Thermally enhanced single-walled carbon nanotube microfluidic alignment

We present thermally enhanced single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) horizontal alignment on a wafer scale level that enhances the device performance with a possibility of mass production. The SWCNT dispersion is evaporated on the heated and tilted open microfluidic channel template of photoresist. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrates well-aligned SWCNTs qualitatively and G-band to D-band (G/D) ratio in Raman spectra indicates the degree of alignment quantitatively. The effect of temperature, fluidic channel dimension, concentration of SWCNT dispersion and wetting properties on the alignment is investigated, resulting in G/D ratio of up to 30.

The microfluidic channel (top) left the aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (bottom) along the fluidic direction. The heating temperature played an important role in controlling the degree of alignment.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We performed microfluidic template guided alignment of SWCNTs.
► The degree of alignment was enhanced by heating SWCNT dispersion.
► The G- to D-band ratio in Raman spectra was found as up to 30.
► Temperature plays the most important role in controlling the degree of alignment.