Source- This post on A new method for sodium catalyzed synthesis of carbon nanotubes been created based on the article “Indian Scientists’ New Carbon Nanotubes Synthesis Method Offers Potential For Battery, Flexible Electronics Applications” published in “Swarajya” on 13 February 2024.
Why in the news?
A team of Indian scientists have recently developed a new method for sodium catalysed synthesis of carbon nanotubes using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD)
About Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD)
Definition– Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD) is a hybrid CVD process used to deposit thin films, where plasma energy drives the reactions between excited species and the substrate.
Applicability-This deposition technology is applicable when it is necessary to maintain low wafer temperatures while achieving desired film properties.
Mechanism to directly synthesizing CNTs on glass substrate-
Plasma is generated using a specially designed spiral-shaped fused hollow cathode source. This innovative process bypasses the need for elevated temperatures and eliminates the necessity for a transition metal catalyst. This synthesis is executed under atmospheric pressure, which makes it more cost-effective.
Significance of Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition Technique (PECVD)
1) Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in India have developed a groundbreaking method for direct CNT synthesis on glass substrates using the Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition Technique (PECVD).
2) This technique offers a more cost-effective and sustainable approach to CNT synthesis because it operates at a lower temperature of 750 degree Celsius.
3) It eliminates the need for metal catalysts.
4) It will enable the production of clean CNTs suitable for applications in energy research, biomedical fields, and optoelectronics.
5) It will address existing challenges in CNT synthesis and advance their application in diverse technological fields.
Read more about-Carbon Nanotubes.
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