Connection of macro-sized double-walled carbon nanotube strands by bandaging with double-walled carbon nanotube films

Based on their special shrinkage characteristics, double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) films were used as bandages to bind the overlapped ends of macro-sized (centimeters long) DWCNT strands for connection to get structures of random length. Tensile tests indicated that the joints made in this way had relatively high tensile strength with a maximum value of 311 MPa corresponding to that of the original strands. The equivalent contact resistance of the joints was very small. And the connected strands showed better electronic properties in our investigation on the temperature dependence of resistivity and the same remarkable current capacity, in contrast to the original ones. This technique may offer a promising potential for the future extensive use of macro-sized CNTs in many fields, such as electrical cables and wires.     

Molecular electronic devices based on single-walled carbon nanotube electrodes

As the top-down fabrication techniques for silicon-based electronic materials have reached the scale of molecular lengths, researchers have been investigating nanostructured materials to build electronics from individual molecules. Researchers have directed extensive experimental and theoretical efforts toward building functional optoelectronic devices using individual organic molecules and fabricating metal-molecule junctions. Although this method has many advantages, its limitations lead to large disagreement between experimental and theoretical results. This Account describes a new method to create molecular electronic devices, covalently bridging a gap in a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) with an electrically functional molecule. First, we introduce a molecular-scale gap into a nanotube by precise oxidative cutting through a lithographic mask. Now functionalized with carboxylic acids, the ends of the cleaved carbon nanotubes are reconnected with conjugated diamines to give robust diamides. The molecular electronic devices prepared in this fashion can withstand and respond to large environmental changes based on the functional groups in the molecules. For example, with oligoanilines as the molecular bridge, the conductance of the device is sensitive to pH. Similarly, using diarylethylenes as the bridge provides devices that can reversibly switch between conjugated and nonconjugated states. The molecular bridge can perform the dual task of carrying electrical current and sensing/recognition through biological events such as protein/substrate binding and DNA hybridization. The devices based on DNA can measure the difference in electrical properties of complementary and mismatched strands. A well-matched duplex DNA 15-mer in the gap exhibits a 300-fold lower resistance than a duplex with a GT or CA mismatch. This system provides an ultrasensitive way to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms at the individual molecule level. Restriction enzymes can cleave certain cDNA strands assembled between the SWNT electrodes; therefore, these strands maintain their native conformation when bridging the ends of the SWNTs. This methodology for creating novel molecular circuits forges both literal and figurative connections between chemistry, physics, materials science, and biology and promises a new generation of integrated multifunctional sensors and devices.     

Electronic properties of double-walled carbon nanotube films

The electronic properties of as-prepared and purified DWNT films were tested using the four-probe method. The resistivity of the purified DWNT films is about 1 mΩ cm at room temperature and has a positive dρ/dT above 55 K, which shows a good metallic property. The electrical resistivities of the purified DWNT films are quite similar to those of the SWNT bundles and acid-treated SWNTs. Our results are correspondent with the early theoretical calculation on the band structure of DWNTs.     

Comparison of carbon nanotube modified electrodes for photovoltaic devices

Substrates with four different nanotube modifications have been prepared and their electron transport properties measured. Two modification techniques were compared; covalent chemical attachment of both single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes to transparent conductive (fluorine doped tin oxide) glass surfaces and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth of both single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes on highly doped conductive silicon wafers. These carbon nanotube modified substrates were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and substrates with nanotubes grown via CVD have a much higher density of nanotubes than substrates prepared using chemical attachment. Raman spectroscopy was used to verify that nanotube growth or attachment was successful. The covalent chemical attachment of nanotubes was found to increase substrate electron transfer substantially compared to that observed for the bare substrate. Nanotube growth also enhanced substrate conductivity but the effect is smaller than that observed for covalent attachment, despite a lower nanotube density in the attachment case. In both modification techniques, attachment and growth, single-walled carbon nanotubes were found to have superior electron transfer properties. Finally, solar cells were constructed from the nanotube modified substrates and the photoresponse from the different substrates was compared showing that chemically attached single-walled nanotubes led to the highest power generation.     

Micropatterning of single-walled carbon nanotube forest

In this work, high-aligned single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) forest have been grown using a high-density plasma chemical vapor deposition technique (at room temperature) and patterned into micro-structures by photolithographic techniques, that are commonly used for silicon integrated circuit fabrication. The SWCNTs were obtained using pure methane plasma and iron as precursor material (seed). For the growth carbon SWCNT forest the process pressure was 15 mTorr, the RF power was 250 W and the total time of the deposition process was 3 h. The micropatterning processes of the SWCNT forest included conventional photolithography and magnetron sputtering for growing an iron layer (precursor material). In this situation, the iron layer is patterned and high-aligned SWCNTs are grown in the where iron is present, and DLC is formed in the regions where the iron precursor is not present. The results can be proven by Scanning Electronic Microscopy and Raman Spectroscopy. Thus, it is possible to fabricate SWCNT forest-based electronic and optoelectronic devices.     

