碳纳米管的宏量制备及产业化
摘要
As one of the nanomaterial representatives, one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess extraordinary mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical properties, as well as controllable reactivity. This renders their broad applications in the fields of energy storage and transition, composites, heterogeneous catalysis, environmental protection, and drug delivery. This review presents the chemical and engineering principles of CNTs mass production. The detailed strategies for mass production of multi-walled CNTs, single-walled CNTs, double-walled CNTs, CNT arrays, super-aligned CNTs, super-long CNTs, doped CNTs, coiled CNTs, CNT junctions, as well as CNT/graphene hybrids were all presented. Meanwhile, the key engineering considerations in standardization, environment, health, and safety were analyzed, and their commercialization process was evaluated. The production capacity has been over 10000 tons per year, and bulk applications for Li-ion battery, conductive nanocomposites, automotive, sporting goods have been achieved. However, more efforts should be devoted on the chemical route for mass production and engineering route for commercialization of high performance CNTs, in order for versatile properties and applications. The basic research for CNTs production and application will flourish the nanotechnology industry for sustainable society.