Growth Conditions Of Carbon Nanotubes Research Articles

Isolating the Roles of Hydrogen Exposure and Trace Carbon Contamination on the Formation of Active Catalyst Populations for Carbon Nanotube Growth.

Limited understanding of the factors influencing the yield of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) relative to the number of catalyst particles remains an important barrier to their large-scale production with high quality, and to tailoring CNT properties for applications. This lack of understanding is evident in the frequent use of Edisonian approaches to give high-yield CNT growth, and in the sometimes-confusing influence of trace residues on the reactor walls. In order to create conditions wherein CNT yield is reproducible and to enable large-scale and reliable CNT synthesis, it is imperative to understand-fundamentally-how these common practices impact catalytic activity and thus CNT number density. Herein, we use ambient pressure-X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) to reveal the influence of carbon and hydrogen on the coupling between catalyst reduction and CNT nucleation, from an iron catalyst film. We observe a positive correlation between the degree of catalyst reduction and the density of vertically aligned CNTs (forests), verifying that effective catalyst reduction is critical to CNT nucleation and to the resulting CNT growth yield. We demonstrate that the extent of catalyst reduction is the reason for low CNT number density and for lack of self-organization, lift-off, and growth of CNT forests. We also show that hydrocarbon byproducts from consecutive growths can facilitate catalyst reduction and increase CNT number density significantly. These findings suggest that common practices used in the field-such as reactor preconditioning-aid in the reduction of the catalyst population, thus improving CNT number density and enabling the growth of dense forests. Our results also motivate future work using AP-XPS and complementary metrology tools to optimize CNT growth conditions according to the catalyst chemical state.

Origin of Nickel Catalytic Particles in Carbon Nanotube Formation on a High-Carbon 25Cr–35Ni–Nb Cast Alloy

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were formed on a high-carbon 25Cr35Ni–Nb cast alloy using a laboratory-scale experimental set-up that simulated favorable conditions for CNT growth in the presence of ethane and water vapor. After 45 min of exposure to the reactive atmosphere, the entire sample surface was covered with multiwalled nanotubes with an average diameter of approximately 50 nm, indicating the strong catalytic activity of the alloy surface. Transmission electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses revealed the presence of iron-containing Ni3C-based catalytic particles at the nanotubes tip. The origin of the nickel in the system was then investigated via cross-sectional observations and discussed. A mechanism similar to the so-called “ex-solution” process was proposed to explain the presence of catalytic particles, while their stability was attested by thermodynamic considerations. A scenario describing the different steps involved in the CNTs formation on the oxide scale is finally proposed.

Development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Metal-Free Anode with Direct Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes

