Methods and devices are provided for the continuous production of a
network of nanotubes or other nanoscale fibers. The method includes
making a suspension of nanoscale fibers dispersed in a liquid medium,
optionally with surfactant and/or sonication, and filtering the
suspension by moving a filter membrane through the suspension, such that
the nanoscale fibers are deposited directly on the filter membrane as the
fluid medium flows through the filter membrane, thereby forming a
continuous membrane of the nanoscale fibers. The deposition of the
nanoscale fibers can occur when and where the filter membrane moves into
contact with a static, porous filter element or a dynamic, porous filter
element. The filtering can be conducted within a magnetic field effective
to align the nanoscale fibers, and/or with the aid of vacuum to pull
water through the filter membrane, applied pressure to press water though
the filter membrane, or a combination thereof.