This report details work toward the fabrication of a single-electron transistor created from a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT). Specifically discussed is a method for growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via carbon vapor deposition (CVD). The growth is catalyzed by a solution of 0.02g Fe(NO3)3·9H2O, 0.005g MoO2(acac)2, and 0.015g of alumina particles in 15mL methanol. SWNT diameter ranges from 0.6 to 3.0 nm. Also discussed is a method to control nanotube growth location by patterning samples with small islands of catalyst. A novel “maskless” photolithographic process is used to focus light from a lightweight commercial digital projector through a microscope. Catalyst islands created by this method are approximately 400 μm2 in area.

Cette thèse est consacrée à l’étude du dépôt uniforme et de l’alignement à haute densité en nanotubes de carbone monoparois (NTCMP) sur différents substrats, à l’analyse qualitative des propriétés optiques excitoniques et aux modes de vibration des échantillons à NTCMP, et à la fabrication de guides d’onde optiques à base de NTCMP, en vue de composants photoniques pour les télécoms, autour de 1550 nm. Deux types de NTCMP ont été étudiés durant cette thèse : des NTCMP « HiPCO » (« high pressure carbon monoxide ») issus de la décomposition du monoxyde de carbone à haute pression, et des NTCMP « LV » (« laser vaporization ») provenant de l’ablation laser d’une cible en graphite. Plusieurs méthodes de dépôt de ces NTCMP ont été développées, telles que la méthode de dépôt assistée-par-tube, la méthode de dépôt en sillon, la méthode par pulvérisation, la méthode par centrifugation à grande vitesse, la méthode optimisée par centrifugation à vitesse réduite (MOCVR) et la méthode à jet d’encre. La qualité, l’épaisseur et l’uniformité des films de NTCMP sont caractérisées par observations au microscope électronique à balayage (MEB). Il est montré ici que l’uniformité des films à base de NTCMP HiPCO dépend fortement de la concentration en surfactants de la dispersion à base de NTCMP déposée. Des films uniformes de NTCMP LV ont été obtenus par la MOCVR et leur épaisseur couvre une gamme de 600nm à 900nm (avec une erreur <10%), qui dépend de la nature du substrat. L’alignement par diélectrophorèse (DEP) de NTCMP HiPCO et LV a été développé et optimisé. Ainsi, une nouvelle méthode (DEP « assistée-parchauffage ») est proposée afin d’obtenir un alignement à très haute densité en NTCMP. Cette méthode d’alignement par DEP assistée-par-chauffage a fait l’objet de travaux de simulation pour comprendre l’effet de la température. Les propriétés optiques excitoniques et les modes de vibration des NTCMP en solution et en film sur substrat ont été caractérisés par spectroscopies d’absorption, de photoluminescence (PL), d’excitation de la PL et Raman. Les niveaux de défauts et d’isolement des NTCMP HiPCO, les distributions en diamètre et en chiralité, les cartographies de l’uniformité et de l’épaisseur des films à base de NTCMP, et l’effet du laser à forte puissance, ont été qualitativement étudiés par spectroscopie Raman. Le rendement quantique interne en PL de NTCMP HiPCO en film est estimée à une valeur de 5%. Le transfert d’exciton entre NTCMP HiPCO individualisés, le rôle du polymère environnant sur les propriétés excitoniques des NTCMP LV, et les excitons sombres sont discutés dans cette thèse. Le design et la fabrication de guides optiques hybrides à une dimension, contenant une ou trois couches de NTCMP HiPCO, et de guides optiques à deux dimensions à base de NTCMP LV ont été menés. Les étapes de fabrication des guides optiques sont ici examinées en détails. La propagation à 1550nm de ces guides d’onde à base de NTCMP est observée. La propagation de la lumière dans les guides d’onde à base de NTCMP LV est une caractéristique préliminaire pour toute cavité optique et confère un fort potentiel aux NTCMP LV pour les composants photoniques de la future génération. / This thesis concentrates on the uniform deposition and highdensity alignment of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on various substrates, the qualitative analysis of optical and excitonic properties, as well as vibrational modes of SWCNTbased samples by absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopies, and the fabrication of SWCNT-based optical waveguides towards photonics devices in the 1.55μm telecom window. Two types of SWCNT were studied during this thesis: “HiPCO” SWCNT from high pressure carbon monoxide conversion process (HiPCO) and “LV” SWCNT from catalytic growth of SWCNT assisted by laser vaporization (LV) of graphite. Several methods for the deposition of these SWCNTs were investigated and performed, including tube-assisted deposition method, groove deposition method, spraying method, high-speed spin coating method, improved low-speed spin coating method (ILSSCM) and inkjet printing method. The quality, thickness and uniformity of SWCNT films are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The uniformity of HiPCO SWCNT-based film is shown to depend strongly on the surfactants concentration in deposited SWCNTbased dispersion. Uniform LV SWCNTbased films using ILSSCM were obtained with thicknesses ranging from 600nm to 900nm (with thickness error <10%), depending on substrates nature. Alignment of HiPCO and LV- SWCNTs using a dielectrophoresis method, combining microtechnological processes and SEM observations, is investigated and optimized. Thus, a new method (“heating-enhanced DEP”) for ultra-high alignment density of HiPCO SWCNTs is proposed. The effect of temperature in this heating-enhanced DEP process is further explained by simulation works. Optical and excitonic properties, vibrational modes of SWCNT solutions and films are characterized by absorption, PL and PL excitation, Raman spectroscopies. The defects and the isolation levels of HiPCO SWCNT, the chirality- and diameterdistributions of SWCNT, the uniformity and the thickness mapping of SWCNT-based films, and the effect of high energy laser are qualitatively analyzed by Raman spectra. We estimated the PL quantum efficiency value of HiPCO SWCNT film of around 5%. The exciton energy transfer between individualized HiPCO SWCNTs, the role of polymer environment on excitonic properties of LV SWCNTs, and the dark excitons are discussed in this thesis. One-layer and three-layers of HiPCO SWCNT-based onedimensional slab optical waveguides of hybrid core structures, and LV SWCNT-based twodimensional optical waveguides are designed and fabricated. The fabrication process steps of the optical waveguides are investigated in details. 1.55μm propagation in these SWCNT-based waveguides is highlighted. Single- or multi-mode emissions around 1.5μm and 1.6μm are observed in LV SWCNTbased optical waveguides. The light propagation in the LV SWCNT-based optical waveguide is the preliminary characteristic of an optical cavity, which confers great potential for future generation LV SWCNT-based photonics devices.

