Fabrication and Characterization of Suspended Carbon Nanotube Devices in Liquid

Journal Article · Mon Oct 30 04:00:00 EST 2006 · International Journal of Nanotechnology, vol. 5, no. 4/5, April 1, 2008, pp. 488-496

OSTI ID:936945

Artyukhin, A; Stadermann, M; Stroeve, P; Bakajin, O; Noy, A

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

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
AIR
CARBON
COATINGS
FABRICATION
NANOTUBES
REMOVAL
SURFACE TENSION
TRANSISTORS