Increasing the production of CNT materials while manipulating and enhancing properties is a primary objective of the ANAM research. Increased throughput will be achieved by incorporating fundamental knowledge of CNT growth with advanced characterization into enhanced reactor designs.
The primary objectives are to (1) increase throughput of CNT materials with a high precursor use efficiency and (2) to impart specific functionality within the product, e.g. high electrical conductivity, mechanical conductivity and strength.
Molecular-scale modelling will use a combination of quantum mechanical (DFT) and semi-empirical modelling (MO theory) to predict the size and shape of catalyst particles formed using different precursor molecules and reactor conditions, and the resulting effects on growth of carbon nanotubes.