Carbon/Carbon Nanotube Aerogel preparation and characterization Nanocomposite using Polyacrylonitrile as a Cross-linking agent

Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of low-density Multi-walled carbon nanotube-based aerogels (MWNT/CA) by creating a three-dimensional assembly of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in PAN/DMF solution to create a stable gel, followed by a CO2 supercritical drying. Aerogels with varying nanotube loading (0–25 wt. %) and density (50–500mg cm-3) were fabricated and characterized by electron microscopy and nitrogen sorption analysis. Physical properties of the MWNT/CA composites were highly dependent upon nanotube loading. The data indicate that the shrinkage value decreases gradually with the MWCNT content of the aerogel during drying and after the pyrolysis process. Surface areas as high as 376 m2/ g with greater than 20 wt. % carbon nanotube loading

Keywords:

Aerogel , Multi–walled Carbon nanotube , Polyacrylonitrile , Porosity , Physical properties