Lu C., Lu J., Fu Q., Lu C., Lu J., Liu J.
University of California, Merced, US
Keywords: block copolymer template, carbon nanotube, growth mechanism
Employing self-assembled catalyst-containing block copolymer templates, we have successfully generated a variety of highly ordered and uniform-sized catalytically active transition metal nanostructures. These catalyst-containing nanostructures have been used to produce high-quality and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with narrow size distribution. By tailoring the chain length of each block, we have rationally adjusted the size and spacing of catalyst nanostructures and subsequently the density and diameter of CNTs. Combining this bottom-up self-assembly technique with conventional top-down microfabrication processing, lithographically selective growth of CNTs on surfaces and CNTs suspended across trenches over a large surface area has been obtained. This facile and highly manufacturable method has enabled the investigation of the fundamental CNT growth mechanism. The interplay between catalyst and local environment, such as carbon gas concentration and substrate on CNT growth will be presented
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 25 - 28
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Carbon Nano Structures & Devices
ISBN: 1-4200-6182-8