CNTs grown from zirconia nanoparticles

1. Materials World Network: New Possibilities for Carbon: Carbon Nanostructure Growth with Oxide Nanoparticle Seeds Brain L. Wardle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, DMR 1007793 • Oxide-based nanoparticles, such as zirconia, can serve the role that metallic CNT growth catalysts such as Fe have played in the past • CNT growth with oxides is not like growth with metals—growth yield highly depends on the presence of newly-discovered conditions • New vectors are being explored for their role in activity of oxides for CNT growth: • Nanoparticle seed composition and stoichiometry • Seed support/substrate interactions • Gas-phase processes • Novel in situ metrologies (XPS, ETEM, etc.) are being used to reveal mechanisms of carbon nanostructure formation on oxides • CNTs (both single- and multi-wall) from zirconia • Graphene from hafnia CNTs grown from zirconia nanoparticles Graphene on hafnia nanoparticles

2. Materials World Network: New Possibilities for Carbon: Carbon Nanostructure Growth with Oxide Nanoparticle Seeds Brain L. Wardle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, DMR 1007793 • Research on oxide-based CNT growth is fueling novel capabilities for advanced composites • Research served as the basis for K-12/public outreach at the 2011 MIT150 Open House (150th year celebration) • In support of emerging research needs demanded by this effort, a new CVD facility has been constructed and is facilitating collaborations with researchers: • Mechanical Engineering, • Materials Science • Chemical Engineering • Aerospace Engineering • Air Force Research Lab • Army Research Office • University of Cambridge • Industry through MIT’s Nanoengineered Composite aerospace STructures Consortium (NECST) Students present CNT research to the public at Open House New CVD facility for emerging oxide research needs