Ultrasonic Spray Systems for Carbon Nanotube Dispersion

Ultrasonic nozzles are used to spray homogenous, uniform layers of carbon nanotubes
in energy, electronics, or other nanotechnology applications. Since CNTs are prone to agglomerate in solution, Sono-Tek nozzles are uniquely suited to spraying carbon nanotube suspensions, as the ultrasonic vibrations of the nozzle continuously
disperse agglomerates during the coating process.

Advantages in the spray application of carbon nanotubes include:

• Sensors and sensor array devices
• To increase strength and flexibility of a substrate
• In chemical detection systems
• To create the electrodes in ultra capacitor batteries
• To improve the healing process for broken bones by
  providing a carbon nanotube scaffold for new bone material to grow on

Carbon Nanotubes have shown great promise as an economical alternative to making transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers, commonly used with organic and dye-sensitized cells, as well as several other electronics applications. Sono-Tek’s ability to spray carbon nanotubes makes R&D processes ideal for using ultrasonic nozzle technology. The ability to create efficient transparent conductive films with CNTs at low temperatures allows the possibility to greatly reduce manufacturing costs of the TCO layer.

Benefits of Ultrasonic Carbon Nanotube Dispersion:

• Anti-agglomeration of particles
• Choice of droplet size, depending on nozzle frequency
• Cost effective spray equipment with full lab R&D and production systems
• Soft, pressure-less ultrasonic spray will not damage delicate structures
• Proven process spraying carbon nanotube suspensions

The ExactaCoat and FlexiCoat ultrasonic spray systems offer full programmable motion control with many customizable options.

A similar application to carbon nanotube dispersion in which Sono-Tek nozzles have been proven for nanowire or graphene depositions. The same benefits of deagglomeration and uniform dispersion of particles is seen in applications spraying silver nanowires.

Right: CNT’s agglomerated prior to ultrasonic dispersion.
Left: Evenly dispersed CNT’s following ultrasonic disepersion.
The soft nature of the atomized spray will not break delicate carbon nanotube structures.

Sono-Tek also offers the SonicSyringe, an ultrasonic dispersion syringe pump capable of mixing particles in nanosuspension in a matter of seconds and holding them evenly dispersed for several hours or more.