Carbon nanotube-based nonvolatile random access memory for molecular computing

Effect of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Association upon H NMR Spectra of Representative Organonitrogen Compounds

This report is important to achieving SWCNT solvation, understanding adsorption of molecules on SWCNT surfaces, and SWCNT characterization by NMR. Complexation of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and other selected organonitrogens with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was studied by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The magnitude of (1)H NMR chemical shift change upon SWCNT:organonitrogen complex formation represents the strength of the association. Magnitudes of changes in NMR signals of different protons in the organonitrogen reveal which protons are in close proximity to SWCNTs. Results reveal that (1) in amides and aminoketones, SWCNT association with carbonyls is stronger than with nitrogen, (2) in aminoalcohols, SWCNT association with nitrogen is stronger than with oxygen, and (3) protons bonded to heteroatoms have greater changes in their chemical shifts than those bonded to carbons. Changes (broadening and downfield shifts) in (1)H NMR signals of the organonitrogen compounds, which accompany SWCNT:organonitrogen association, are dependent upon (1) type of proton within R (α, β, etc.), (2) proximity to the carbonyl (R-CO versus NR(2)), (3) steric effects of alkyls, (4) electronic effects of alkyls, and (5) effects of tethering two ends of a molecule.

A promising approach to the synthesis of 3D nanoporous graphitic carbon as a unique electrocatalyst support for methanol oxidation

A 3D nanoporous graphitic carbon (g-C) material is synthesized by using an adamantane (C(10)H(16)) flame, and utilized to support a Pt(50)-Ru(50) alloy catalyst. The physico-chemical properties of the Pt(50)-Ru(50)/3D nanoporous g-C electrode are examined by a range of spectroscopy techniques as well as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis. Cyclic voltammetry measurements are used for electrochemical characterization of the Pt(50)-Ru(50)/3D nanoporous g-C electrode. The electrochemical investigations show that the supported Pt(50)-Ru(50) has excellent activity and stability towards methanol electro-oxidation. Good CO tolerance is also shown, and considered to be due to the presence of Ru nanoparticles. It is proposed that Ru is able to promote the oxidation of strongly adsorbed CO on Pt by supplying an oxygen source: Ru(OH)(ad). Moreover, the presence of 3D nanopores in the g-C support may also contribute to the observed higher current density by virtue of the easy transport of methanol and the oxidation products through these nanopores.

Vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes by chemical assembly--methodology, properties, and applications

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), as one of the most promising one-dimension nanomaterials due to its unique structure, peculiar chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties, have long been considered as an important building block to construct ordered alignments. Vertically aligned SWNTs (v-SWNTs) have been successfully prepared by using direct growth and chemical assembly strategies. In this review, we focus explicitly on the v-SWNTs fabricated via chemical assembly strategy. We provide the readers with a full and systematic summary covering the advances in all aspects of this area, including various approaches for the preparation of v-SWNTs using chemical assembly techniques, characterization, assembly kinetics, and electrochemical properties of v-SWNTs. We also review the applications of v-SWNTs in electrochemical and bioelectrochemical sensors, photoelectric conversion, and scanning probe microscopy.

Adsorption of Triton X-series surfactants and its role in stabilizing multi-walled carbon nanotube suspensions

Surfactants can enhance the stabilization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in water through their adsorption, thus affecting the environmental behavior and application of CNTs. However, the quantitative relationship between adsorption and stabilization and the role of the surfactant structure in the surfactant-CNT interactions are largely unknown. Therefore, Triton X-series surfactants with a same hydrophobic functional group (4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenyl) and different hydrophilic polyethoxyl chain lengths were selected to investigate their adsorption onto CNTs and their ability to stabilize CNT suspensions. Adsorption data were fitted well by Langmuir equation, indicating monolayer coverage on CNTs. Adsorption capacities of the surfactants increased with decreasing hydrophilic chain length: Triton-305<Triton-165<Triton-114<Triton-100. Electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond could be excluded as the main mechanism because adsorption was not significantly affected by pH change. Hydrophobic and pi-pi interactions between the surfactants and CNTs were the dominant mechanism for their adsorption. CNT suspension data were well fitted to a nonlinear equation with a similar form to the Langmuir equation. Suspended CNT amounts in water were positively related to the adsorption capacities of the surfactants, but negatively with the hydrophilic fraction ratio of the X-series surfactants.

Two-terminal nanoelectromechanical bistable switches based on molybdenum-sulfur-iodine molecular wire bundles

We demonstrate the application of Mo(6)S(3)I(6) molecular wire bundles for electrically controllable two-terminal on-off switches. We investigate how changes in the contact electrode material and geometry influence the device characteristics, hysteretic switching behavior and device stability. We also determine the device operating parameters, particularly the Young's moduli (40-270 GPa), operating current densities (3.2 x 10(5)-7 x 10(6) A m(-2)) and force constants. Although qualitatively, the properties of Mo(6)S(3)I(6) nanowires in nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches are similar to those of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), their lower friction coefficient, higher mechanical stability and higher operation voltages give specific advantages in terms of smaller differences in on-off operating potentials, higher switching speeds and lower energy consumption than CNTs, which are critical for applications in NEM devices.