Tensile properties of ultrathin double-walled carbon nanotube membranes

Direct tensile tests of double walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) membranes with thickness of 40–80 nm were performed using a micro-stress-strain puller. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus are 4.8E2–8.4E2 MPa and 4.4–8.8 GPa, respectively. The deformation and fracture processes were analyzed using the stress vs. strain curves, and SEM observations of the fracture surface of a membrane. The membrane experienced elastic strain and plastic strain during tensile-loading to fracture, and the plastic process is due to the real plastic deformation of the membrane and the slippage between the DWCNT bundles. Cracks occur and spread during the tensile test which causes the membrane to be mangled. With these excellent mechanical properties, the DWCNT membranes can be used in nanotube-reinforced composites.     

Stability comparison of simulated double-walled carbon nanotube structures

The focus of this research is to systematically study and classify electronic energy trends in different double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) structures through ab initio simulations. Simulations comparing the stability of DWCNTs with different interwall spacings, tube types (armchair or zigzag), lengths, diameters, and endcaps were performed at a variety of computational levels. These simulations showed that DWCNTs nucleate from end caps and become energetically more stable as length and diameter increase. Another finding of this research was that the interwall spacing is dependent on which type of tube is in the outer position of the DWCNT. High stability configurations occurred when the interwall spacing was approximately 3.3 Å and a zigzag tube was in the outer position or when the interwall spacing was approximately 3.5 Å and an armchair tube was in the outer position. It was also seen that endcaps affected which tube combinations were more stable; the armchair@armchair DWCNT was the most energetically stable combination for capped tubes, while the armchair@zigzag DWCNT had the highest stability of uncapped tubes. Understanding if there is a preferred structural motif for DWCNTs and clarifying which nucleation and growth paths are favored by nanotubes will elucidate if controlled fabrication can be achieved.     

碳纳米管阵列在电化学中的应用

高定向的碳纳米管阵列由于有优越的电导率、高比表面积、发达的多孔结构而具有良好的电化学性能如大容量、优异的速率性能和较长的循环寿命,这些独特的性质使其在电化学领域显现出巨大的应用潜力。本文简要介绍了碳纳米管阵列的制备,并从电化学储能、电化学催化和电化学传感器等领域综述近年来碳纳米管阵列在电化学应用中的最新研究进展,分析了其所面临的问题,并提出了未来碳纳米管阵列在电化学应用中的发展方向。关键词：碳纳米管阵列；电化学性能；储能；催化；传感器中图分类号：     

Spectroscopic study of double-walled carbon nanotube functionalization for preparation of carbon nanotube / epoxy composites

A spectroscopic study of the amino functionalization of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNT) is performed. Original experimental investigations by near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy at the C and O K-edges allow one to follow the efficiency of the chemistry during the different steps of covalent functionalization. Combined with Raman spectroscopy, the characterization gives direct evidence of the grafting of amino-terminated molecules on the structural defects of the DWCNT external wall, whereas the internal wall does not undergo any change. Structural and mechanical investigations of the amino functionalized DWCNT/epoxy composites show coupling between epoxy molecules and the DWCNTs. Functionalization improves the interface between amino-functionalized DWCNT and the epoxy molecules. Electrical transport measurements indicate a percolating network formed only by the inner metallic tubes of the DWCNTs. The activation energy of the barrier between connected metallic tubes is determined to be around 20 meV.     

Tensile properties of long aligned double-walled carbon nanotube strands

The mechanical properties of well-aligned double-walled carbon nanotube (DWNT) strands with diameters of 3-20 μm and lengths of ∼10 mm were measured using a stress-strain puller. The average tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the tested strands are 1.2 GPa and 16 GPa, respectively. Deformation and fracture processes of these samples are discussed. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of an individual DWNT bundle were estimated, with values comparable to those of SWNT bundles. The superior mechanical strengths of our as-prepared DWNT strands are expected to give them potential as a high-strength material and a reinforcement in composites.     

Transparent and flexible electrodes and supercapacitors using polyaniline/single-walled carbon nanotube composite thin films

Large-scale transparent and flexible electronic devices have been pursued for potential applications such as those in touch sensors and display technologies. These applications require that the power source of these devices must also comply with transparent and flexible features. Here we present transparent and flexible supercapacitors assembled from polyaniline (PANI)/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) composite thin film electrodes. The ultrathin, optically homogeneous and transparent, electrically conducting films of the PANI/SWNT composite show a large specific capacitance due to combined double-layer capacitance and pseudo-capacitance mechanisms. A supercapacitor assembled using electrodes with a SWNT density of 10.0 μg cm(-2) and 59 wt% PANI gives a specific capacitance of 55.0 F g(-1) at a current density of 2.6 A g(-1), showing its possibility for transparent and flexible energy storage.     

