Hooking nanotubes to electronics

Dec. 14, 2006
A team of engineers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have devised two methods of electrically and physically attaching carbon nanotubes to electrically conductive surfaces of just about any size and shape.

A micrograph shows carbon nanotubes attached to a thin metal wire.


Up to now, connecting nanotubes to metal created high-resistance interfaces between the tubes and substrate, making the small tubes useless for electronics. The new techniques, which were developed with funding from the National Science Foundation and Intel Corp., open the way for engineers and researchers to begin exploiting nanotubes' electrical properties in ICs, displays, sensors, and other electronic devices.

One connection method, called floating-catalyst chemical-vapor deposition, first heats a carbon-rich compound until it vaporizes. As it cools, arrays of carbon nanotubes deposit on a metal surface. The attachment between tubes and metal is strong, regardless of the metal substrate shape or size, and electrical connection is good. The downside of this method is that it involves high temperatures, which make it incompatible with some sensitive electronics.

The second method, however, uses much lower temperatures. In this process, technicians grow nanotubes on silicon using chemical deposition. They transfer the tubes from the silicon to a metal surface coated with solder where the tubes maintain their original arrangement. Solder, which is inherently electrically conductive, melts at a much lower temperature, so this method works better for heat-sensitive components.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!