Carbon nanotube substrates and catalyzed hot stamp for polishing and patterning the substrates
First Claim
1. A method comprising the steps of:
- a) contacting a carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber with a metal surface to form a CNT-metal interface;
wherein the contacting step comprises translating the CNT fiber to the metal surface; and
wherein the CNT fiber contacts the metal surface at an end of the CNT fiber; and
b) heating the CNT-metal interface in an etching atmosphere at a temperature that permits catalytic etching of the end of the CNT fiber to provide an end-etched CNT fiber.
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Abstract
The present invention is generally directed to catalyzed hot stamp methods for polishing and/or patterning carbon nanotube-containing substrates. In some embodiments, the substrate, as a carbon nanotube fiber end, is brought into contact with a hot stamp (typically at 200-800° C.), and is kept in contact with the hot stamp until the morphology/patterns on the hot stamp have been transferred to the substrate. In some embodiments, the hot stamp is made of material comprising one or more transition metals (Fe, Ni, Co, Pt, Ag, Au, etc.), which can catalyze the etching reaction of carbon with H2, CO2, H2O, and/or O2. Such methods can (1) polish the carbon nanotube-containing substrate with a microscopically smooth finish, and/or (2) transfer pre-defined patterns from the hot stamp to the substrate. Such polished or patterned carbon nanotube substrates can find application as carbon nanotube electrodes, field emitters, and field emitter arrays for displays and electron sources.
15 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method comprising the steps of:
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a) contacting a carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber with a metal surface to form a CNT-metal interface; wherein the contacting step comprises translating the CNT fiber to the metal surface; and wherein the CNT fiber contacts the metal surface at an end of the CNT fiber; and b) heating the CNT-metal interface in an etching atmosphere at a temperature that permits catalytic etching of the end of the CNT fiber to provide an end-etched CNT fiber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method comprising the steps of:
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a) contacting a carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber with a metal surface to form a CNT-metal interface, wherein the CNT fiber contacts the metal surface at an end of the CNT fiber; b) heating the CNT-metal interface in an etching atmosphere at a temperature that permits catalytic etching of the end of the CNT fiber to provide an end-etched CNT fiber; and c) feeding the end of the CNT fiber into the metal surface as the end of the CNT fiber is etched, wherein the step of feeding utilizes a piezoelectric device to which the CNT fiber is mounted. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A method comprising the steps of:
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a) contacting a single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) fiber with a transition metal surface to form a SWNT-metal interface; wherein the contacting step comprises translating the SWNT fiber to the transition metal surface; and wherein the SWNT fiber contacts the transition metal surface at an end of the SWNT fiber; and b) heating the SWNT-metal interface in an etching atmosphere at a temperature that is operable for catalytic etching of the end of the SWNT fiber to provide an end-etched SWNT fiber. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method comprising the steps of:
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a) contacting a small-diameter carbon nanotube (SDCNT) fiber with a transition metal surface to form a SDCNT-metal interface; wherein the contacting step comprises translating the SDCNT fiber to the transition metal surface; and wherein the SDCNT fiber contacts the transition metal surface at an end of the SDCNT fiber; and b) heating the SDCNT-metal interface in an etching atmosphere at a temperature that is operable for catalytic etching of the end of the SDCNT fiber to provide an end-etched SDCNT fiber. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification