Neste trabalho foram obtidos nanotubos de carbono de paredes múltiplas (MWNT). O crescimento apresentou alta densidade de nanotubos orientados perpendicularmente à superfície do substrato, com cerca de 20 m de comprimento e diâmetros entre cerca de 20 e 60 nm. Foram utilizados filmes catalisadores contendo ferro, depositados a partir de solução de nitrato de ferro (Fe(NO3)3.9H2O) em álcool etílico com concentrações que variaram entre 37 mmol/L e 1,2 mmol/L. Não foram notadas diferenças significativas entre os nanotubos crescidos com diferentes concentrações, com exceção da solução de 0,6 mmol/L onde não foi observado o crescimento de nanotubos. Os crescimentos de nanotubos de carbono foram efetuados em um reator CVD a plasma de microonda. Os resultados de espectroscopia Raman sugerem que os nanotubos de carbono obtidos neste trabalho correspondem a MWNT, apresentando alto grau de desordem estrutural. Foram realizados crescimentos diretos de nanotubos de carbono sobre as pontas comerciais de AFM, utilizando filmes de nitrato de ferro. Os nanotubos crescidos nas pontas apresentaram tendência em formarem aglomerados. Não foram obtidas pontas de AFM satisfatórias com este método. Outro método consistiu no crescimento de nanotubos de carbono em amostras planas de silício, utilizando filme catalisador de nitrato de ferro com posterior captura de nanotubos na extremidade da ponta, utilizando um microscópio AFM. Foram realizados 26 procedimentos, onde a maioria dos resultados não foi satisfatória. Apenas em dois dos procedimentos foram obtidos resultados muito bons com nanotubos de carbono retos e protuberantes emergindo das pontas. Ainda neste trabalho foi desenvolvido um método de reciclagem das pontas. O processo é de grande valia, pois a obtenção de pontas de AFM com nanotubos apresenta sucesso em apenas uma fração do número de tentativas, levando a inutilização de um número representativo de pontas. A reciclagem das pontas foi realizada por meio da corrosão dos nanotubos de carbono em plasma de hidrogênio. O equipamento utilizado para essa finalidade foi o próprio reator CVD a plasma de microonda, também utilizado para o crescimento dos nanotubos. / In this work multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were obtained. The growth presented high density nanotubes oriented perpendicularly to the substrate, with about 20 m length and diameters between 20 and 60 nm. Catalytic films containing iron were used. These films were deposited from solution of iron nitrate (Fe(NO3)3.9H2O) in ethyl alcohol with concentrations that varied between 37 mmol / L and 1.2 mmol / L. It was not observed significant difference among the grown nanotubes obtained with different concentrations, except from the solution of 0.6 mmol / L, where the nanotubes growth was not observed. The growths of carbon nanotubes were obtained in a microwave plasma CVD reactor. The Raman spectroscopy suggests that the carbon nanotubes obtained in this work correspond to MWCNT, presenting high degree of structural disorder. Direct growths of carbon nanotubes on commercial AFM tips were performed, using films of iron nitrate. The nanotubes grown directly on the tips presented tendency in forming agglomerates. They were not obtained satisfactory AFM tips with this method. Another method consisted of carbon nanotubes growth on flat silicon substrates, using catalytic film of iron nitrate, with subsequent nanotubes capture at the extremity of the tip, using a microscope AFM. Altogether 26 procedures were performed, where most of their results were not satisfactory. In just two of these procedures were obtained very good results with straight and protuberant carbon nanotubes emerging of the tips. Still in this work a method of tip recycling was developed. The process is valuable, since the success in obtaining AFM tips with nanotubes occurs in just a fraction of the attempts, generating a representative number of lost tips. The tips recycling were performed through the corrosion of the carbon nanotubes in hydrogen plasma. The equipment used for this purpose was the microwave plasma CVD reactor, also used for carbon nanotubes growth.

