Tutorial NM02: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of CVD Carbon Nanotubes

This tutorial will provide the following learning objectives for the preparation and application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs):

• Attendees will be able to describe the basic mechanism of CVD synthesis of CNTs.
• Attendees will be able to explain the key property characterization of CNTs.
• Attendees will be able to design the processing protocol needed to enable application of CNTs.

With these learning objectives as the core, this tutorial will provide an overview of the synthesis, preparation, and application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These three points represent the complete "life-cycle" of CNTs from birth to usage.  We will begin with simple motivation of the unique properties afforded by CNTs, then systematically address each of the three learning objectives. We will then discuss applications spanning the developmental spectrum, from fundamental science to industrial applications, to provide a picture of the areas where CNTs are being developed. Within this tutorial, open discussion and surveys are being considered to best tailor the contents of this tutorial to the attendees.