Scientists from Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) have proposed an innovative method for changing the structure of carbon nanotubes, which makes it possible to modify the material without significant processing losses.
NSTU-NETI has developed a unique method for modifying carbon nanotubes, a new material that is a hollow cylindrical structure with a diameter of tenths to several tens of nanometers and a length of one micrometer to several centimeters. Due to their unique electrophysical properties, porosity, and specific structure, carbon nanotubes can be used in various fields from medicine to energy.
According to Alexander Bannov, Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies at NSTU-NETI, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, carbon nanotubes require processing before use. "Classical" chemical treatment involves the use of aggressive substances, concentrated solutions of acids and their mixtures. We also propose a method that will allow the material to be processed more gently in terms of reducing material losses after treatment with dichromic acid with concentrations from 1 to 3 moles/l," said Alexander Bannov.
Valery Golovakhin, a graduate student at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at the Faculty of Mechanics and Technology of NSTU- NETI, under the guidance of Professor Bannov, developed a special method for modifying carbon nanotubes using dichromic acid, a typical industrial reagent for metal chrome plating. The method in which carbon material is treated with a solution of dichromic acid has no analogues in the world.
"This method of processing has not been introduced either in Russian or in world science. We are the only ones who have published a scientific paper on this topic, and today this is the first and only publication. The development itself was carried out within the framework of the state assignment of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation," emphasized Alexander Bannov.
Earlier, scientists at NSTU-NETI talked about ways to control the electrophysical properties of epoxy composites based on carbon nanofibers. Coatings made from the material obtained by scientists can be used in production to protect against static electricity.