Orientador: Nelson Ramos Sradiotto / Banca: Marcelo Firmino de Oliveira / Banca: Luiz Henrique Mazo / Resumo: O Brasil ocupa uma posição de destaque na produção de biocombustíveis, sendo o segundo maior produtor mundial de bietanol, o etanol produzido a partir da biomassa. A demanda interna para este produto é elevada e faz parte de uma estratégia de desenvolvimento do setor energético iniciada na década de 1970. Hoje, o bioetanol tem papel de destaque na matriz energética brasileira e reduz o consumo de gasolina a metade do que seria consumido na sua ausência. Desta forma fica evidente a importância deste produto assim como a importância de se fazer o controle de qualidade do mesmo. Entre os possíveis contaminantes que podem inconvenientemente estar presentes no etanol combustível estão espécies iônicas de ferro e cobre. A presença dos íons destes metais neste combustível pode trazer problemas ao funcionamento do motor veicular e por isso a Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis - ANP - regulamenta o limite máximo permitido destas espécies no etanol combustível, assim como o método de análise para sua determinação. Desta forma o desenvolvimento de novos métodos para a análise destes contaminantes pode diminuir o custo das análises, aumentar a detectibilidade, levar ao desenvolvimento de dispositivos portáteis, entre outros. Para isso, neste trabalho é apresentado o desenvolvimento dois eletrodo, um modificado com nanotubos de carbono e Nafion®, e outro modificado com nanotubos de carbono, Nafion® e 1,10-fenantrolina. O eletrodo modificado com nanotubos de carbono e Nafion® apresentou grande aumento na resposta eletroquímica. Este eletrodo foi preparado com a modificação de um eletrodo de carbono vítreo com suspensões de nanotubos de carbono e Nafion®. A modificação mostrou-se estável ao longo de 200 ciclos de voltametria cíclica e foi de fácil realização... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Brazil occupies a prominent position in the production of biofuels, the second largest producer of bioethanol, ethanol produced from biomass. The local demand for this product is high and is part of a development strategy for the energy sector began in the 1970s. Today, bioethanol has a prominent role in the Brazilian energy matrix and reduces gasoline consumption to a half part of what would be consumed in its absence. Thus, it is evident the importance of this product as well as the importance of the quality control. Among the possible contaminants which can be present in the ethanol fuel are iron and copper ionic species. The presence of these metal ions in fuel can cause problems for operation of motor vehicle and so the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels - ANP - regulates the maximum allowed these species in fuel ethanol, as well as the method of analysis for its determination. Thus, the development of new methods for the analysis of these contaminants can decrease the cost of the analysis, increase detectability and lead to the development of portable devices, among others. To this end, this work presents the development of two electrodes, one modified with carbon nanotubes and Nafion®, and other modified with carbon nanotubes, Nafion® and 1,10-phenanthroline. The electrode modified with carbon nanotubes and Nafion® showed a great increase in the electrochemical response. This electrode was prepared by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with suspensions of carbon nanotubes and Nafion®. The modification was stable over 200 cycles of cyclic voltammetry. This electrode allowed the development of analytical method used to stripping voltammetry technique. The medium used in the measurements were hydroethanol mixture containing 30% v/v ethanol, 32 mmol L-1 KNO3 and 6.8 mmol L-1 of HNO3. The stripping... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Orientador: Nelson Ramos Stradiotto / Banca: Luiz Henrique Mazo / Banca: Mauro Bertotti / Resumo: No Brasil e no mundo a busca por combustíveis alternativos tornou-se cada vez mais importante e o biodiesel é considerado um combustível totalmente viável quando comparado aos combustíveis fosseis, devido a sua baixa emissão de gases causadores do efeito estufa. Porem sua baixa estabilidade à oxidação reflete diretamente em sua qualidade, assim antioxidantes sintéticos constituem os principais compostos que têm sido utilizados na preservação de biodiesel contra esses processos oxidativos. A determinação destes compostos normalmente emprega técnicas sofisticadas que requerem altos custos. Uma alternativa viável para sua determinação é a utilização de técnicas eletroanáliticas, por alcançarem baixos limites de detecção e menor custo, a utilização de eletrodos quimicamente modificados apresentam grande potencial para ampliar o campo de utilização da técnica voltamétrica, por proporcionar uma maior seletividade e sensibilidade. Neste trabalho é apresentado a determinação do antioxidante TBHQ e BHT em microemulsão de biodiesel utilizando um eletrodo de carbono vítreo modificado com nanotubos de carbono contendo pentacianonitrosilferrado de níquel e de cobre. De acordo com os resultados, foi observado que o antioxidante TBHQ sofre um processo de oxidação no potencial de 53 mV vs (Ag/AgCl) em meio de eletrólito suporte, quando comparado