Ultrathick Freestanding Aligned Carbon Nanotube Films

Abstract

A self-releasing technique combining the catalytic growth of carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition with an oxidation step is used to obtain ultrathick freestanding carbon nanotube films. Several millimeter thick films, such as the one depicted in the figure, are grown by controlling the gas flow rates and the catalyst deposition process. The freestanding nanotube films are used as supercapacitors and superhydrophobic surfaces.