1D Nanomaterials

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Technology This invention describes a simple process for large scale alignment of 1D nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Due to their superior thermal, mechanical and electrical properties, horizontal aligned CNTs can be used in multiple products, e.g. transparent electrodes, flexible touch screens, touch sensors, incandescent displays, loud speakers, sensors, transistors, etc. However, despite their superior properties, it has proved to be very difficult and expensive to control the spatial position and orientation of CNTs, making their adaptation for use in commercial electronic applications challenging. To overcome these obstacles, Dr. Carter and his team have discovered that CNTs can be aligned horizontally using a simple, fast process where sub-micron surface features patterned on a substrate result in orthogonal alignment of CNTs. Using this method, the team has fabricated large area arrays of horizontally aligned CNTs on a variety of substrates. The method is compatible with roll-to-roll processing and will allow for the large-scale and continuous manufacture of horizontally aligned CNTs and other 1D nanomaterials. Moreover, unlike other methods for large-scale alignment, this process is simple, fast, does not require external forces or extreme conditions.