Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are nanoscale cylindrical structures composed of
carbon atoms with diverse applications in supercapacitors, artificial muscles, and
intelligent textiles. An Incandescent Tension Annealing Process (ITAP) can
significantly enhance their mechanical and electrochemical properties, improving
energy harvesting capabilities. The experimental observations reveal that during the 1
Hz sinusoidal stretching cycle, the peak-to-peak Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) and
Short Circuit Current (SCC) generated by ITAP yarn were more than 1.5 times that of
pristine CNT. The densified surface of ITAP yarn results in about a 20% reduction in
capacitance when it is stretched to about 30% strain. A noticeable negative shift in the
values of the potential of ITAP yarn suggests greater charge injection when immersed
in the electrolyte. Thus, the factors—namely, the pronounced changes in capacitance
and the increased initial charge injection—are key contributors to the enhanced energy
harvesting performance of ITAP yarn compared to untreated CNTs.
Keywords: Carbon nanotubes, Incandescent tension annealing process, Open circuit voltage, Short circuit current.
