Functional carbon nanotubes for electrical conductors

Carbon nanotube (CNT) conductors are an enabling technology for advancing the efficacy of sustainable energy systems. In parallel, proactive consideration for each of the phases in the material life cycle can enhance device performance while minimizing unwanted impacts. Increasing the yield of CNTs through advances in synthesis will help reduce the electricity, chemicals, and costs associated with their production. Modifications to the nanoscale morphology (alignment, bundling, density and lower contact resistances) are needed to improve the CNT material properties to meet or exceed those of conventional metallic conductors. Also, a robust evaluation of methods for contacting carbon-based wires is needed when interfacing with metallic contacts. Finally, it\u27s important to begin looking at upstream options for proper treatment of waste streams containing CNT conductors when they reach the end of their useable life. Therefore, the subject of this dissertation focuses on the development of functional CNT conductors and considers approaches to improve each phase of their life cycle. Specifically, progress towards using more efficient catalysts in the laser vaporization process has led to a 50% increase in SWCNT yield and simplified the purification procedure. The use of chemical dopants such as KAuCl4 has increased the electrical conductivity up to 1x106 S/m which is over an order of magnitude higher than the pre-doping baseline value. Alternatively, chlorosulfonic acid was used to disperse high weight loadings of SWCNTs and modify the nanoscale morphology through the use of selective coagulation and mechanical extrusions of binder free SWCNT wires. The highly dense and aligned wires have electrical conductivities as high as 4.9x106 S/m and are in agreement with the highest CNT conductivities reported. The ability to contact bulk CNT conductors through ultrasonic welding was demonstrated for the first time and exhibit low carbon-copper contact resistances of 4.3 mΩ-cm2. Finally, a refunctionalization procedure was developed for upcycling end-of-life CNT electrodes from lithium ion anodes. This is the first reported recycling procedure developed for CNT materials and was successful in reducing the direct electricity consumption by 75 % and the volumetric waste generation by 66 % compared to synthesizing new CNT materials. Overall, CNT based conductors have been enhanced at each point in their life cycle the results presented in this dissertation represent a significant step forward towards manufacturing of next generation carbon conductors

Advanced Power Technology Development Activities for Small Satellite Applications

NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has a long history related to the development of advanced power technology for space applications. This expertise covers the breadth of energy generation (photovoltaics, thermal energy conversion, etc.), energy storage (batteries, fuel cell technology, etc.), power management and distribution, and power systems architecture and analysis. Such advanced technology is now being developed for small satellite and cubesat applications and could have a significant impact on the longevity and capabilities of these missions. A presentation during the Pre-Conference Workshop will focus on various advanced power technologies being developed and demonstrated by NASA, and their possible application within the small satellite community