INTRODUCTION Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an energy conversion device with high efficiency and flexibility of fuel such as H2, CmHn, CO due to its high operation temperature (700-1000°C). Generally the fuel electrode is composed of Ni/oxide cermet, but the electrochemical oxidation or carburization of Ni to NiO or NiCx cause degradation and failure of electron conductive path [1]. Metal-free electrodes are also investigated but their low electron conductivity limit their power generation performances. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are extensively investigated as a conductive material in various electrochemical devices due to their flexible and fine conductive networks. It is promising to solve the issues of anode degradation by applying CNTs in SOFC. However, there is no report of SOFC with CNTs because carbon materials has a risk to burn out under high temperature. By focusing on the analogy of the conditions between the CNT growth and the SOFC power generation, we propose a new concept to introduce CNTs into the pores of porous anode of SOFC directly (Fig. 1). In SOFC, fuels are supplied into electrode with metal and oxide at 700-1000°C. In CNT growth, carbon source are supplied to metal nanoparticle on oxide support at 700-900°C [2]. Therefore, we expect CNT can be directly fabricated by growing them inside the SOFC anode if appropriate metal nanoparticles are supported on oxide under hydrocarbon gas supply. By this method, we also expect CNT network keeps the conductivity even if the Ni conductive path failed and CNTs can also promote electrochemical reaction. This concept is available also for Ni-free electrodes. The CNT growth and power generation can be seamlessly switched by only changing gas without changing temperature. Additionally, even if CNTs burn out, they can be regrown repeatedly as desired and sustainable SOFC will be achieved. In this study, CNTs were grown directly inside SOFC anode and power generation characteristics of the electrodes with and without CNTs were investigated. EXPERIMENT CNTs were grown on three different powder: Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) and Gd doped CeO2 (GDC) as common O2- conductor and γ-Al2O3 as common substrate of CNT growth. These oxides are coated by 5×10-3 mol/g of metal precursor by dipping into FeNO3 (aq) or NiSO4 (aq) and drying in air. The samples were heated up to 800°C under H2 5%/Ar atmosphere to form Fe and Ni nanoparticles. Then CNTs were grown under the supply of C3H8 5%/H25%/Ar and at 800°C for 10 min to grow CNTs. CNT growth on anode followed by power generation were carried out (Fig. 2). The anode with 3 mol% Fe coated Al2O3, 97 mol% GDC and the cathode with LSM/ScSZ were coated on an YSZ disk electrolyte (0.25 mm thickness, 20 mm diameter). 1%H2O-99%H2 gas supply to anode at 200 sccm for power generation without CNTs. Then the anode gas changed to C3H8 5%/H2 5%/Ar for 1min to grow CNTs and then to 1%H2O-99%H2again for power generation with CNTs. The operation temperature was 900°C and pure oxygen was supplied to cathode at 60 sccm. RESULT AND DISCUSSION 1. CNT growth on oxide powder CNT growth could be observed by SEM on all six samples and large amount of thin CNTs with 10-20 nm in diameter were grown on Fe/Al2O3 and thick CNTs with 100-200 nm grown on Ni/GDC regardless of CNT growth conditions such as C3H8 pressure, metal amount and temperature. In SOFC electrodes, thick CNT cannot make fine conductive network and they will cause a damage to anode structure, so we applied the CNT growth in SOFC on Fe/Al2O3mixed GDC. 2. Power generation characteristic of SOFC with CNT growth anodes Maximum power density before CNT growth was 173 mW/cm2 at 900°C in H2 fuel. After CNT growth, it increased to 232 mW/cm2. Clear positive effect of CNTs was obtained by a power generation test on the same anode. CNT growth with ~10 nm in diameter and uniform distribution inside pore of the anode was obtained after the supply of carbon source gas. The effect of CNT amount on the power density of Ni-free GDC anode and the repeated growth of CNTs will be also discussed. CONCLUSION We proposed a new concept to apply CNT directly on SOFC anode. CNTs were successfully grown directly inside the Ni-free GDC electrode and the improve of maximum power density more than 30% was achieved. [1] H. Shimada, F. Ohba, X. Li, A. Hagiwara and M. Ihara, Journal of Electrochemical Society, 159(7), 2012, F360-367. [2] K. Hasegawa and S. Noda, ACS Nano 5, 2011, 975-984. Figure 1

One step direct synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes from coconut shell derived charcoal

Coconut shell is an example of biomass which is a natural resource of different minerals. We have synthesized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) over coconut shell derived charcoal pyrolyzed at 900°C, by utilizing the mineral content in source material as catalysts for carbon nanotube (CNT) growth. Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique was used for the low-temperature synthesis at 450°C. Hydrogen (H2) was used as etchant gas and acetylene (C2H2) as a carbon source for CNT growth. Interelectrode distance, the distance between anode and gas shower, gas mixture ratio (C2H2/H2) and radio frequency (13.56MHz) power were tuned to achieve the desired plasma. Further CNT growth conditions such as temperature, plasma pretreatment time, flow rates of H2 and C2H2 and synthesis time were also optimized. CNT growth on the charcoal surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and elemental composition near the tips of nanotubes was measured by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Further as-prepared samples were also structurally characterized by Raman spectroscopy.

Growth of carbon nanotubes from waste blast furnace gases at atmospheric pressure

Carbon emissions from industrial sources are of major global concern, especially contributions from the steel manufacturing process which accounts for the majority of emissions. Typical blast furnace gases consist of CO2 (20‐25%), CO (20‐25%), H2 (3‐5%) and N2 (40‐50%) and trace amounts of other gases. It is demonstrated that gas mixtures with these compositions can be used at atmospheric pressure to grow carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on to steel substrates, which act as catalysts for CNT growth. Computational modelling was used to investigate the CNT growth conditions inside the CVD chamber. The results show that industrial waste pollutant gases can be used to manufacture materials with significant commercial value, in this case CNTs.