com o potencial obtido em eletrodo de carbono vítreo é notável o ganho provocado pela modificação, devido a uma diminuição de potencial de 130 mV e um ganho de três vezes em valor de corrente. A microemulsão utilizada foi a de composição biodiesel (composição 6% de biodiesel, 21% de eletrólito suporte contendo NaCl 0,5 mol L-1, em tampão fosfato 0,05 mol L-1 pH 7,0 e 73% de propanol). O estudo de concentração do TBHQ, utilizando técnica de redissolução adsortiva módulo varredura cíclica, apresentou linearidade na faixa de concentração de TBHQ de 5,0x10-7 a... / Abstract: In Brazil and in the world to search for alternative fuels has become increasingly important and biodiesel is considered a totally viable fuel compared to fossil fuels, due to their low emission of gases causing the greenhouse effect. However, its low oxidation stability is directly reflected in their quality, so synthetic antioxidants are the main compounds that have been used in the preservation of biodiesel against such oxidative processes. The determination of these compounds usually employs sophisticated techniques that require high costs. A viable alternative for their determination is the use of electroanalytical techniques for achieving low detection limits and lower cost, the use of chemically modified electrodes have great potential to expand the application range of the voltammetric technique, by providing greater selectivity and sensitivity. This paper presents the determination of the antioxidant BHT and TBHQ microemulsion biodiesel using a modified carbon nanotubes glass carbon electrode containing pentacianonitrosilferrado nickel and copper. According to the results , it was observed that the antioxidant TBHQ undergoes an oxidation potential in 53 mV vs (Ag/AgCl) in the middle of electrolyte compared with the potential obtained at a glassy carbon electrode is caused notable gain the modification due to a reduction potential of 130 mV and a gain value of three times of current. The microemulsion used was the biodiesel composition (composition 6% biodiesel with 21% NaCl electrolyte containing 0.5 mol L-1 in phosphate buffer 0.05 mol L-1 pH 7.0 and 73 % propanol ) . The study of concentration of TBHQ, using adsorptive stripping voltammetry technique module cyclical scan showed linearity in the concentration range of TBHQ 5.0x10-7 to 3.7x10-5 mol L-1 with a LOD of 4.1x10-7 in electrolyte support and 1.1x10-4 to 9.8x10-3 mol L-1 with a LOD of 8.4x10-5 mol L- 1 in microemulsion biodiesel, using the electrode NiPCNF-MWCNTs/GCE ... / Mestre

This thesis focuses on designing and synthesis of novel molecular imaging probes based on non-covalent funtionalisation of pure single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Several synthetic strategies for the supramolecular chemistry functionalisation of SWNTs, cytotoxicity measurements and cellular imaging of supramolecularly functionalised carbon nanotube probes are discussed. Chapter one is a literature review as the thesis Introduction. This describes aspects of the physical and chemical properties, structural importance and synthesis methods of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), also opens the discussion of the different functionalisation methods to enhance the solubility and biocompatibility of SWNTs for biomedical applications. Several approaches for the design of functionalisation SWNTs for molecular imaging reported in the current literature are highlighted. Techniques and facilities for accessing cell imaging ability and behavior of these synthesized molecular imaging probes, including confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) are described briefly. Chapter two explores the synthesis of specifically designed naphthalene diimide (NDI). These molecules are known to form 3 dimensional (3D) helical organic nanotubes through hydrogen bonding. In this work an iodine-tagged NDI was allowed to self-assemble onto the surface of SWNTs. The cavities of the NDI organic nanotubes can accommodate SWNTs strands in their hydrophobic interior as observed high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR TEM). A new hybrid material, NDI@SWNT, was prepared and characterised as dispersed in organic solvents and aqueous media and in the solid state by HR TEM, tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), circular dichroism, Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies (steady-state single and two-photon techniques). These measurements indicate that amino acid-functionalised NDI interacts strongly with SWNTs in dispersions and forms a donor-acceptor complex denoted NDI@SWNT. The interaction of this nanohybrid with cancer cells was explored using fluorescence microscopies. Chapter three describes the synthesis of series of molecular imaging agents based on two cancer targeting peptides (bombesin and RGDfK). Two types of NDIpeptide conjugates (Iodine-tagged NDI-Bombesin and Tryptophan-NDI-RGDfK) were designed and synthesized through EDC-coupling method. New compounds synthesized were characterised by mass spectroscopy and also HPLC. