Image of the Week - 02 December 2008

Microcapsules Containing Suspensions of Carbon Nanotubes

This SEM image shows (inset) bundles of unfunctionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes that have been released from a ruptured poly(urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) microcapsule (borders of the microcapsule visible left side and lower edge of large image). Solutions of SWNTs encapsulated in the solvent ethyl phenylacetate are released when the capsules experience mechanical damage. Applications for this technology include restoring electrical conductivity to damaged electronic materials.

Image Courtesy: Mary M. Caruso, Stuart R. Schelkopf, Aaron C. Jackson, Paul V. Braun, and Jeffrey S. Moore

Contact: mcaruso2@illinois.edu