Single-layer CNT composites and multilayered or multitiered structures formed therefrom, by stacking of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays, and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. Such multilayered or multitiered structures can be used as thermal interface materials (TIMs) for a variety of applications, such as burn-in testing.

A lithium-ion battery anode is provided. The lithium-ion battery anode comprises a carbon nanotube three-dimensional network structure formed by a plurality of carbon nanotubes intertwined with each other. A plurality of nano-silicon particles coated with amorphous carbon, dispersed in the carbon nanotube three-dimensional network structure, and adhered to surfaces of the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The amorphous carbon is obtained by calcining a positively charged carbonizable polymer. And a carbon nanotube functional layer located on two opposite surfaces of the carbon nanotube three-dimensional network structure, to make the carbon nanotube three-dimensional network structure located between two carbon nanotube functional layers. The carbon nanotube functional layer comprises at least two super-aligned carbon nanotube films stacked and crossed with each other.

A carbon nanotube attached member has a substrate, which is mainly made of aluminum, and a aligned CNT film which is aligned along an alignment direction ORD. A carbon nanotube/CNT, which forms the aligned CNT film, has a length of 200 micrometers or longer. The CNT is synthesized starting from a mixed gas of acetylene, hydrogen, and argon. Furthermore, carbon dioxide is added to maintain catalyst activity. A ratio of acetylene:carbon dioxide is adjusted from 1:10 to 1:300. The aligned CNT film is partially formed. The formation range of the aligned CNT film is set by inhibiting synthesis and/or aligned growth of the CNT by a rough surface or a carbon-containing substance.

A method of forming an polymer composites is disclosed herein that includes infiltrating CNT sponges with a polymer or metal to form a composite. The method uses a relatively easy, scalable, and low-cost synthesis process that makes the composites attractive as TIM. CNTs in the sponge structure are covalently bonded, resulting in a low Young's modulus while at the same time maintaining a good thermal conductivity. This strategy makes it possible to obtain both high deformability and high thermal conductivity, which are difficult to have simultaneously due to their adverse correlation.

The present invention discloses a method for efficiently dispersing carbon nanotubes. The method comprises mixing, in parts by mass, 1-30 parts of carbon nanotubes, 0.2-10 parts of functionalized carbon nanotubes and 400-1200 parts of a solvent, adjusting the pH of the resulting mixture to 5-9, and then ultrasonically dispersing the mixture to obtain a stably dispersed carbon nanotube dispersion; the functionalized carbon nanotube is one or more of a carboxylated carbon nanotube, a hydroxylated carbon nanotube, an aminated carbon nanotube, an acyl-chlorinated carbon nanotube, and a sulfonated carbon nanotube.

Disclosed herein is a conductive grease composition that includes a functionalized carbon nanomaterial and/or boron nanomaterial and a base oil. The nanomaterial and base oil forms hydrogen bond network in the disclosed composition. Because of the formed hydrogen bonds, the disclosed grease exhibits enhanced thermal or electrical conductivity. Also disclosed is a method to improve thermal or electrical conductivity of an existing grease composition.

Multilayered or multitiered structures formed by stacking of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. Such multilayered or multitiered structures can be used as thermal interface materials (TIMs).

Provided is a fibrous carbon nanostructure that is easy to surface modify. A symmetry factor of a peak of a first derivative curve of a thermogravimetric curve obtained through thermogravimetric analysis of the fibrous carbon nanostructure in a dry air atmosphere is 3.70 or less. The first derivative curve of the thermogravimetric curve can be a temperature derivative curve of the thermogravimetric curve or a time derivative curve of the thermogravimetric curve.

A method of making a carbon nanotube heater includes impregnating a dry carbon nanotube fiber matrix with a conductive resin, the conductive resin is made of an organic resin and a conductive filler material. The carbon nanotube heater is lightweight, strong, and maintains appropriate electrical conductivity and resistance for use as a heater.

The present invention is related to a graphite sheet and a method for manufacturing the same. A graphite sheet comprising an expanded graphite and a carbon nanotube, the carbon nanotube has a tap density of 0.001 to 0.01 g/cc, and a content of the carbon nanotube is 1 to 50% by weight, is provided.