Carbon nanotube-magnesium oxide cube networks.
For future applications based on carbon nanotubes, two- and three-dimensional architectures of nanotubes need to be assembled. In many cases this will involve the creation of nanotube units and nodes from which these nanotubes can be distributed in a network. We demonstrate that this idea is plausible by using a template of the correct dimensions and shape, and that has facets that provide the right growth conditions: submicrometer-sized MgO cubes are used to grow nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition. The resulting networks often show that the MgO cubes function as distribution sites for arrays of aligned nanotubes.
Wei
B Q
BQ
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Renssselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 1180-3590, USA.
Vajtai
R
R
Zhang
Z J
ZJ
Ramanath
G
G
Ajayan
P M
PM
D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008277:Magnesium Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D008277:Magnesium Oxide