The outstanding electrical and mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) may offer solutions to realizing high-mobility and high-bendability thin-film transistors (TFTs) for the emerging flexible electronics. This thesis aims to develop low-cost ink-jet printing techniques for high-performance TFTs based on pristine SWCNTs. The main challenge of this work is to suppress the effects of “metallic SWCNT contamination” and improve the device electrical performance. To this end, this thesis entails a balance between experiments and simulations.   First, TFTs with low-density SWCNTs in the channel region are fabricated by utilizing standard silicon technology. Their electrical performance is investigated in terms of throughput, transfer characteristics, dimensional scaling and dependence on electrode metals. The demonstrated insensitivity of electrical performance to the electrode metals lifts constrains on choosing metal inks for ink-jet printing.   Second, Monte Carlo models on the basis of percolation theory have been established, and high-efficiency algorithms have been proposed for investigations of large-size stick systems in order to facilitate studies of TFTs with channel length up to 1000 times that of the SWCNTs. The Monte Carlo simulations have led to fundamental understanding on stick percolation, including high-precision percolation threshold, universal finite-size scaling function, and dependence of critical conductivity exponents on assignment of component resistance. They have further generated understanding of practical issues regarding heterogeneous percolation systems and the doping effects in SWCNT TFTs.   Third, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to explore new device structures for performance improvement of SWCNT TFTs. In particular, a novel device structure featuring composite SWCNT networks in the channel is predicted by the simulation and subsequently confirmed experimentally by another research group. Through Monte Carlo simulations, the compatibility of previously-proposed long-strip-channel SWCNT TFTs with ink-jet printing has also been demonstrated.   Finally, relatively sophisticated ink-jet printing techniques have been developed for SWCNT TFTs with long-strip channels. This research spans from SWCNT ink formulation to device design and fabrication. SWCNT TFTs are finally ink-jet printed on both silicon wafers and flexible Kapton substrates with fairly high electrical performance. / QC 20100910

This report details work toward the fabrication of a single-electron transistor created from a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT). Specifically discussed is a method for growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via carbon vapor deposition (CVD). The growth is catalyzed by a solution of 0.02g Fe(NO3)3·9H2O, 0.005g MoO2(acac)2, and 0.015g of alumina particles in 15mL methanol. SWNT diameter ranges from 0.6 to 3.0 nm. Also discussed is a method to control nanotube growth location by patterning samples with small islands of catalyst. A novel “maskless” photolithographic process is used to focus light from a lightweight commercial digital projector through a microscope. Catalyst islands created by this method are approximately 400 μm2 in area.

