Construction of carbon nanotube networks using ferroin solution

Abstract

We investigate methods of fabricating a distinctive structure on a silicon substrate to grow a carbon nanotube network using a dried ferroin solution. A dried ferroin solution forms fissure structures on the substrates. The fissure structures have unique shapes and iron particles that act as catalysts for growing carbon nanotubes. Such structures should be suitable for fabricating 3D carbon nanotube networks. To confirm this, we use a thermal CVD of a hydrogen-methane gas system to grow carbon nanotubes on the structures. The density of carbon nanotube networks grown on the substrates seems to be higher when the concentration of the ferroin solution is stronger. Results indicate that the dried ferroin solution can not only produce distinctive structures for carbon nanotube growth as expected, but also control the growth.