Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to carbon-containing composites which are suitable for use as electrodes in electrochemical systems. The composites are formed from a scaffold of graphene and carbon nanotubes. Graphene flakes form a plurality of generally planar sheets (e.g., extending in an x-y plane) separated in the direction of a composite axis (e.g., along a z-axis) and approximately parallel to one another. The carbon nanotubes extend between the graphene sheets and at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes are aligned in approximately the same direction, at a defined angle with respect to the composite axis. At least a portion of the scaffold is embedded within a porous carbon matrix (e.g., an activated carbon, a polymer derived graphitic carbon, etc.).

A method of producing a composite product is provided. The method includes providing a fluidized bed of carbon-based particles in a fluidized bed reactor, providing a catalyst or catalyst precursor in the fluidized bed reactor, providing a carbon source in the fluidized bed reactor for growing carbon nanotubes, growing carbon nanotubes in a carbon nanotube growth zone of the fluidized bed reactor, and collecting a composite product comprising carbon-based particles and carbon nanotubes.

A method of producing a composite product is provided. The method includes providing a fluidized bed of metal oxide particles in a fluidized bed reactor, providing a catalyst or catalyst precursor in the fluidized bed reactor, providing a carbon source in the fluidized bed reactor for growing carbon nanotubes, growing carbon nanotubes in a carbon nanotube growth zone of the fluidized bed reactor, and collecting a composite product comprising metal oxide particles and carbon nanotubes.

Provided is a CNT composite capable of achieving both high detection sensitivity and specific detection when used as a sensor. The carbon nanotube composite includes an aggregation inhibitor (A) and a blocking agent (B) attached to at least a portion of a surface.

A method for forming electrical contacts for a solar cell and a solar cell formed using the method is provided. The method includes forming a first metal layer over predefined portions of a surface of the solar cell; depositing a carbon nanotube layer over the first metal layer; and forming a second metal layer over the carbon nanotube layer, wherein the first metal layer, the carbon nanotube layer, and the second metal layer form a first metal matrix composite layer that provides electrical conductivity and mechanical support for the metal contacts.

Imaging based detection of changes in extracellular neurotransmitter concentration in living tissue is achieved using novel nanotube-based sensors. The sensors are functionalized, neurocompatible single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) comprising an adsorbed neurotransmitter analyte selective polynucleotide.

The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for continuous production of composites of carbon nanotubes and electrode active material from decoupled sources. Composites thusly produced may be used as self-standing electrodes without binder or collector. Moreover, the method of the present disclosure may allow more cost-efficient production while simultaneously affording control over nanotube loading and composite thickness.

A method of producing a composite product is provided. The method includes providing a fluidized bed of metal oxide particles in a fluidized bed reactor, providing a catalyst or catalyst precursor in the fluidized bed reactor, providing a carbon source in the fluidized bed reactor for growing carbon nanotubes, growing carbon nanotubes in a carbon nanotube growth zone of the fluidized bed reactor, and collecting a composite product comprising metal oxide particles and carbon nanotubes.

Provided herein is a nanopore structure, which in one aspect is a “carbon nanotube porin”, that comprises a short nanotube with an associated lipid coating. Also disclosed are compositions and methods enabling the preparation of such nanotube/lipid complexes. Further disclosed is a method for therapeutics delivery that involves a drug delivery agent comprising a liposome with a NT loaded with a therapeutic agent, introducing the therapeutic agent into a cell or a tissue or an organism; and subsequent release of the therapeutic agents into a cell.

The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for continuous production of composites of carbon nanotubes and electrode active material from decoupled sources. Composites thusly produced may be used as self-standing electrodes without binder or collector. Moreover, the method of the present disclosure may allow more cost-efficient production while simultaneously affording control over nanotube loading and composite thickness.