Hybrid carbon source for single-walled carbon nanotube synthesis by aerosol CVD method

The conductivity enhancement of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films was achieved by increasing the bundle length in an aerosol CVD synthesis method with the help of two carbon sources. Carbon monoxide provides carbon at temperatures below 900 °C, while ethylene takes over at higher temperatures. The significant decrease in the sheet resistance at the 90% transmittance was observed from 3500 to 7500 Ω/sq. for pure CO system via 1909 and 1709 Ω/sq. for CO–H₂ system to 291 and 358 Ω/sq. in the presence of C₂H₄ at 900 and 1100 °C, respectively. Doping the film with a gold chloride solution in acetonitrile allowed us to create the transparent conductive films with the sheet resistance as low as 73 Ω/sq. at a transmittance of 90%.     

Catalysts effect on single-walled carbon nanotube branching

The catalytic effect on the Y-shaped single-walled carbon nanotubes (Y-SWNTs) branching is investigated. The formation of Y-shaped branches is found to be dependent on the catalysts composition, which can be correlated to the Gibbs free energy of metal carbide formation. Easier carbide formers, like Mo or Zr, have a strong tendency to attach to the sidewall of SWNTs, enhancing the degree of carbon nanotube branching. The electrical conductance of the Y-SWNTs demonstrated rectification characteristics at room temperature, which is attributed to the Schottky barrier formed at the junction position. The Y-SWNTs can be used as a building block for future nanoelectronic, sensor and composite.     

Growth control of single-walled, double-walled, and triple-walled carbon nanotube forests by a priori electrical resistance measurement of catalyst films

We present the wall number control of carbon nanotube (CNT) forests grown on metal catalyst films in a water-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) by measuring the sheet resistances of metal catalyst films. Catalyst film thicknesses and thickness variations are monitored using a 2-point-based electrical characterization methodology. The electrical characterization and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that single-, double-, and triple-walled CNT forests were grown on iron (Fe) catalyst films with mean sheet resistances of 646.63, 75.40, and 27.84 MΩ/sq, respectively. The average wall number and outer diameter of CNT forests were found to linearly depend on the logarithm of the mean sheet resistances of Fe catalyst films.     

Structural transformation of double-walled carbon nanotube bundles into multi-walled carbon nanotubes induced by current treatment

In this paper, double-walled carbon nanotube (DWNT) bundles can be transformed into multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by electric current treatment in vacuum. The morphology of the transformed MWNTs shows an obvious dependence on power density of the current, which changes from partly transformed MWNTs to collapse MWNTs with the increase of power density. The process of this structural transformation follows the tendency of forming more stable structures, and can be ascribed to the sequential coalescence of DWNTs inside the bundles.     

Electrochemical capacitance of well-coated single-walled carbon nanotube with polyaniline composites

Well-coated single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) with polyaniline (PANI) composite electrodes with good uniformity for electrochemical capacitors are prepared by the polymerization of aniline containing well-dissolved SWNTs. The capacitance properties are investigated with cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge tests and ac impedance spectroscopy. The composite electrode shows much higher specific capacitance, better power characteristics and is more promising for application in capacitor than pure PANI electrode. The effect and role of SWNT in the composite electrode are also discussed in detail.     

Surface oxidation of single-walled carbon nanotube paper with oxygen atoms

Single-walled carbon nanotube paper was surface oxidized with gaseous oxygen atoms produced by low-pressure: (1) vacuum UV (λ?=?104.8 and 106.7?nm) photo-oxidation and (2) downstream microwave plasma discharge of an Ar–O₂ mixture. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to detect the carbon- and oxygen-containing functional groups in the top 2–5?nm of the sample’s surface. Both methods produced a saturation level of ca. 12 at.% oxygen with the predominant formation of the epoxide/ether groups.     

Resist-assisted assembly of single-walled carbon nanotube devices with nanoscale precision

We report a novel resist-assisted dielectrophoresis method for single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) assembly. It provides nanoscale control of the location, density, orientation and shape of individual SWCNTs. Sub-50 nm accuracy and a yield higher than 85% have been achieved. Using the method, we demonstrate suspended-body SWCNT field-effect transistors (FETs) with back-gate and sub-100 nm air-gap lateral-gate configurations. The suspended-body SWCNT FETs show excellent electrical characteristics with I_on/I_off ～ 10⁷, ultra-low off currents ～10^?14 A and small subthreshold swings. The technique contributes to the ultimate solution for bottom-up fabrication of a broad field of CNT-based devices, such as: complementary metal–oxide-semiconductor and nano-electrical–mechanical-system devices for sensing and radio-frequency applications. Moreover, the versatile method could be applied to the assembly of many other promising materials, such as: nanowires and graphene flakes.