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Title: Fabrication and Characterization of Suspended Carbon Nanotube Devices in Liquid

Journal Article · · International Journal of Nanotechnology, vol. 5, no. 4/5, April 1, 2008, pp. 488-496
OSTI ID:936945

Suspended carbon nanotube devices are a promising platform for future bio-electronic applications. Suspended carbon nanotube transistors have been previously fabricated in air; however all previous attempts to bring them into liquid failed. We analyze forces acting on the suspended nanotube devices during immersion into liquids and during device operation and show that surface tension forces acting on the suspended nanotubes during transfer into the liquid phase are responsible for the nanotube damage. We have developed a new strategy that circumvents these limitations by coating suspended nanotubes with a rigid inorganic shell in the gas phase. The coating reinforces the nanotubes and allows them to survive transfer through the interface. Subsequent removal of the coating in the solution phase restores pristine suspended nanotubes. We demonstrate that devices fabricated using this technique preserve their original electrical characteristics.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
936945
Report Number(s):
UCRL-JRNL-225782; TRN: US200821%%146
Journal Information:
International Journal of Nanotechnology, vol. 5, no. 4/5, April 1, 2008, pp. 488-496, Vol. 5, Issue 4/5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English