Extensively chaotic motion in electrostatically driven nanowires and applications

We carry out a detailed bifurcation analysis for a common class of electrostatically driven nanowires in a multiphysics model. A finding is that the nanoscale system can exhibit distinct chaotic states: chaos with symmetry breaking and extensive chaos possessing the full symmetry of the system. Potential applications such as nanoscale random number generator and controlling extensive chaos to achieve desirable performance are articulated.

Mechanical peeling of free-standing single-walled carbon-nanotube bundles

An in situ electron microscopy study is presented of adhesion interactions between single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by mechanically peeling thin free-standing SWNT bundles using in situ nanomanipulation techniques inside a high-resolution scanning electron microscope. The in situ measurements clearly reveal the process of delaminating one SWNT bundle from its originally bound SWNT bundle in a controlled-displacement manner and capture the deformation curvature of the delaminated SWNT bundle during the peeling process. A theoretical model based on nonlinear elastica theory is employed to interpret the measured deformation curvatures of the SWNTs and to quantitatively evaluate the peeling force and the adhesion strength between bundled SWNTs. The estimated adhesion energy per unit length for each pair of neighboring tubes in the peeling interface based on our peeling experiments agrees reasonably well with the theoretical value. This in situ peeling technique provides a potential new method for separating bundled SWNTs without compromising their material properties. The combined peeling experiments and modeling presented in this paper will be very useful to the study of the adhesion interactions between SWNTs and their nonlinear mechanical behaviors in the large-displacement regime.

Self-assembly of carbon nanotubes into two-dimensional geometries using DNA origami templates

A central challenge in nanotechnology is the parallel fabrication of complex geometries for nanodevices. Here we report a general method for arranging single-walled carbon nanotubes in two dimensions using DNA origami-a technique in which a long single strand of DNA is folded into a predetermined shape. We synthesize rectangular origami templates ( approximately 75 nm x 95 nm) that display two lines of single-stranded DNA 'hooks' in a cross pattern with approximately 6 nm resolution. The perpendicular lines of hooks serve as sequence-specific binding sites for two types of nanotubes, each functionalized non-covalently with a distinct DNA linker molecule. The hook-binding domain of each linker is protected to ensure efficient hybridization. When origami templates and DNA-functionalized nanotubes are mixed, strand displacement-mediated deprotection and binding aligns the nanotubes into cross-junctions. Of several cross-junctions synthesized by this method, one demonstrated stable field-effect transistor-like behaviour. In such organizations of electronic components, DNA origami serves as a programmable nanobreadboard; thus, DNA origami may allow the rapid prototyping of complex nanotube-based structures.

Assembly of a magnetic polyoxometalate on SWNTs

Recently, the organisation of magnetic molecules on carbon nanotubes has raised much interest due to their possible interesting contribution to molecular spintronics. In this paper, we describe the assembly on SWNTs of a magnetic polyoxometalate encompassing a single cobalt ion (CoPOM) and its isostructural diamagnetic zinc analogue (ZnPOM). The simple magnetic behaviour of CoPOM and the availability of its diamagnetic counterpart render these POM@NTs systems interesting model compounds for the study of molecular electronics devices based on carbon nanotubes and magnetic molecules. The success and rate of the grafting have been investigated by electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, Raman scattering and magnetisation measurements. These characterisations altogether demonstrate the preservation of the structural and magnetic properties of the molecules upon functionalisation and the existence of an electronic communication between the molecules and the nanotubes.

Two-bit ferroelectric field-effect transistor memories assembled on individual nanotubes

Carbon nanotube (CNT) ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) with well-defined memory switch behaviors are promising for nonvolatile, nondestructive read-out (NDRO) memory operation and ultralow power consumption. Here, we report two-bit CNT-FeFET memories by assembling two top gates on individual nanotubes coated with ferroelectric thin films. Each bit of the nanotube transistor memory exhibits a controllable memory switching behavior induced by the reversible remnant polarization of the ferroelectric films, and its NDRO operation is demonstrated. The low driving voltage of 2 V, high carrier mobility over 1000 cm2 V(-1) s(-1), and potential ultrahigh integration density over 200 Gbit inch(-2) of the two-bit FeFET memory are highlighted in this paper.

