Systems and methods for growth of nanostructures on substrates, including substrates comprising fibers
Systems and methods for the formation of nanostructures, including carbon-based nanostructures, are generally described. In certain embodiments, substrate configurations and associated methods are described.
1. A method of growing carbon-based nanostructures, comprising:
applying a tensile force to a carbon fiber over which a nanopositor is positioned; and
exposing a carbon-based nanostructure precursor to the nanopositor under conditions causing the formation of carbon-based nanostructures on the nanopositor while the tensile force is applied to the carbon fiber,
wherein the magnitude of the tensile force is such that it defines a stress that is greater than about 5% of the breaking strength of the carbon fiber.
2. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the nanopositor is in direct contact with the carbon fiber.
3. A method as in claim 1 , wherein an intermediate material is positioned between the carbon fiber and the nanopositor.
4. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the carbon-based nanostructures comprise carbon nanotubes.
5. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the carbon-based nanostructures comprise carbon nanofibers.
6. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the carbon fiber is part of a weave of fibers.
7. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the carbon fiber is part of a bundle of fibers.
8. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the carbon fiber is substantially free of contact with other fibers.
9. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the nanopositor comprises an elemental metal and/or a metal oxide.
10. A method as in claim 9 , wherein the nanopositor comprises an elemental metal.
11. A method as in claim 10 , wherein the nanopositor comprises elemental iron.
12. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the nanopositor comprises iron.
13. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the conditions causing formation of the carbon-based nano structures comprise a temperature of less than about 600° C.
14. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the nanopositor comprises a catalyst.
15. A method as in claim 3 , wherein the intermediate material comprises a polyeletrolyte.
16. A method as in claim 15 , wherein the intermediate material comprises a polyelectrolyte incorporating carboxylate, sulfonate, carbonate, bicarbonate, amine, ammonium, phosphate, and/or phosphonate groups.
17. A method as in claim 3 , wherein the intermediate material is in the form of a substantially conformal coating over the carbon fiber.
18. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the magnitude of the tensile force is such that it defines a stress that is greater than about 10% of the breaking strength of the carbon fiber.
19. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the magnitude of the tensile force is such that it defines a stress that is less than about 75% of the breaking strength of the substrate.
20. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising, prior to applying the tensile force to the carbon fiber, affixing at least one end of the carbon fiber to stationary or moveable mount.