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microcopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were utilised for investigating cellular behaviors (stability, fluorescence intensity and localization) of these molecular imaging probes. Chapter four describes the synthesis of amphiphilic conjugated thiophenes (dodecathiophene, denoted as T12). In this system, the thiophene backbone structure was chosen as a biocompatible coating for carbon nanotubes as simple molecular mechanics modeling suggested that it would be perfectly fitted to the curvature of SWNTs. T12 showed very good capability for debundling of SWNTs and forming corresponding solution dispersions of T12@SWNTs describes the potential of T12@SWNTs as a stable fluorescent bioimaging nano-probe for tracking cancer cells. Chapter five describes the successful filling of SWNTs with Cu2+ by radiochemistry methods (using 'hot' 64Cu ions anchored onto NaOAc) and also by a 'cold' optimised procedure for excess Cu(OAc)2. Filling with other metal ions was also tested, for example KReO4 and Zr(OAc)4. The filling experiments with Zr(OAc)4 in solution did not prove successful at normal pH but results were promising when pH was adjusted to ca. 2 by adding H2SO4. Any significant leakage of metal ions from open SWNTs was avoided by a simultaneous encapsulation of C70 molecules at the ends of SWNTs. Functionalisation of SWNTs by the supramolecular wrapping the surface of SWNTs in aqueous media with a naturally occurring glucan (β-1,3-1,4-Dglucan, denoted here as β-D-glucan) was also explored. Several boronic acid fluorophores were successfully synthesized and tested for the labeling of β-D-glucan @SWNTs by molecular recognition between boronic acids and this polysaccharide. Their cellular translocation behaviour and fluorescence properties were investigated by confocal fluorescence imaging and fluorescence lifetime imaging. Both methods show that localisation in sub-cellular (MCF-7 cells) regions and that the glucan coating significantly enhances the cell membrane translocation of SWNTs. Chapter six reports an efficient and economical strategy of supramolecular complex formulation of thermally reduced graphene. Naphthalene diimide (NDI) was used to form a stable and energy transfer complex which showed efficient quenching and significant red-shift of fluorescence of NDI when adsorbed onto graphene surfaces. The effect of thermally reducing annealing procedure to convert graphene oxides in graphene-nanoflake like materials was investigated. A new hybrid material (denoted here as NDI@TRG) synthesized was characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and fluorescence microscopy in the dispersed phase Chapter seven contains full experimental details for the work described in this thesis. The Appendix contains details of the crystallographic data and supplementary information on cell imaging photos and fluorescence lifetime point decay data for SWNT nanocomposites.

Liquid crystals (LCs) are anisotropic fluids that exhibit numerous thermodynamically stable phases in between an isotropic liquid and a three-dimensionally ordered solid. In their simplest ordered phase, the nematic, LCs show orientational order due to molecular self assembly and at the same time maintaining fluid flow properties. In the smectic phase, they show both orientational and partial translational order characterized by a 1-d density wave. Liquid crystalline substances have been extensively studied due to their applications and as important physical models of self-assembly. The effect of the disorder and impurities on LC systems is an important and challenging problem to the fundamental understanding of phases ordering or self-assembly and continually attracts the attention of researchers. The disordered systems often display complex and rich phenomena, being the generalization of the pure (ideal) systems. Disorder can dramatically alter the physical properties of multi-component, composite systems. In particular, the effect of disorder on phase transitions is important as the disorder typically couples to the order parameter, which can be usefully described as a random local field that is conjugate to the order parameter. This is usually realized in systems with random inclusions in a phase ordering media, e.g., a colloidal dispersion of solids in a complex fluid. Another form of disorder is presented by dilution effects, which imposes instead the random breaking or weakening of intermolecular bonds or interactions responsible for the phase ordering. Exploring a good physical system representing random dilution effects in a controlled manner offers a physical probe to unresolved problems in the understanding of mesophasic order. This Dissertation presents a series of studies of dilution and different form of disorder effect on liquid crystal phase transitions. We have used high-resolution AC-calorimetry, dielectric spectroscopy as well as polarizing microscopy to characterize the effects of solvent such as hexane, acetone, decane, and nanomaterials such as multiwall carbon nanotubes and ferroelectric nanoparticles on the phase transitions of several liquid crystals. The liquid crystals of interest are: pentylcyanobiphenyl (5CB), octylcyanobiphenyl (8CB), and decylcyanobiphenyl (10CB). Studies have been carried out as a function of solvent, nanotube, and nanoparticles concentration and temperature spanning the isotropic to nematic (I-N), nematic to smectic-A (N-SmA), and isotropic to smectic-A (I-SmA) phase transitions.