This report details work toward the fabrication of a single-electron transistor created from a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT). Specifically discussed is a method for growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via carbon vapor deposition (CVD). The growth is catalyzed by a solution of 0.02g Fe(NO3)3·9H2O, 0.005g MoO2(acac)2, and 0.015g of alumina particles in 15mL methanol. SWNT diameter ranges from 0.6 to 3.0 nm. Also discussed is a method to control nanotube growth location by patterning samples with small islands of catalyst. A novel “maskless” photolithographic process is used to focus light from a lightweight commercial digital projector through a microscope. Catalyst islands created by this method are approximately 400 μm2 in area.

Fabrication of SWCNT-PMMA and Activated Charcoal- PMMA composites was carried out by the compression moulding technique. Then Mechanical and Electrical properties of the composites were investigated. The morphological studies of composites showed a) good dispersion of fillers and b) good interaction between fillers and matrix. Electrical conductivity of SWCNT-PMMA composites was increased by 9 orders of magnitude (at 0.8 % volume fraction of SWCNT) and that of AC-PMMA composites increased by 16 orders of magnitude (at 17 % volume fraction of AC). The percolation threshold of both composites turned out to be lower compared to the theoretical values. A significant improvement in mechanical properties was obtained ??? particularly in AC-PMMA composites which showed a 400 % improvement in Vickers microhardness ??? raising the polymer matrix abrasion property literally to that of Aluminium alloys (Dobrazanski et al 2006). In conclusion, it is to be noted that Activated Charcoal - PMMA composites have a great potential for cost effective conducting polymer composite production by the use of cheap filler: In addition, the compression moulding technique shows good potential for cost effective fabricating technique for amorphous polymers with high electrical and mechanical properties.

Different carbon nanostructures have different properties and different applications. It is needed to synthesize good quality and also on large scale. From the point of industrial applications, highly productive and low cost synthesis method is very essential. Research has been done extensively on the intrinsic and individual properties of both single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWC-NTs) in the range of nanometer to micrometer length scale. The important question is how the properties change beyond this length scale and if they are used in group in the form of an array instead of the individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Some applications require large current output, large energy production etc. For such kind of applications, it becomes essential to use CNTs in large number in the form of arrays or array, instead of using large numbers of CNTs in individual level. Future nanotechnology scope requires large scale application using the very rich intrinsic properties of the CNTs and nanomaterials. Keeping these problems and challenges in front, this thesis work is devoted to the research of the large scale synthesis of mm long MWCNTs, having different morphology and studies on various physical properties of MWCNTs in the form of arrays. Synthesis of mm long aligned and buckled MWCNTs have been reported for the first time. Generally buckled CNTs were obtained by compressing the straight CNTs. Apart from this, different morphologies like, aligned straight, helical or coiled CNTs are also synthesized. Resistance of the individual CNT increases with the increase in length. Resistance versus length of an array of CNT also shows similar behaviour. The thermal conductivity of CNT array is observed to decrease with the increase of array diameter (diameter �100 µm). There are few reports of the similar behaviour with the experiments done on small diameter CNT arrays (diameter �100 nm). From these observations, it seems that in the arrays of CNT, their intrinsic individual property is preserved though the magnitudes are different. The conductance measurements done on buckled CNT array by compressing it to apply uniaxial strain, shows the conductance oscillation. This conductance oscillation seems to be originating from the band gap change due to strain when the CNTs bend during compression. Recent research focuses on the arrays of CNT as they can carry large current of the order of several milliamperes that make the arrays suitable in nanoscale electronics and in controlling macroscopic devices such as light emitting diodes and electromotors. Regarding this aspect, a part of this thesis work is devoted on the application of CNT array to field effect transistor (FET) and study of thermoelectric power generation using CNT arrays. The entire thesis is based on the works discussed above. It has been organized as follows: Chapter 1 deals with introduction about the different carbon nanostructures and different synthesis methods. A brief introduction about the different current-voltage (IV) characteristics of SWCNTs and MWCNTs, length and diameter dependence and effect of the mode of contacts, are given. Some applications of the array of CNTs like buckling effect on compression, stretching of CNT into the form of rope, and conduction change on compression are discussed. Application of CNT as FET, as a thermometer, and thermoelectric effect of CNT are discussed. The electromechanical effect of CNT is also discussed briefly. Chapter 2 deals with experimental setup for synthesis of different morphologies of carbon nanostructures. The samples are characterized using common characterization techniques like, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. A brief introduction about Raman Spectroscopy of CNT is given. Chapter 3 reports the unusual IV characteristics and breakdown of long CNT arrays. The current carrying ability and the threshold voltage as a function of array diameter are reported. The effect of the ambient like temperature and pressure are discussed. Chapter 4 deals with theoretical models to analyze the IV characteristics reported in Chapter 3. It has been shown that a set of classical equations are applicable to quantum structures and the band gap can be evaluated. Chapter 5 describes with application of CNT arrays as temperature sensors. It has been shown that CNT arrays of suitable diameters are used as temperature sensors after calibration. Chapter 6 reports the high current FET application of CNT arrays. Effects of temperature and ambient pressure are discussed. The type of the majority charge carrier is determined. Chapter 7 deals with application of CNT arrays as thermoelectric power generator to get large thermoelectric current. Effects of different array diameter are discussed. Modulation of thermoemf with gate voltage is discussed. The type of the majority charge carrier is determined. Chapter 8 reports the effect of compressive strain on buckled MWCNT arrays. Conductance is measured during the compression of the array. Quantum electromechanical conductance oscillation is observed. The structural changes are observed with SEM. Raman spectroscopic study supports the explanation of the effect. Chapter 9 provides the conclusion and overall summary of the thesis.

