Nano Hybrid Shish Kebab: Periodically Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Christopher Li, Drexel University, DMR-0239415

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Nano Hybrid Shish Kebab Periodically
Functionalized Carbon NanotubesChristopher Li,
Drexel University, DMR-0239415
We have successfully developed a unique means to
periodically pattern polymeric materials on
individual carbon nanotubes (CNT) using
controlled polymer crystallization. One
dimensional (1D) CNTs were periodically decorated
with polymer lamellar crystals, resulting in nano
hybrid shish-kebab (NHSK) structures. The
periodicity of the polymer lamellae varies from
20 - 200 nm. The kebabs are approximately 5 nm
thick (along CNT direction) with a lateral size
of 20 nm to micrometers, which can be readily
controlled by varying the crystallization
condition. Both polyethylene and Nylon 6,6 have
been successfully decorated on multi-walled as
well as single-walled CNTs. This method opens a
gateway to periodically patterning on CNTs or
similar 1D nanowires in an ordered and controlled
manner, an attractive research field that is yet
to be explored.
Adv. Mater. 2005, 17, 1198-1202.
(a) and (b) show the SEM and TEM images of
PE/MWNT NHSK. (c) is the schematic representation
of a polymer single crystals decorated CNT. (d)
shows a color treated TEM image of PE/SWNT NHSK.
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Nano Hybrid Shish Kebab Periodically
Functionalized Carbon NanotubesChristopher Li,
Drexel University, DMR-0239415

• Outreach
• Host 150 - 200 / yr high school students /
  teachers per summer for the Drexel Summer Seed
  program. Students visit our laboratory and we
  conduct demo labs which have consistently been
  evaluated as the best lab in the entire COE.
• Host one REU student from Carnegie Mellon
  University (Hillary McWilliams, female) in summer
  for 10 weeks to conduct nano science research.
• Host two high school students in the summer for 2
  weeks to conduct polymer research.
• Recruit high school students by hosting the
  polymer open house.
• Participate a series of recruiting activities
  such as Inspiring a child to dream and IBM
  sponsored society for women engineers.

Education Under this grant, two graduate
students are pursuing their Ph.D. degrees Mr.
Kishore Tenneti (3rd year) and Mr. Lingyu Li (4th
year) Mr. Steve Kodjie is finishing his Master
degree. Two undergraduate student (Molly Stewart
and Benjamin Gillespie) have also been supported.
Slime and foam 2005
High school students were enjoying making slime
and foams in the PIs lab.