Co-sputtered MoRe thin films for carbon nanotube growth-compatible superconducting coplanar resonators

Molybdenum rhenium alloy thin films can exhibit superconductivity up to critical temperatures of . At the same time, the films are highly stable in the high-temperature methane/hydrogen atmosphere typically required to grow single wall carbon nanotubes. We characterize molybdenum rhenium alloy films deposited via simultaneous sputtering from two sources, with respect to their composition as function of sputter parameters and their electronic dc as well as GHz properties at low temperature. Specific emphasis is placed on the effect of the carbon nanotube growth conditions on the film. Superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators are defined lithographically; we demonstrate that the resonators remain functional when undergoing nanotube growth conditions, and characterize their properties as function of temperature. This paves the way for ultra-clean nanotube devices grown in situ onto superconducting coplanar waveguide circuit elements.

Synthesis and characterization of ceramic/carbon nanotubes composite adsorptive membrane for copper ion removal from water

We prepared a novel adsorptive membrane by implanting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in pore channels of ceramic (α-alumina) support via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using cyclohexanol and ferrocene as carbon precursor and catalyst, respectively. Optimization of CNTs growth conditions resulted in uniform distribution of the CNTs in the pore channels of the support. The optimized CNTs-ceramic membrane was oxidized with concentrated nitric acid, and chitosan was employed for filling intertube-CNT gaps. The modified CNTs-ceramic membrane was used for copper ion removal from water, and the effects of the modification steps (oxidation and filling intertube- CNT gaps with chitosan) and pH on permeation flux and rejection of the prepared adsorptive membrane were investigated. Moreover, static adsorption was also investigated and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and two kinetics models were used to describe adsorption behavior of copper ions by the prepared adsorptive membrane.

Direct pressure sensing with carbon nanotubes grown in a micro-cavity

We report on the growth of multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at the centre of a bow tie micro-cavity and describe the change in resistance of these CNTs under gas pressure loading (ΔR/R ≅ 16%/atm). By adapting the Euler-Bernoulli theory of beams to CNTs that bridge opposite walls of the cavity, we fit the piezoresistance curves and extract the Young's modulus, the piezoresistive constant, and the nanotube radius, for a range of CNT growth conditions. By detecting pressures as low as 0.1 atm, we demonstrate a membrane-less technology capable of sensing pressure with micron scale resolution.

Effects of the catalyst and substrate thickness on the carbon nanotubes/nanofibers as supercapacitor electrodes

The different growth conditions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/carbon nanofibers (CNFs) which lead to different characteristics when used as supercapacitor electrodes are reported. A layer of SiO2 was coated onto the Si substrate and then a layer of Ti was evaporated as a current collector. CNTs/CNFs were synthesized on the Ti surface via a water-assisted chemical vapor deposition method at 800 °C and at atmospheric pressure utilizing iron (Fe) nanoparticles as catalysts, ethylene (C2H4) as the precursor gas and argon (Ar) and hydrogen (H2) as the carrier gases. The effects of different thicknesses of the catalyst (5 and 10 nm) and Ti substrate layer (10, 30 and 150 nm) on the specific capacitance of the CNFs were studied and the capacitance of the CNTs/CNFs-based device was dependent on CNT/CNF morphology of the CNFs that varied for different combinations of the catalyst and Ti layer thicknesses. The characterization of CNTs/CNFs was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. The specific capacitance was measured using cyclic voltammetry via a three-electrode system. The highest specific capacitance (60 F g−1) was obtained in the sample grown with 5 nm of Fe catalyst onto 10 nm of Ti substrate.

Application of continuously-monitored single fiber fragmentation tests to carbon nanotube/carbon microfiber hybrid composites

Abstract To assess the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) grafting on interfacial stress transfer in fiber composites, CNTs were grown upon individual carbon T-300 fibers by chemical vapor deposition. Continuously-monitored single fiber composite (SFC) fragmentation tests were performed on both pristine and CNT-decorated fibers embedded in epoxy. The critical fragment length, fiber tensile strength at critical length, and interfacial shear strength were evaluated. Despite the fiber strength degradation resulting from the harsh CNT growth conditions, the CNT-modified fibers lead to a twofold increase in interfacial shear strength which correlates with the nearly threefold increase in apparent fiber diameter resulting from CNT grafting. These observations corroborate recently published studies with other CNT-grafted fibers. An analysis of the relative contributions to the interfacial strength of the fiber diameter and strength due to surface treatment is presented. It is concluded that the common view whereby an experimentally observed shorter average fragment length leads to a stronger interfacial adhesion is not necessarily correct, if the treatment has changed the fiber tensile strength or its diameter.

