Using nitrile functional groups to replace amines for solution-deposited single-walled carbon nanotube network films.

Amine-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) can be utilized to selectively adsorb semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (S-SWNTs), but are not ideal. Formation of these monolayer films from silanes can be dramatically influenced by atmospheric and other processing conditions, resulting in poor-quality SAMs or irreproducible results. The surface sorting method of fabricating these semiconducting nanotube networks (SWNTnts) can become ineffective if the functionalized surface is not smooth with high amine density.

Effects of dispersion conditions of single-walled carbon nanotubes on the electrical characteristics of thin film network transistors.

To facilitate solution deposition of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) for integration into electronic devices they need to be purified and dispersed into solutions. The vigorous sonication process for preparing these dispersions leads to large variations in the length and defect density of SWNTs, affecting the resulting electronic properties. Understanding the effects of solution processing steps can have important implications in the design of SWNT films for electronic applications.

Solution assembly of organized carbon nanotube networks for thin-film transistors.

Ultrathin, transparent electronic materials consisting of solution-assembled nanomaterials that are directly integrated as thin-film transistors or conductive sheets may enable many new device structures. Applications ranging from disposable autonomous sensors to flexible, large-area displays and solar cells can dramatically expand the electronics market. With a practical, reliable method for controlling their electronic properties through solution assembly, submonolayer films of aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) may provide a promising alternative for large-area, flexible electronics.