Applications of ordered 2D networks of carbon nanotubes

ANYL 332

Marcus D. Lay, mlay@chem.uga.edu, Pornnipa Vichchulada, and Tasaday Lynch. Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, 1001 Cedar St., Athens, GA 30602
Analytical studies of 2-dimensional networks of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) will be presented. A novel method of creating ordered arrays of purified CNTs has been exploited to attain a higher level of control over reproducibility in CNT-based applications. This method uses unidirectional air flow to order CNTs in aqueous suspension and deposit them on a hydrophobic SAM-modified surface (i.e. 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane on Si/SiOx). 2-dimensional networks of CNTs show potential as a method of circumventing the difficulties associates with lack of control over the physical and electrical properties of individual CNTs; for a random distribution of CNTs, density control is the major factor controlling device properties, as fluctuations in characteristics of individual CNTs are averaged. These ordered arrays of CNTs exhibit anisotropic electrical conductivity over macroscopic lengths (up to 3”), and have shown promise in electrochemical, as well as field-effect transistor (FET) applications. Several novel approaches to CNT devices will be demonstrated.