Surface Modification of Carbon Nanotubes for Nano Transformer Cuong Diep 1, Milena Fernandez 2, Dr. Vesselin Shanov 1, Dr. Noe Alvarez 1 1 School of Energy, Environmental, Biological and Medical Engineering, 2 School of Electronic and Computing Systems University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, Introduction The Carbon Nanotube (CNT) is an interesting type of material due to its superior strength, and electrical conductivity[1]. CNTs are grown by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process in a pressurize chamber. It is a promising electrochemical technology that can possibly replace the use of other conductive materials which face different disadvantages. Objectives 1.Design transformer. 2.Modify CNT threads by the processes of doping and coating. 3.Integrate modified threads within transformer. 4.Connect transformer to a power supply. 5.Using transformer, power a light source. Transformer An electrical device used to transfer alternating current from one circuit to another due to electromagnetic induction. It is used to regulate voltage/current dependent on the number of windings per coil. e.g. A step down transformer installed on a telephone pole in a neighborhood used to reduce the voltage delivered to homes to avoid high dangerous voltage from electrocuting an individual. Densification This is the soaking of the CNT thread in solution with water for a period of time. This process allows the CNT thread to increase its diameter and improve its strength. Fig. 2: Resistivity vs. Diameter plot for 57 o C Sample Fig.3:Input Voltage vs. Output Voltage of the copper to copper toroid transformer Fig4:Input Voltage vs. Output Voltage of the copper to CNT thread toroid transformer Conclusion The improvements in surface modification of CNT threads has enhanced their properties. Thus, allowing us to use CNT threads in many different electrical applications. This development will be cost effective, lighter in weight, and possesses a better quality material. References [1] Shi, Z., Wang, Z., Gu, Z., Pristine and Filled Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. (2010) [2] (2005). “Device Fabrication.” United States Department of Labor, (Nov. 20, 2012). Acknowledgement Dr. Vesselin Shanov - Dr. Noe Nick Kienzleil Doug Hurd MaterialAverage Resistivity (Ω  m) CNT (Nitric Acid) 1.12*10 -5 CNT (Sulfuric Acid) 1.20*10 -5 Copper1.68*10 -6 Doping This process is in which impurity junctions are added into a semiconductor wafer in order to form regions of conflicting electrical conductivity.[2] For this project we had mixed an acid with water, creating a reaction. The oxidation of the acid releases a charge that attaches itself onto the surface of the carbon nanotubes, increasing their conductivity. Coating This is the insulation process in which we first use nylon to uniformly coat the CTN threads’ surface area. Once this coating dries, it starts to become brittle and flakes itself off. The thread is then completely coated a second time with nitrile. Results Table 1: This data shows the advances in resistivity for CNT threads. Fig.1: Toroid transformer. (Top winding is an insulated copper wire and bottom winding is a CNT thread).