Domain growth of carbon nanotubes assisted by dewetting of thin catalyst precursor films

- A new method is presented for the micro-domain confined growth of functional materials such as CNT by spontaneous dewetting of thin catalyst films (iron oleate precursor for CNT).
- Use of a carrier, sacrificial polymer thin film for the formation of catalyst micro-domains by dewetting of the composite film under a liquid mixture.
- Problems related to the mobility and aggregation of the catalyst particles at CVD temperature are resolved by using sacrificial polymer dewetting.
- Iron oleate as a precursor in the form of thin film is used for CNT growth for the first time.
- Spontaneous dewetting of unstable thin films solves the large area, one step micro-isolation requirement in catalyst placement. Dewetting, combined with micro-patterning tools (NIL, UVL or CFL, etc.), creates spatially patterned growth of functional materials such as CNT.