Design and Development of Carbon Nanotube Antennas

Abstract The application of carbon nanotube (CNT) superfiber materials as lightweight, flexible, and durable RF antennas is explored through simulation, fabrication, and measurement. The fabrication of high-conductivity CNT thread is discussed, and a textile-integrated CNT bowtie antenna is explored through simulation and measurement. The fabrication of CNT sheet material is detailed, and an aperture-coupled CNT sheet patch antenna is measured, compared with a baseline copper patch antenna, and used to explore the effects of CNT orientation on the performance of a CNT sheet patch antenna. Postprocess treatments such as metal nanoparticle doping for enhanced conductivity and in situ atmospheric pressure plasma treatment for material functionalization are discussed, and the effects of these treatments on CNT antenna performance are explored through measurement.