Research Projects

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied extensively since their discovery in the early 1990s. They have practicallyunmatched mechanical stiffnes and strength, conduct electrons ballistically over hundreds of nanometers15, and have exceptional thermal, optical, and magnetic properties. With these characteristics, CNTs and related nanomaterials will play many roles in future advanced technologies ranging from high-performance composites to field emission displays to nanoscale electronic devices. This project will involve undergraduates in research on novel approaches to synthesize CNTs, assemble them into devices, and characterize their properties individually and in bulk. At present, CNTs are synthesized at high temperatures (700 to 1200 °C) from catalyst particles, typically transition metals, exposed to a vapor-phase carbon source. This approach is costly, slow, and has poor compatibility wi th traditional semiconductor process flow. An electrochemical process for CNT formation would be far superior. Recently, electrochemical production of CNTs from acetylene dissolved in liquid ammonia has been reported. Our preliminary results show this is a promising approach. Growth and properties will be compared to chemical vapor deposition of CNTs, and correlated with the organic solvent and catalyst composition/morphology.

This project will develop a bottom-up approach based on self-assembly using specific chemical interactions. Phage display against CNT templates will be used to develop oligopeptides with specific affinity for single-wall CNTs (Figure A). These will be used to separate and purify CNTs, and be coupled biosynthetically to larger protein scaffolds to assemble nanoscale transistors, tunnel junctions, and optically resonant structures.