Large Scale Production of Carbon Nanotube Quantum Wire

Boronite proposes the development of a new class of CNT wire consisting of all metallic CNTs, with predominantly (12,12) metallic armchair nanotubes. The goals of this proposal are to achieve: (1) a wire density of 1 g/cc, (2) a conductivity exceeding 10 MS/m (~1/6 of copper) or a specific conductivity of 10,000 S-m2/kg (compared to copper at only 6,629 S-m2/kg), and (3) provide a new design for a CNT foundry to greatly increase commercial production, and reduce cost, of the quantum wire. The ability to make commercial quantities of single-wall metallic armchair CNT wire is unique to Boronite and has been the goal of the CNT community for years. Light weight and high-conductivity are critical to electric and hybrid aircraft as well as to high power microwave sources. We address the processing methods and physics needed to achieve high conductivity and high current density. We focus on SWCNT metallic armchair tubes spun in-situ into yarn without exposure to air. Both the creation of CNT armchairs and the in-situ spinning are unique to Boronite. Materials that meet specific conductivity and outgassing specifications will be sent for independent evaluation. The next step will be to focus on applications for Boronite’s quantum wire.