Carbon nanotube/carbon nanofiber growth from industrial by-product gases on low- and high-alloy steels

The growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on sheet metal surfaces (including low- and high-alloyed steel and Ni-plated steel) has been explored using a mixture of CO, CO2, and H2 as the precursor feedstock in a thermal chemical vapor deposition process. The influence of various experimental parameters such as the reactor temperature, reaction time, and precursor composition on the yield, purity, and dimensions of the CNTs has been elucidated. Addition of CO2 during CNT growth leads to higher carbon deposition rates, especially for low- and high-alloyed steel. The diameters of the obtained CNTs range from 12 to 300nm at carbon deposition rates of ∼0.3mgcm−2min−1. The CNTs are observed to be uniformly distributed and adhered firmly to the substrates. The experimental conditions for CNT growth on sheet metal surfaces are very similar to concentrations and temperatures of a typical effluent stream of the steel industry. This process thus holds potential to harness waste gases to fabricate CNT-based coatings that impart added functionality to sheet metals, while further reducing the carbon footprint of steel plants.

Investigation of the effective parameters in the growth of carbon nanotubes by thermal chemical vapour deposition method

Synthesis and growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from C2H2 by thermal chemical vapour deposition (TCVD) using a mixture of different gases were investigated. A thin film of nickel was coated as catalyst on silicon substrates by ion beam sputtering technique. Various parameters such as thickness of oxide layer and time, as well as reduction temperature were investigated in view of obtaining the best conditions for CNTs growth. C2H2 was very effective as carbon feedstock and NH3 pretreatments were crucial steps towards obtaining a high density of nucleation sites for CNTs growth by inhibiting amorphous carbon generation in the initial stage of the synthesis. The substrate oxide layer was analysed by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The prepared CNTs were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and were further characterised using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

Reactor scale modeling of multi-walled carbon nanotube growth

As the mechanisms of carbon nanotube (CNT) growth becomes known, it becomes important to understand how to implement this knowledge into reactor scale models to optimize CNT growth. In past work, we have reported fundamental mechanisms and competing deposition regimes that dictate single wall carbon nanotube growth. In this study, we will further explore the growth of carbon nanotubes with multiple walls. A tube flow chemical vapor deposition reactor is simulated using the commercial software package COMSOL, and considered the growth of single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. It was found that the limiting reaction processes for multi-walled carbon nanotubes change at different temperatures than the single walled carbon nanotubes and it was shown that the reactions directly governing CNT growth are a limiting process over certain parameters. This work shows that the optimum conditions for CNT growth are dependent on temperature, chemical concentration, and the number of nanotube walls. Optimal reactor conditions have been identified as defined by (1) a critical inlet methane concentration that results in hydrogen abstraction limited versus hydrocarbon adsorption limited reaction kinetic regime, and (2) activation energy of reaction for a given reactor temperature and inlet methane concentration. Successful optimization of a CNT growth processes requires taking all of those variables into account.

CNT integration on different materials suitable for VLSI interconnects

Abstract We have succeeded in direct integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for via interconnects using different back contact materials. Highly doped Si and poly Si are used, aiming at the CNT via interconnects directly from source, drain and gate of transistors. In addition, we propose to use aluminum copper alloy (AlCu) as a metal line because of its higher conductivity compared that of copper in very small geometries. The experimental conditions for CNT growth are optimized on these three substrate materials, which are applied for the direct integration in via holes with success. The achieved density in 1 μm via holes is more than 10 12 cm − 2 , the highest value reported so far.

Generation of charged nanoparticles during the synthesis of carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition

Generation of charged nanoparticles in the gas phase has been frequently reported during the synthesis of thin films and nanostructures, such as nanowires, using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In an effort to confirm whether charged carbon nanoparticles were also generated during the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by CVD, a differential mobility analyzer combined with a Faraday cup electrometer was connected to an atmospheric-pressure CVD reactor under typical conditions for CNT growth. The size distribution of positively and negatively charged nanoparticles abundantly generated in the gas phase could be measured. Under conditions in which charged nanoparticles were not generated, no nanotubes could be grown.

Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on Copper Substrates Using a Nickel Thin Film Catalyst

AbstractCarbon nanotubes with their attractive properties, one-dimensional character, and their large aspect ratio are ideal candidates for a variety of applications including energy storage, sensing, nanoelectronics, among others. We have studied the growth of carbon nanotubes on copper substrates using a nickel thin film as a catalyst. The catalyst was sputtered in a chamber having a base pressure in the ultra-high-vacuum regime. By adjusting the sputtering parameters, the effects of the morphology and the thickness of the nickel catalyst on the growth of carbon nanotubes have also been investigated. Multiple hydrocarbon sources as carbon feedstock (methane, acetylene and xylene) and corresponding catalyst precursors and varying temperature conditions were used during the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process to understand and best determine the ideal conditions for carbon nanotube growth on copper. Correlation between the thickness of the thin film nickel catalyst and the carbon nanotube diameter is also presented in the study. Characterization techniques used to study the morphology of the CNTs grown on copper include SEM, TEM and HRTEM, Raman Spectroscopy

Ni 나노입자의 배열을 이용한 다중벽 탄소나노튜브의 제어된 성장

화학기상증착법과 Ni 나노입자 배열을 이용한 탄소나노튜브의 최적 성장 조건을 연구했다. Ni 입자의 크기를 변화시키는 방법으로 탄소나노튜브의 직경을 20 nm 이하까지 제어할 수 있었다. 개별 Ni 입자의 크기와 위치는 기존의 식각법 등을 이용하여 웨이퍼 수준의 대면적에서 연속적으로 제어가 가능하였다. 성장온도, 탄소원, 희석가스 등의 비율을 최적화 함으로써 <TEX>$SiO_2/Si$</TEX> 웨이퍼의 넓은 면적에서 각 Ni 입자로부터 단 한 개씩의 탄소나노튜브가 100% 확률로 성장 가능하다는 것을 보였다. 탄소나노튜브의 위치, 직경, 벽두께 등의 특성들은 성장조건을 조정하여 제어가능하다는 것을 보였다. We have investigated the optimal growth conditions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using the chemical vapor deposition and the Ni nanoparticle arrays. The diameter of the CNT is shown to be controlled down to below 20 nm by changing the size of Ni particle. The position and size of Ni particles are controlled continuously by using wafer-scale compatible methods such as lithography, ion-milling, and chemical etching. Using optimal growth conditions of temperature, carbon feedstock, and carrier gases, we have demonstrated that an individual CNT can be grown from each Ni nanoparticle with almost 100% probability over wide area of <TEX>$SiO_2/Si$</TEX> wafer. The position, diameter, and wall thickness of the CNT are shown to be controlled by adjusting the growth conditions.

Gas temperature measurements in a microwave plasma by optical emission spectroscopy under single-wall carbon nanotube growth conditions

Plasma gas temperatures were measured via in situ optical emission spectroscopy in a microwave CH4–H2 plasma under carbon nanotube (CNT) growth conditions. Gas temperature is an important parameter in controlling and optimizing CNT growth. The temperature has a significant impact on chemical kinetic rates, species concentrations and CNT growth rates on the substrate. H2 rotational temperatures were determined from the Q-branch spectrum of the (0) transition. N2 rotational and vibrational temperatures were measured by fitting rovibrational bands from the N2 emission spectrum of the C 3Πu → B 3Πg transition. The N2 rotational temperature, which is assumed to be approximately equal to the translational gas temperature, increases with an increase in input microwave plasma power and substrate temperature. The measured H2 rotational temperatures were not in agreement with the measured N2 rotational temperatures under the CNT growth conditions in this study. The measured N2 rotational temperatures compared with the H2 rotational temperatures suggest the partial equilibration of upper excited state due to higher, 10 Torr, operating pressure. Methane addition in the hydrogen plasma increases the gas temperature slightly for methane concentrations higher than 10% in the feed gas.

