Inter-American Materials Collaboration: Large Scale Synthesis of N-doped Carbon Nanotubes for the Fabrication of Novel Polymer Composites and Related Low Dimensional Materials

这一美洲材料合作研究项目是由伦斯勒理工学院的Pulickel Ajayan和墨西哥圣路易斯波托西的Potosino de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica研究所的Mauricio Terrones领导的研究小组进行的。本研究致力于大规模合成氮掺杂碳纳米管，以制备新型聚合物复合材料及相关的低维材料。RPI和IPICYT开展的协同实验研究的目的主要集中在利用涉及Fe、C和N前体的自组装(热解)过程批量生产CNX纳米管。最先进的结构表征以及CNX纳米管的机械、热和导电性能的测定都是在合作中进行的。此外，研究人员还生产和表征各种类型的导电聚合物、热塑性塑料、减震聚合物等，这些聚合物都含有CNX纳米管。该项目积极瞄准两个机构之间的学生和研究人员交流，并通过合作教育倡议和在纽约特洛伊和圣路易斯波托西组织各种研讨会来激励年轻一代。该奖项由材料研究部、国际科学和工程办公室以及数学和物理科学局的多学科活动办公室提供支持。

This Inter-American Materials Collaboration research project is carried out by research groups led by Pulickel Ajayan at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Mauricio Terrones at the Instituto Potosino de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica (IPICYT) in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The research addresses the large scale synthesis of N-doped carbon nanotubes for the fabrication of novel polymer composites and related low-dimensional materials. The aim of the synergistic experimental research effort performed by RPI and IPICYT is primarily focused on the bulk production of CNx nanotubes using self-assembly (pyrolytic) processes involving Fe, C and N precursors. State-of-the-art structural characterization, and the determination of the mechanical, thermal and conducting properties of CNx nanotubes is carried out in collaboration. In addition, the researchers produce and characterize various types of conducting polymers, thermoplastics, shock absorber polymers etc., all containing CNx nanotubes.The project actively targets the exchange of students and researchers between both institutions, and motivates young generations through collaborative education initiatives and through the organization of various workshops in Troy, NY, and San Luis Potosi. This award is supported by the Division of Materials Research, the Office of International Science and Engineering, and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences.