Formation of highly dense aligned ribbons and transparent films of single-walled carbon nanotubes directly from carpets.

Abstract

Utilizing aligned carbon nanotube arrays grown from chemical vapor deposition, we present a highly scalable route toward the formation of ribbons and ultrathin transparent films directly from vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotube arrays (SWNT carpets). To "lay-over" the aligned nanotubes to form a film, we use a roller which acts to compress the film and preserve the alignment of nanotubes within the film. As we demonstrate, we can control the nanotube-catalyst interaction, leading to highly efficient transfer of the film to virtually any host substrate by following growth with a controlled H(2)O vapor etch. In addition, we demonstrate our ability to grow carpets on patterned substrates leading to upright carpet lines, which can be rolled over to form transparent films composed of ultralong carbon nanotubes. This work demonstrates a highly scalable technique to form homogeneous, transparent films of aligned SWNTs that can be ultralong with absolutely no need for liquid phase SWNT processing.