNRs are sold as ultra-pure, electrochemical grade SCNRs (clusters and whiskers), or arrays (NanoC-Pro™ Electrode).
Solid Carbon Nano Rods
Solid Carbon Nano Rods have similar chemical, physical, electrical, and thermal properties to carbon nanotubes (CNTs). However, as a result of their growth process, no residual transition metal catalyst is present in the final product, making them "Ultra-Pure".
Like CNTs, SCNRs have a myriad of applications, including:
- Batteries
- Fuel Cells
- Sensors
- Detectors
- Thermal Management
- Conductors
- Filters
- Weld Reinforcement (friction stir welding)
What Makes Our Nanotechnology Superior?
Advantages Over Competitors
Because we do not use metal catalysts, out inherent advantage is the high quality of our product. Additionally, our SCNRs offer the following significant gains over our competitors' materials:
- Greater purity
- Lower total cost
- Consistent performance from lot to lot
- Economical scalability for high volume uses
- Globally stable raw materials - means stable prices
Customer Commitment
We are absolutely committed to the success of our customers. If you have specific needs, please contact us. We will work together to find a Custom Solution to fit your needs!
Dedication
We are dedicated to creating high-quality, cutting-edge nanotechnology and to serving our customers. If you need assistance with any of our products, please contact us!
Data & Graphics
Our SCNR Clusters are formed from tightly nested and kinked individual SCNRs. Clusters, and their related structure, Whiskers, are ideal for fabrication of composite and paste electrodes. SCNR Whiskers can be ordered in diameters ranging from 100nm to 5µm, with lengths varying from 1µm to over 1cm. Prepregs for composites can be easily fabricated. Both demonstrate a very high degree of consistency.
Clusters
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Individual and bundles of nanorods can be seen in this figure. This highly kinked and entangled network of nanorods lend unique properties to SCNTE electrodes – particularly in displaying exceptionally high edge plane character. The above image clearly shows the unique morphology of SCNRs, including:
- SWCNT bundles
- Ultra - Small SWCNTs (outer diameter ~ 0.4nm!)
- High percolation factor
- 3-D Interlaced network ideal for trapping reagents and catalysts
The highly kinked, small diameter SCNRs that make up a Cluster or Whisker are seen in this micrograph. This highly kinked form of nanotube is what gives SCNTE CNTs their exceptionally high electron transfer rates and excellent electrode performance.
Whiskers
SCNR Whiskers, like clusters, demonstrate a very high degree of consistency. This is perhaps best shown via Raman Spectroscopy.
Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) provides an indication of the crystalline carbon content of CNT materials. Amorphous carbon oxidizes at much lower temperatures than fullerenes, seen as a significant loss of mass below 400ºC. SCNRs produced via CTCC exhibit ultra high purity, typically 99.9% crystalline carbon content.
Raman Spectoscopy
Typical Raman Spectra
Our SCNRs, whether bulk materials or covalently attached arrays, exhibit ultra high edge plane character. This is easily seen by the high D:G and G:G* ratios in the Raman spectra. Because no amorphous carbon is present, the spectra gives direct insight into the electronic structure of the nanorods.
G–Band Splitting
G–Band splitting is used to determine chirality of individual CNTs or nanorods. This spectra verifies that SCNTE material is highly consistent since isolation of individual structures is not necessary to obtain spectra in witch G–Band splitting can be observed. This figure also shows that SCNRs produced via CTCC are metallically conductive – contributing to their ultra high edge plane character.
NanoC-Pro™ Electrode
The NanoC-Pro™ electrode answers the need for a commercially available, off the shelf, consistent nanotube based electrode. Research with typical catalyst-infected CNT electrodes dictates that it is necessary to form a paste or composite electrode to utilize carbon nanotubes. This inherently limits the performance of an electrode through dilution of the active electrode material with binders and fillers.
CNT arrays are produced regularly. But until now, no one has produced an electrochemically clean array that is robustly attached to the current collector. In CVD grown arrays, CNTs are anchored via redox active transition metal catalysts – typically iron and nickel. This results in extremely narrow electrochemical windows and very delicate CNT attachment. This, in turn, means poor electrode performance and short life.
The NanoC-Pro™ electrode directly addresses these shortcomings and is designed to be used analogously to commercially available glassy carbon, with the performance advantages of using an extremely high edge plane fullerene material. These advantages range from much faster electron transfer rates to a more durable active electrode area. The NanoC-Pro™ electrode is the first commercially available carbon electrode that displays true Edge Plane Character (EPC).