Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have exceptional intrinsic mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Carbon nanotube films (CNF), thicknesses ranging from several nanometers to several micrometers, have been prepared using a vacuum filtration method from commercially purchased CNT powders. Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) has been studied as a new surfactant system in isopropyl alcohol along with Triton X-100. CNF microstructure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The physical, electrical and mechanical properties of these films were measured and the relationships between preparation conditions and film properties were investigated. CNFs having sheet resistance from 4 Omega/sq to 300 Omega/sq and mechanical strength up to 70MPa were produced. It was found that CNFs fabricated using PVP exhibit better dispersion and mechanical properties than CNFs fabricated using Triton X-100. Laminar structure of the obtained CNF and piezoelectric wafers (PZT) and (PVDF), were prepared and their energy harvesting properties were investigated using light and heat source. Various PVDF/CNF cantilever were prepared and their energy harvesting characteristics were investigated.