Enhanced conductive fiber of multiwall-carbon-nanotubes templated carbonization of cellulose

Abstract

It has been reported that a conductivity of 100 S/cm of carbonized cellulose is obtained when the carbonization temperature is higher than 2000 °C. However, such high temperatures require expensive equipment and are energy consuming. In this study, carbonized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/cellulose composites fibers with a conductivity of 105 S/cm were prepared. They were prepared based on cellulose (in the carbonization temperature 1000 °C), a naturally abundant and low-cost material. The mechanism of improving electrical conductivity was studied. The MWCNTs played the role of a conductive bridge between the nano-carbonization cellulose blocks. As the template of cellulose graphitization, MWCNTs not only can improve the degree of cellulose graphitization but can also change the microstructure of carbonization cellulose from nano-spheres to sheets. This preparation method can be applied to other carbon materials to make highly conductive fibers or various conductive structure materials, such as a conductive film or an aerogel. This study broadens the application of cellulose in the field of electricity. The obtained conductive fibers have great potential in a range of applications, such as wearable electronics and low-cost energy storage.