Method of non-catalytic formation and growth of nanowires

US7781317B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. · US
• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Joshua Goldberger · Berkeley, US
• Melissa Fardy · Belmont, US
• Oded Rabin · Cambridge, US
• Allon Hochbaum · Berkeley, US
• Minjuan Zhang · Ann Arbor, US
• Peidong Yang · Somerville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 2007
• Grant date: Aug 24, 2010
• Expiry date: Jun 16, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S977/899
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for the non-catalytic growth of nanowires is provided. The method includes a reaction chamber with the chamber having an inlet end, an exit end and capable of being heated to an elevated temperature. A carrier gas with a flow rate is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through the inlet end and exit the chamber through the exit end. Upon passing through the chamber the carrier gas comes into contact with a precursor which is heated within the reaction chamber. A collection substrate placed downstream from the precursor allows for the formation and growth of nanowires thereon without the use of a catalyst. A second embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a reaction chamber, a carrier gas, a precursor target, a laser beam and a collection substrate. The carrier gas with a flow rate and a gas pressure is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through an inlet end and exit the reaction chamber through the exit end. The laser beam is focused on the precursor target which affords for the evaporation of the precursor material and subsequent formation and growth of nanowires on the collection substrate.