Simple method for producing superhydrophobic carbon nanotube array

Abstract

Efficient methods for producing a superhydrophobic carbon nanotube (CNT) array are set forth. The methods comprise providing a vertically aligned CNT array and performing vacuum pyrolysis on the CNT array to produce a superhydrophobic CNT array. These methods have several advantages over the prior art, such as operational simplicity and efficiency.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A superhydrophobic carbon nanotube (CNT) array comprising:
 a plurality of pyrolized vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a substrate surface,   wherein the CNTs are without contamination by either catalyst particles or amorphous carbon, and   wherein the CNTs are at least 85% free from oxygen-containing impurities.   
     
     
         2 . The array of  claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the CNT array is at least 95% free from oxygen-containing impurities. 
     
     
         3 . The array of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of CNTs are anchored to the surface. 
     
     
         4 . The array of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of CNTs are selected from the group consisting of: single-wall CNTs, multiwall CNTs, and a mixture of single-wall and multiwall CNTs.