Systems and methods for formation and harvesting of nanofibrous materials

A system for forming a nanofibrous non-woven sheet, the apparatus comprising:

• a housing having an inlet for engaging an independent synthesis chamber within which nanotubes are produced;
• a moving surface positioned adjacent the inlet within the housing for collecting and transporting the nanotubes flowing from the synthesis chamber;
• a pressure applicator situated adjacent the moving surface to apply a force against the collected nanotubes on the moving surface, so as to compact the nanotubes into a non-woven sheet of intermingled nanotubes;
• a spool positioned within the housing and downstream of the pressure applicator for winding thereonto the non-woven sheet;
• a separator for applying a material onto one side of the non-woven sheet prior to the sheet being wound about the spool to minimize bonding of the non-woven sheet to itself on the spool;
• and
• a sensor system designed to provide feedback data to control a rate of spin of the moving surface and spool, so as to avoid compromising the integrity of the non-woven sheet as it is being wound about the spool.