Structures with high number density of carbon nanotubes and 3-dimensional distribution
US6495258B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31678
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A composite is described having a three dimensional distribution of carbon nanotubes. The critical aspect of such composites is a nonwoven network of randomly oriented fibers connected at their junctions to afford macropores in the spaces between the fibers. A variety of fibers may be employed, including metallic fibers, and especially nickel fibers. The composite has quite desirable properties for cold field electron emission applications, such as a relatively low turn-on electric field, high electric field enhancement factors, and high current densities. The composites of this invention also show favorable properties for other an electrode applications. Several methods, which also have general application in carbon nanotube production, of preparing these composites are described and employ a liquid feedstock of oxyhydrocarbons as carbon nanotube precursors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.