Controlled deposition and alignment of carbon nanotubes

US8147920B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Jan M. Smits · Monument, US
• Russell A. Wincheski · Williamsburg, US
• JoAnne L. Patry · Herndon, US
• Anthony Watkins · Hampton, US
• Jeffrey D. Jordan · Williamsburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 13, 2009
• Grant date: Apr 3, 2012
• Expiry date: Feb 13, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S977/883
• WIPO field: Micro-structural and nano-technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A carbon nanotube (CNT) attraction material is deposited on a substrate in the gap region between two electrodes on the substrate. An electric potential is applied to the two electrodes. The CNT attraction material is wetted with a solution defined by a carrier liquid having carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspended therein. A portion of the CNTs align with the electric field and adhere to the CNT attraction material. The carrier liquid and any CNTs not adhered to the CNT attraction material are then removed.