Surface Embedded Nanotubes
Assembly of carbon nanotubes from as-grown randomly tangled states into well-ordered
and uniform manner has attracted considerable attentions from researchers and engineers
worldwide due to specific properties of the carbon nanotubes and its importance for chemical,
biomedical and engineering applications. Carbon nanotubes show their superior properties for
binding biomolecules with a three-dimensional nano-architecture and highly dense functional
groups on the surfaces. For sensors, biochips, and many other applications, the well-ordered
and functionalized carbon nanotubes are greatly desirable. However, the creation of properly
oriented nanotubes remains a big challenge due to their fragility and that technology has
not been broadly commercialized.
MicroDysis has developed a straightforward and effective technique to entrap
SWNTs onto a polymer surface, such as elastomer or silicone rubber, and plastics.
Figure below shows Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) images (in Tapping-Mode) of a
spot of the carboxylized nanotubes on a polymer surface.
Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM) images(three-dimensional surface profile) of (a)
a blank polymer surface and (b) a polymer surface entrapped carboxylized single-walled
carbon nanotube.
AMF image clearly shows that well-controlled upright nanotube architectures on the
polymer surface. The average height of the entrapped CNTs on the surface is around
30 nm. The nanotubular features of the nanotubes on the surface significantly enhance
sensing surface area about 10,000 times more than a blank surface. With the functionalized
surface feature (-COOH groups) on the nanotubes, SENT will be found wide applications in
binding sensing molecules for DNA and protein analysis, and chemical compound and ion
detection.
Advantages:
• Vertical assembled single-walled carbon nanotubes on polymer matrix.
• Surface area increased about 10,000 times.
• Highly dense-COOH groups for chemically binding sensing molecules.
• Versatile sensing platform.