Metal substitution in electrical wires by materials with high conductivity like carbon nanotubes (CNT) is interesting for short term applications in avionic and space thanks to the huge benefit of such wiring in term of mass. Indeed such wires will significantly improve the energy consumption of planes for example. Individual performances of CNTs can be better than the copper one. However, the electrical conductivity of CNT wires still remains lower than the metal ones. The objective of this thesis is to understand and overcome to date limitations of macroscopic assembly of CNTs in electrical cables in order to reach conductivity close to metal like copper or aluminum. To do that optimized CNT growth process and cable assembly will be developed. To understand the link between nanomaterial and macroscopic performances of doped and non-doped wires, electrical characterization of the cables with temperature (3K-350K) will be performed in order to develop a physical transport model of the cable. The model will be correlated with the nano properties of CNTs (morphology by transmission electronic microscopy, defects by Raman spectroscopy?) and to the cable microstructure. Ultimately demonstration of improved electrical conduction is expected.

This position is open until it is filled.

Département: Département des Technologies des NanoMatériaux (LITEN)
Laboratory: Laboratoire des Surfaces Nanostructurées
Start Date: 01-10-2015
ECA Code: SL-DRT-15-1032
Contact: jerome.faure-vincent@cea.fr