Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube Thin Film Composites by Layer-by-Layer Assembly Technique.

Abstract

Polymeric layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly offers a pathway for multifunctional / multicomponent materials with molecular-scale control of stratified structures. Among the wide variety nanoscale building blocks such as nanowires and nanodots, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are regarded as one of the most versatile because of their superior mechanical and electrical properties as well as geometrical perfection. In this thesis, LBL assembled SWNT thin film nanocomposites with high mechanical strength/toughness and with high electrical/optical properties are presented. Exceptional exfoliation state of SWNTs and controlled nm-thick layered structures are the basis for achieving tunable physical properties. Highly anisotropic features of SWNTs are translated into 2 dimensional alignments by meniscus combing technique during LBL assemblies. Advanced LBL assemblies by dewetting methods are also introduced, which significantly accelerate the process with improved lateral organization of nanowires. Furthermore, SWNT composite coating on commodity cotton yarns produced intelligent electronic textiles (e-textiles) with intrinsic humidity sensibility. This e-textile has been further combined with antigen/antibody sensing capability in order to develop a selective albumin biosensor which provides a direct route for the application of these materials as wearable biomonitoring and telemedicine sensors.