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The
Tokyo Institute of Technology and Teijin have jointly fabricated a
carbon nanofiber with high conductivity and first-of-its-kind elliptical
cross-section comprising well-developed graphite layers arranged in one
direction.
The
extra-conductive carbon nanofiber has dimensions of 20 µm of length and
50-100 nm of minimum diameters to 100-300 nm of maximum diameters. Its
high linear structure delivers an electrical conductivity that is 30% to
40% higher than that of the traditional carbon nanofiber.
The
novel carbon nanofiber can be manufactured using a melt-spinning
process, a widely used manufacturing process for common chemical fibers.
Thus, it can be produced in current facilities devoid of additional
capital investment. It can be produced with high purity, as the process
does not use a catalyst.
According
to the researchers of the organizations, the novel carbon nanofiber’s
low electric resistance is characterized by its fiber length and its
novel structure of well-defined graphite layers arranged in one
direction all along the cross-section. The cross-section of a
traditional carbon nanofiber comprises several concentric graphite
layers.
The
carbon nanofiber also features several loop-shaped graphene layer ends
that are protruding in high density from the surface of the fiber, thus
supporting chemical reactivity, which in turn provides the carbon
nanofiber with higher dispensability in liquid matters and better
connectivity with resins.
The
unique carbon nanofiber finds applications in the production of battery
components for electric vehicles, plastic reinforcing materials,
fuel-cell gas-diffusion layers, plastic additives, electrode additives
and capacitors.
