By Canatu
Carbon is the most versatile material in the universe. Over the years, Canatu has developed its expertise in adapting and modifying aspects of our superior carbon nanotubes to suit different contexts and applications. Canatu achieves this elevated level of customization through various synthesis processes. One key alteration that can be made is to dictate the number of walls each nanotube has, e.g. producing single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), double walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs), or multiple walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Different applications require different wall types due to their varied properties. For instance, in practice only single walled carbon nanotubes can be utilized as semiconductors such as transistors. Single walled carbon nanotubes can also benefit electrochemical sensors due to their large surface area that enables extremely high sensitivity. On the other hand, multi walled carbon nanotubes are remarkably stronger than the already impressively strong single walled carbon nanotubes. They are suitable for harsh chemical environments, automotive and other applications that require high mechanical stress such as filtration membranes. When synthesized using Canatu's Floating Catalyst Chemical Vapor Deposition (FC-CVD) method, carbon nanotubes can be customized to have a different number of side walls or a desired mix of them. The CNT synthesis process essentially changes the properties of the carbon network, drastically opening a realm of new opportunities. For example, in the context of manufacturing free-standing CNT membranes, one can break the outer cells while keeping the inner tubes intact. This allows the addition of different molecular complexes and that can be bonded to the outer cells, effectively changing the properties of the membrane. On the other hand, leaving the inner tubes intact preserves the membrane's high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength.
