One-dimensional electron systems for anchoring growth of carbon nanostructures

Carbon nanostructures are promising candidates for ultra-small electronics, but the lack of a cost-effective approach for large scale production also constitutes an important problem. Here, in a pilot study, we describe and illustrate a surface-based assembly that involves three steps: (a) the self-organization of a highly reactive one-dimensional surface electron system, (b) a strong and orientational-specific anchoring of graphite overlayers, followed possibly by (c) (stimulated) exfoliation and rebonding of the graphite sheets into nanotubes. We present preliminary results to characterize this approach. We argue that the nanotube chirality and hence the nature of electronic conduction are prespecified by the surface electron structure. The discussion focuses on the one-dimensional metallic electron gas (1DEG) systems that we have recently predicted to form on flexible and low-symmetry oxides [Phys. Rev. Lett. 90 (2003) 236803]; here the anchoring is due to metallic chemisorption. The proposed nanostructure fabrication method can be developed to provide in situ assembly of circuits of nanostructures between predefined contacts and near gates.