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No description available.

La microscopie à force atomique (AFM) permet d’étudier à l’échelle nanométrique la surface d’échantillons. Elle offre de nombreux avantages par rapport aux microscopes optiques et aux microscopes électroniques, tout en évitant des étapes de préparation particulières : pas de nécessité de congeler, de métalliser ou de teinter l’échantillon ni de travailler sous vide. La résolution de l'imagerie AFM est principalement déterminée par la morphologie de la sonde utilisée et peut atteindre la résolution moléculaire. Toutefois, les sondes en silicium sont très fragiles. De plus, leur forme pyramidale ou conique génère des artefacts sur l’image résultante. Parmi les sondes actuellement en développement, les sondes à nanotubes de carbone mono-paroi offrent de bonnes caractéristiques en termes de qualité d'imagerie et de longévité. Ces sondes sont plus résistantes et de plus petite taille que les sondes traditionnelles.Cette thèse s’intéresse à la fabrication directe de sondes à nanotubes mono-paroi sur des extrémités de pointes AFM commerciales par la méthode de dépôt chimique en phase vapeur assistée par filament chaud dans un réacteur développé au CBMN. En jouant sur les paramètres de synthèse, tels que la quantité de catalyseur ou la température, nous optimisons le protocole de synthèse originel en collaboration avec son auteur Anne-Marie Bonnot afin de l’adapter à notre réacteur. Les nanotubes obtenus sont caractérisés par les microscopies Raman, électronique à balayage et transmission et à force atomique. La caractérisation montre que les nanotubes obtenus ont une structure mono-paroi. Le rendement d’obtention de sondes nanotubes utilisables est de 30%.Les courbes d’approche-retrait d'AFM nous donnent des informations sur la sonde à nanotube utilisée, telles que sa raideur, le nombre de nanotubes en contact avec la surface. Ces courbes nous permettent de sélectionner les paramètres d’imagerie. Deux échantillons sont testés avec les sondes produites : du graphite pyrolytique haute orientation et des origamis d’ADN rectangulaires. Nous réalisons des expériences d’imagerie avec des sondes à nanotube dans l’air en mode dynamique FM et en milieu liquide en mode Peak Force. Les résultats montrent des images à haute résolution de l’origami d’ADN où la période de 5,8 nm est observable. Les sondes à nanotube présentent également une plus longue durée de vie que les pointes AFM en silicium. / Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to study at nanometer scale samples on surfaces. It offers many advantages over conventional optical microscopes and electron microscopes: no freezing, metal coating, vacuum or dye is needed to prepare the sample. The AFM imaging resolution is mostly determined by the sharpness of the used probe and can reach molecular resolution. However, silicon probes are brittle. Additionally, their pyramidal or conical shape generates artifacts on the resulting image. Among the probes currently under development, single-walled carbon nanotube probes offer good characteristics in terms of imaging quality and longevity. These probes are more resistant and smaller in size than traditional probes.This thesis focuses on the direct fabrication of single-wall nanotube probes at the apex of commercial AFM tips by the hot-filament chemical vapor deposition method in a reactor developed at CBMN. By playing on the synthesis parameters, such as the amount of catalyst or the temperature of synthesis, we optimize the original synthesis protocol in collaboration with its author Anne-Marie Bonnot in order to adapt it to our reactor. The nanotubes obtained are characterized by Raman, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and AFM. The characterization shows that the nanotubes obtained have a single-wall structure. The yield of nanotube probes for AFM is 30%.AFM approach-retract curves give us information about the nanotube probe used, such as its stiffness or the number of nanotubes in contact with the surface. These curves allow us to select the imaging parameters. Two samples are tested with the produced probes: highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and rectangular DNA origamis. We image the samples with nanotube probes in both air with dynamical FM mode and in liquid medium with Peak Force mode. The results show high resolution images of DNA origami where the 5.8 nm period is observable. Nanotube probes also have longer life than silicon AFM tips.