One of the objectives of nanotechnology is to develop ways to build functional nanoscale devices from nanostructures. Whether these nanodevices will constitute the basis for new technologies rests on the ability to precisely manipulate the nanostructures in such a way that large numbers of functional devices can be built in parallel, with each nanodevice precisely located and addressed. In this work nanostructures dispersed in solution are organized onto surfaces by means of molecular-scale directed assembly. This technique combines top down high resolution lithographic patterning to bottom up self-assembly: specific molecular interactions take place at locations precisely defined by lithography, resulting in the parallel assembly of an arbitrarily large number of devices into complex and precisely ordered arrangements. While different molecules are used in this study, DNA plays a key role throughout the work due to the specificity of its interactions, its programmability and outstanding chemical flexibility. Two approaches are developed to direct the assembly of nanostructures on a surface. The first involves the patterning and selective functionalization of metallic nanodots that are used as anchors for the attachment of DNA molecules, proteins, DNA nanostructures and single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) segments wrapped by DNA. Different strategies are explored to maximize the yield of the desired assembly. This platform also allows the monitoring of DNA-protein interactions with single molecule resolution, which has many potential biomedical applications. In the second approach, lithographic patterning is used to define regions of high surface energy that promote the binding of DNA origami and SWCNT segments. The high patterning resolution again allows for single nanostructure manipulation. This method facilitates the assembly of SWCNT field effect transistors from DNA-wrapped SWCNT segments. The formation of multi-component nano-objects in solution, by directing the linkage of properly functionalized nanostructures, is also studied. The products of these reactions are suitable for surface placement with the developed directed assembly techniques, thereby resulting in a hierarchical directed assembly process. Among others, the synthesis of SWCNT-dsDNA heterostructures is described. These hybrid objects can be used to electrically probe dsDNA using the SWCNTs as electrodes, by assembling solid state devices by means of the directed assembly methods, and also by conductive AFM. The results of some electrical measurements of double stranded DNA are discussed. The techniques developed in this thesis are directly applicable to fundamental studies of electron transport in molecules and other nanostructures, but they also have utility in other fields, such as chemistry and biology, where single molecule resolution is required. In addition, the approaches developed in this work may facilitate the advancement of new electronics technologies, including, but not limited to, future circuits based on single-wall carbon nanotubes with specific electronic properties.

A proposta do projeto era a imobilização do complexo [RuCl2(PPh3)3] em matriz de nanotubos de carbono pelo ligante 3-piperidinametanol para ser utilizado em reações de ROMP. Para tanto, o trabalho dividiu-se em duas etapas: (1) estudo do complexo [RuCl2 (PPh3)2 (pip-3-MeOH)] e sua atividade na ROMP; (2) imobilização do complexo [RuCl2 (PPh3)3] e estudos de ROMP com o mesmo. Na primeira etapa, o complexo foi caracterizado por análise elementar (CHN), EPR, FT-IR, RMN 31P{1H} e espectroscopia eletrônica na região do UV-vis. Os resultados sugerem um complexo pentacoordenado com os íons cloreto cis-posicionados. A ROMP de norborneno em clorofórmio foi testada na ausência e na presença de diferentes ácidos no meio. Os melhores rendimentos obtidos foram de 93,6% de poliNBE (Mn = 11 x 104 g.mol-1; IPD = 1,8) em reações de 60 min a 50°C, na presença de HCl com razão molar [NBE]/[Ru] = 5000 e 5 μL de EDA. Por MEV, observou-se que os polímeros obtidos não apresentaram poros. Por análise de DSC, obteve-se Tg de aproximadamente 36,5°C. Na segunda etapa do trabalho, o composto obtido foi caracterizado por análise elementar (CHN) e FT-IR. Foram realizados estudos de lixiviação utilizando-se um sistema de Soxhlet seguido de análise por espectroscopia de absorção