Atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 catalysts for narrow diameter distributed single-walled carbon nanotube arrays growth

Taking the importance of uniform size catalysts and the unfavorable effects of residual metal catalysts into consideration, herein, we develop a facile way which utilizes the typical and facile semiconducting technique namely atomic layer deposition (ALD) to prepare non-metallic Al2O3 catalysts for narrow diameter single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) arrays growth. As a result, we obtained SWNT arrays with narrow-diameter distribution of 1.26 ± 0.033 nm on the a-plane sapphire substrates. Moreover, the relationship between catalysts and SWNTs were explored. These optimized conditions pave an avenue for narrow diameter even chirality distribution in SWNTs growth, which promotes the development of structure-controlled and relative applications of SWNTs.

Graphical abstractA facile technique for selective growth of narrow diameter distributed SWNT arrays using Al2O3 catalysts. Al2O3 catalysts were loaded onto the substrates via atomic layer deposition. This facile and effective technique will be beneficial to fundamental researches and broaden applications of SWNTs for future nanoelectronics.Download high-res image (365KB)Download full-size image