Growth of High-Density Horizontally Aligned SWNT Arrays using Trojan Catalysts

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) based electronics have been regarded as one of the most promising candidate technologies to replace or supplement silicon based electronics in the future. These applications require high density horizontally aligned SWNT arrays. During the past decade, significant efforts have been directed towards growth of high-density SWNT arrays. However, obtaining SWNT arrays with suitable density and quality still remains a big challenge. Herein, we developed a rational approach to grow SWNT arrays with ultra-high density by using Trojan Catalysts. The density can be as high as 130 SWNTs·µm-1. Field-effect transistors fabricated with our SWNT arrays exhibit a record drive current density of -467.09 μA·µm-1 and an on-conductance of 233.55 μS·µm-1. These results confirm our high density SWNT arrays are strong candidates for applications in electronics.