atômica. A porcentagem de rutênio lixiviada foi de 26,13%. O composto SWNT-Ru foi utilizado em reações de ROMP de NBE. Em reações de 60 min em diclorometano a 50°C com razão molar [NBE]/[Ru] = 5000 e 5 μL de EDA, o rendimento foi de 72,1%. Os polímeros com CNTs foram analisados por MEV e também não apresentaram poros. Já na análise de DSC, observou-se um aumento na Tg, que foi de 42,5°C. Na tentativa de separar o catalisador ancorado do polímero obtido, testou-se a ROMP em tolueno com concentrações de NBE baixa ([NBE]/[Ru] = 300) e alta ([NBE]/[Ru] = 5000), com adição de etil vinil éter para finalizar a reação. Em nenhum dos casos obteve-se sucesso. Um experimento adicional ao trabalho foi a funcionalização de matriz de grafite com complexo de rutênio. O composto obtido foi caracterizado por análise elementar (CHN), FT-IR e espectroscopia eletrônica na região do UV-vis. Os resultados mostraram que o grafite pode ser funcionalizado e é uma alternativa de matriz de baixo custo para imobilização de complexos de rutênio. / The project aimed the complex [RuCl2(PPh3)3] immobilization in carbon nanotubes by the ligand 3-piperidinemethanol to be used in ROMP. So, this work was divided in two parts: study of the complex [RuCl2 (PPh3)2 (pip-3-MeOH)] and its activity in ROMP; (2) complex [RuCl2 (PPh3)3] immobilization and ROMP studies with it. In the first part, the complex was characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), EPR, FT-IR, RMN 31P{1H} and electronic spectroscopy on UV-vis. The results suggest a pentacoordinated complex with cis-positioned chlorides. The ROMP of norbornene in absence and presence of different acids was tested. The best yield was 93,6% ((Mn = 11 x 104 g.mol-1; PDI = 1,8) of poliNBE in reactions of 60 minutes at 50°C in the presence of HCl with a molar ratio [NBE]/[Ru] = 5000 and 5 μL of EDA. By SEM, it was observed that polymers obtained didn\'t showed pores. For DSC analysis, Tg was approximately 36,5°C. In the second part of the work, the obtained compound was characterized by elemental analysis (CHN) and FT-IR. Leaching studies with a Soxhlet system were performed, followed by analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The percentage of leached ruthenium was 26,13%. The SWNT-Ru was used in ROMP of NBE. In 60 minutes reactions in dichloromethane at 50°C with a molar ratio [NBE]/[Ru] = 5000 and 5 μL of EDA, the yield was 72,1%. The polymers with CNTs were analyzed by SEM and also showed no pores. In DSC analysis, an increase in Tg was observed, which was 42,5°C. In attempting to separate the catalyst from the polymer obtained, ROMP in toluene was tested with low (NEB]/[Ru] = 300) and high ([NBE]/[Ru] = 5000) concentrations, with addiction of ethyl vinyl ether to complete the reaction. None of them was successful. An additional experiment was the functionalization of graphite matrix with ruthenium complex. The obtained compound was characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), FT-IR and electronic spectroscopy in the UV-vis region. The results showed that the graphite can be functionalized and is an alternative low-cost matrix for immobilization of ruthenium complexes.

Single-molecule carbon nanotube-based field-effect transistors are promising all-electronic devices for probing interactions of various biological and chemical molecules at the single- molecule level. Such devices consist of point-functionalized carbon nanotubes which are charge sensitive in the vicinity of a generated defect on the nanotube sidewall. Of particular interest is the characterization of the kinetic rates and thermodynamics of DNA duplex formation through repeated association (hybridization) and dissociation (melting) events on timescales unmatched by conventional single-molecule methods. In this work, we study the kinetics and thermodynamics of DNA duplex formation with two types of single-walled nanotubes: CVD-grown and solution-processed. In both assessments, we are able to extract kinetic and thermodynamic parameters governing the hybridization and melting of DNA oligonucleotides. In the latter case, devices are spun onto a wafer surface from an organic suspension, revealing consistent electrical characteristics. Significant effort is made to expand this work to wafer-level, in an effort to make the fabrication manufacturable.

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