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My research work involves
exploration of the chirality-controlled synthesis of carbon nanotubes (substrate-bound and gas-phase-grown), manufacture of carbon nanotube fibres (with diameters of several micrometers and length of several kilometers) and their applications.
1. Synthesis of achiral carbon nanotubes
My major focus is to understand
the chemistry during the nanotube synthesis in order to achieve chirality
control. This project is intended to explore a new synthesis method discovered
during my PhD research at the University of Cambridge that promises chirality control of nanotubes. Although
that goal has not yet been reached, using this process achiral multi-walled nanotubes
("armchair" or "zigzag") can be synthesised. Here each layer of the multi-walled nanotube has "armchair" or "zigzag" configuration and
crystallographic registry between the layers.
2. High-performance carbon-nanotube fibres for power transmission
I am developing and optimizing different spinning routes for carbon-nanotube
fibres with unique chemical structure. Two promising methods are via a
liquid crystal phase and directly from the gas phase from the reactor.
These carbon-nanotube fibres have potential as lightweight materials to
deliver high electrical conductivity and high current density.
3. Mechanical and thermal properties of carbon-nanotube
fibres
High strength, stiffness and thermal conductivity are important properties
in high-performance materials used in advanced technologies and under
extreme conditions. In this project I am exploring different post-spin
treatments of the nanotube fibres, involving physical or chemical methods. |
