Systems And Methods For Formation And Harvesting of Nanofibrous Materials

Abstract

A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system is coupled to a chamber that generates nanomaterials, typically carbon nanotubes produced from chemical vapor deposition, and includes a mechanism for spinning the nanotubes into yarns or tows. Alternatively, the system includes a mechanism for forming non-woven sheets from the nanotubes. The system also includes components for collecting the formed nanofibrous materials. Methods for forming and collecting the nanofibrous materials are also provided.

1 - 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . A non-woven sheet comprising:
 a substantially planar body;   a plurality of nanotubes defining the planar body, the nanotubes being deposited on top of one another; and   a bond between adjacent nanotubes, such that sufficient structural integrity is imparted to the planar body for handling.   
     
     
         54 . A sheet as set forth in  claim 53 , wherein the planar body can be substantially square or rectangular in shape. 
     
     
         55 . A sheet as set forth in  claim 53 , wherein the nanotube includes catalytic nanoparticles of a ferromagnetic material. 
     
     
         56 . A sheet as set forth in  claim 53 , wherein the ferromagnetic material includes one of Fe, Co, Ni, an alloy thereof, a combination thereof, or related materials. 
     
     
         57 . A sheet as set forth in  claim 53 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes are compacted against one another. 
     
     
         58 . A non-woven sheet comprising:
 a substantially planar body, having a plurality of layers situated one on top of another;   a plurality of nanotubes defining each body, the nanotubes being deposited on top of one another; and   a bond between adjacent nanotubes, such that sufficient structural integrity is imparted to the planar body for handling.   
     
     
         59 . A sheet as set forth in  claim 53 , wherein the planar body can be substantially square or rectangular in shape. 
     
     
         60 . A sheet as set forth in  claim 53 , wherein the nanotube includes catalytic nanoparticles of a ferromagnetic material. 
     
     
         61 . A sheet as set forth in  claim 53 , wherein the ferromagnetic material includes one of Fe, Co, Ni, an alloy thereof, a combination thereof, or related materials. 
     
     
         62 . A sheet as set forth in  claim 53 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes are compacted against one another.