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Published on: April 1, 2018
Versatile transfer of aligned carbon nanotubes with polydimethylsiloxane as the intermediate
Yanwu Zhu1, Xiaodai Lim, Mong Chea Sim
1Department of Physics, Blk S12, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 3, 117542, Singapore. National University of Singapore Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, Blk E3A, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, 117576, Singapore.
This study presents a simple method for transferring aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The technique enhances CNT cleanliness, alignment, adhesion, and electrical contact for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Science
Background:
- Aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) offer unique electrical and mechanical properties.
- Efficient transfer of MWCNTs onto various substrates is crucial for device fabrication.
- Existing transfer methods can be complex or result in suboptimal CNT alignment and adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a simple, low-temperature technique for transferring aligned MWCNT arrays.
- To evaluate the properties and performance of transferred MWCNTs on diverse substrates.
- To explore the potential of this technique for fabricating advanced nanodevices.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a transfer medium for as-grown or patterned MWCNT arrays.
- Direct transfer of MWCNTs onto various substrates including paper, cloth, polymers, glass, and metal foils.
- Characterization of transferred MWCNT properties such as alignment, adhesion, electrical conductivity, and surface wettability.
Main Results:
- Achieved clean and well-aligned MWCNT surfaces post-transfer, with improved adhesion and electrical contact.
- Demonstrated high current density (∼10^4 A cm⁻²) in MWCNT interconnects.
- Observed enhanced field emission performance from transferred MWCNTs on polymers, enabling flexible emitter devices.
- Transferred MWCNT surfaces became more hydrophilic (contact angle 93.4° vs. 151.6° for as-grown).
Conclusions:
- The PDMS-based transfer technique is simple, cost-effective, and versatile for aligned MWCNTs.
- This method facilitates the fabrication of high-performance nanodevices and flexible electronics.
- The improved properties of transferred MWCNTs open new avenues for nanotechnology applications.