Preparation of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)-Cordierite Monoliths by Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition as Catalyst Supports for Ammonia Synthesis

Tunable carbon nanotubles (CNTs)-coated monoliths as catalyst supports were prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) over deposited cobalt on cordierite. The influence of the preparation conditions such as the cobalt nitrate loading on the cordierite monoliths, the flow rate of reaction gases, reaction time and temperature on CNTs yield, thermal properties and structural features of the resulting materials were studied. The CNTs-cordierite was characterized by TEM/HREM, SEM, N2 physisorption and TGA. The SEM showed that a relatively homogeneous mesoporous layer of CNTs covered on the surface of the cordierite monoliths. Comparing with the bare cordierite, the BET surface area and pore volume of CNTs-cordierite increased significantly. CNTs have penetrated into the cordierite substrate and led to a remarkable mechanical stability of the CNTs-cordierite monoliths against ultrasound maltreatment. The CNTs content, BET surface area, pore volume and thermal properties of CNTs-cordierite monoliths all could be changed by the variation of the synthesis conditions. Barium promoted ruthenium catalysts supported on the as-synthesized materials showed much higher activity for ammonia synthesis than their counterparts deposited on bare cordierite monoliths. Furthermore, the catalytic activity linearly increased with the BET surface area of CNTs-cordierite monoliths. The CNTs-cordierite monoliths were proved to be promising candidates as catalyst supports and the performance of catalysts supported on as-prepared materials would be easily modified by changing the growth conditions of CNTs.

Transfer of Flexible Arrays of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanofiber Electrodes to Temperature‐Sensitive Substrates

The unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) and nanofibers (VACNFs) have led to their use in a variety of applications. VACNTs and VACNFs have demonstrated viability as field electron emitters, electrochemical probes, and biosensors. These demonstrations have been enabled by the ability to deterministically synthesize vertically aligned nanostructures using catalytically directed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) processes, where a carbonaceous source gas is decomposed and precipitated on catalyst nanoparticles at elevated temperatures. Catalyst activation in plasma requires substrate temperatures usually in the range 600–700 °C. There have been several recent reports on carbon nanofibers grown at lower substrate temperatures. However, it still remains an open question whether the graphitization quality of such nanofibers is sacrificed. The impact of low-temperature synthesis on the resultant structure’s chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties also requires further exploration. In addition, the actual growth temperatures due to plasma heating could be considerably higher than those measured at the substrate heater. These temperatures still impose restrictions on the types of substrates that can be used, with silicon and fused silica often being the substrates of choice owing to their compatibility with relatively high-temperature processes. Substrates sensitive to high temperatures, plasmas, or certain gases, including most polymers, glasses, and conventional microelectronics (i.e., complementary metal-oxide semiconductors, CMOSs), are degraded and sometimes destroyed by the harsh growth conditions of vertically aligned carbon nanostructures. As an alternative, in a recent report, carbon nanotubes encapsulated within an epoxy polymer were released from their growth substrate and aligned, using micromanipulators, on a receptor substrate in a lowtemperature process. This technique offers the advantage of preserving receptor substrates from the harsh growth conditions of carbon nanotubes. However, the spatial dimensions defined by the deterministic growth of nanotubes from photolithographically defined catalyst sites are lost. The necessity of realigning the encapsulated carbon nanotubes on the receptor substrate by micromanipulators also reduces the efficiency of the process. We report on a method for growing VACNFs in a high-temperature (630 °C) direct-current PECVD process and subsequently transferring these nanofibers to new substrates. In brief, following high-temperature growth on silicon substrates, carbon nanofibers were partially embedded in a UV-crosslinked epoxy membrane and peeled from their original growth substrate. The membrane, featuring embedded highaspect-ratio nanofibers, was then aligned and mated with an array of individually addressable contact pads. This process provides intact nanofibers that can be transferred to essentially any planar surface, including those that would otherwise be destroyed by the harsh conditions imposed on the substrate during nanofiber synthesis. Transferred carbon nanofibers were shown to retain their high-aspect-ratio morphology and their viability as electrodes, as demonstrated by electrochemical analysis and gold electrodeposition. Nanofiber arrays were grown on silicon wafers from photolithographically defined nickel catalyst sites as previously described (Fig. 1C, process steps 1,2). Following growth, nanofibers were inspected in a Hitachi 4700S scanning electron microscope at an acceleration voltage of 10 kV using a mixed-detector mode. Figure 1A presents a representative reC O M M U N IC A IO N S