Mixed structures of single walled and multi walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The invention relates to carbon nanotube structures containing both single walled and multi walled carbon nanotubes, and methods for preparing same. These carbon nanotube structures include but are not limited to macroscopic two and three dimensional structures of carbon nanotubes such as assemblages, mats, plugs, networks, rigid porous structures, extrudates, etc. The carbon nanotube structures of the present invention have a variety of uses, including but not limited to, porous media for filtration, adsorption, chromatography; electrodes and current collectors for supercapacitors, batteries and fuel cells; catalyst supports, (including electrocatalysis), etc.

1 . A carbon nanotube structure comprising single walled carbon nanotubes and multi walled carbon nanotubes. 
     
     
         2 . The carbon nanotube structure of  claim 1 , wherein the structure is selected from the group consisting of assemblages, mats, plugs, networks, rigid porous structures, and extrudates. 
     
     
         3 . A method for preparing the carbon nanotube structure of  claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
 mixing single walled carbon nanotubes and multi walled carbon nanotubes; and   forming said structure from said mixture of single walled and multi walled carbon nanotubes.   
     
     
         4 . A method for preparing the carbon nanotube structures of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 forming a structure of multi walled carbon nanotubes; and   growing single walled carbon nanotubes within said multi walled carbon nanotube structure.   
     
     
         5 . A method for preparing the carbon nanotube structures of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 forming a structure of multi walled carbon nanotubes; and   capturing single walled nanotubes within said multi walled carbon nanotube structure.   
     
     
         6 . A method for preparing the carbon nanotube structures of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 forming a structure of single walled carbon nanotubes; and   growing multi walled carbon nanotubes within said single walled carbon nanotube structure.   
     
     
         7 . A method for preparing the carbon nanotube structures of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 forming a structure of single walled carbon nanotubes; and   capturing multi walled nanotubes within said single walled carbon nanotube structure.