WARF TECHNOLOGIES

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have exceptional properties that make them useful in a variety of semiconducting applications such as field effect transistors (FETs), solar cells and gas sensors.

During fabrication, it is critical to separate the desired semiconducting SWCNTs (s-SWCNTs) from the undesired metallic SWCNTs (m-SWCNTs) found in the mixture. The most effective method is to selectively coat s-SWCNTs with a polymer wrap. However, removing the sticky coating post sorting remains a challenge.

UW–Madison researchers have developed a new, mild method to remove the polymer coatings used to selectively wrap and sort s-SWCNTs from m-SWCNTs. The method is based on a process of detaching the coating by binding transition metal complexes to bi-pyridine repeat units in the polymer backbone.

• Field effect transistors, displays, flexible electronics, sensors, biosensors and heterojunction devices (e.g., solar cells)

• Carried out under mild conditions
• Supports high electronic-type purity
• No undesired side effects
• Does not adversely impact electric/optoelectric properties

This method has been successfully tested with a variety of SWCNTs.

For More Information About the Inventors

• Padma Gopalan
• Michael Arnold

Related Technologies

• WARF reference number P150242US01 describes the researchers’ method to make high density s-SWCNT film with excellent nanotube alignment.

Tech Fields

• Semiconductors & Integrated Circuits : Components & materials