Growth and Structure of Carbon Nanotube Y-Junctions

Specific Features of Structure, Electrical Conductivity and Interlayer Adhesion of the Natural Polymer Matrix from the Layers of Branched Carbon Nanotube Networks Filled with Albumin, Collagen and Chitosan

This paper considers the problem of creating a conductive matrix with a framework made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for cell and tissue engineering. In silico investigation of the electrical conductivity of the framework formed by T-junctions of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) (12, 12) with a diameter of 1.5 nm has been carried out. A numerical evaluation of the contact resistance and electrical conductivity of seamless and suture T-junctions of SWCNTs is given. The effect of the type of structural defects in the contact area of the tubes on the contact resistance of the T-junction of SWCNTs was revealed. A coarse-grained model of a branched SWCNT network with different structure densities is constructed and its electrical conductivity is calculated. A new layered bioconstruction is proposed, the layers of which are formed by natural polymer matrixes: CNT-collagen, CNT-albumin and CNT-chitosan. The energy stability of the layered natural polymer matrix has been analyzed, and the adhesion of various layers to each other has been calculated. Based on the obtained results, a new approach has been developed in the formation of 3D electrically conductive bioengineering structures for the restoration of cell activity.

High yield, controlled synthesis of graphitic networks from dense micro emulsions

We propose a new synthesis method to produce hyper-branched carbon nano structures that we call carbon nano networks. These porous, graphitic materials directly grow into a networked structure, do not require the use of an inorganic support, and can be tailored by experimental conditions to better suit their application.