Silicon nanowire oxidation: the influence of sidewall structure and gold distribution

The oxidation behavior of Si nanowires (SiNWs) grown by the gold (Au) catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth process in an electron beam evaporation (EBE) reactor is studied. The VLS SiNWs exhibit hexagonal shape with essentially {112} facets where each facet shows a saw-tooth faceting itself, consisting of alternating {111} and {113} facets. Depending on growth temperatures (450-750 degrees C) and evaporation currents (40-80 mA) that determine the silicon vapor supply, this facet formation is more or less pronounced. The diffusion of Au atoms on the faceted SiNW surfaces and the formation of Au nanoparticles on the SiNW facets during growth and during ex situ annealing are studied. Upon diffusion, the Au atoms agglomerate and form Au nanoparticles that preferably arrange themselves on {113} facets. Upon annealing in air at temperatures between 800 and 950 degrees C the gold nanoparticles agglomerate further and form bigger particles of a few tens of nm in diameter that reside at the interface between the growing silica (SiO(2)) layer and the SiNW itself, which in turn shrinks during SiNW oxidation. The oxide layer thickness and the oxide appearance depend on the annealing conditions (time and temperature) and systematically varied oxidation processing is described in this paper as investigated by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including high resolution studies as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. Our results strongly suggest that the SiNWs can be fully oxidized, thus forming silica NWs that can either keep their initial shape or, under certain annealing conditions, do not keep their initial wire shape but assume a bamboo-like shape that forms most likely as a result of locally high stresses that are related to nanocrack formation. The nanocracks form in the growing oxide layer mediated by the presence of Au nanoparticles that yield gold-enhanced SiNW oxidation and thus a faster oxidation rate.

Nonvolatile resistive switching memory properties of thermally annealed titania precursor/polyelectrolyte multilayers

We describe a novel and versatile approach for preparing resistive switching memory devices based on transition metal oxides. A titania precursor and poly(allyamine hydrochloride) (PAH) layers were deposited alternately onto platinum (Pt)-coated silicon substrates using electrostatic interactions. The multilayers were then converted to TiO2 nanocomposite (TiO2 NC) films after thermal annealing. A top electrode was coated on the TiO2 NC films to complete device fabrication. When an external bias was applied to the devices, a switching phenomenon independent of the voltage polarity (i.e., unipolar switching) was observed at low operating voltages (approximately 0.4 VRESET and 1.3 VSET), which is comparable to that observed in conventional devices fabricated by sputtering or metal organic chemical vapor deposition processes. The reported approach offers new opportunities for preparing inorganic material-based resistive switching memory devices with tailored electronic properties, allowing facile solution processing.

Lithographic graphitic memories

Reported here are easily accessible memory devices based upon stripes of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) nanosized irregular discs of graphitic material that can be layered in stripes <or=10 nm thick with controllable lengths and widths. These lithographic graphitic stripes, which can be easily fabricated in large quantities in parallel by conventional fabrication techniques (such as CVD and photo- or e-beam lithography), with yields >95%, are shown to exhibit voltage-induced switching behavior, which can be used for two-terminal memories. These memories are stable, rewritable, and nonvolatile with ON/OFF ratios up to 10(7), switching times down to 1 mus (tested limit), and switching voltages down to 3-4 V. The major functional parameters of these lithographic memories are shown to be scalable with the devices' dimensions.

Facile "scratching" method with common metal objects to generate large-scale catalyst patterns used for growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes

A facile "scratching" method to pattern a catalyst with commonly used metal objects, such as blade, pen cover, tweezers, watchband, knife, key, clamp, and coin, was developed. The single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) networks and well-aligned SWCNT arrays successfully grew by chemical vapor deposition on the scratched catalyst patterns on Si/SiO(x) and quartz, respectively. This method provides an extremely simple and nearly zero-cost way to fabricate large-scale catalyst patterns used for controlled growth of SWCNT arrays, which could have potential applications in the fabrication of CNT-based devices.

50 nm DNA nanoarrays generated from uniform oligonucleotide films

One of the most challenging but potentially rewarding goals in nanoscience is the ability to direct the assembly of nanoscale materials into functional architectures with high yields, minimal steps, and inexpensive procedures. Despite their unique physical properties, the inherent difficulties of engineering wafer-level arrays of useful devices from nanoscale materials in a cost-effective manner have provided serious roadblocks toward technological impact. To address nanoscale features while still maintaining low fabrication costs, we demonstrate here an inexpensive printing method that enables repeated patterning of large-area arrays of nanoscale materials. DNA strands were patterned over 4 mm areas with 50 nm resolution by a soft-lithographic subtraction printing process, and DNA hybridization was used to direct the assembly of sub-20 nm materials to create highly ordered two-dimensional nanoparticle arrays. The entire printing and assembly process was accomplished in as few as three fabrication steps and required only a single lithographically templated silicon master that could be used repeatedly. The low-cost procedures developed to generate nanoscale DNA patterns can be easily extended toward roll-to-roll assembly of nanoscale materials with sub-50 nm resolution and fidelity.

Two-dimensional self-organization of an ordered Au silicide nanowire network on a Si(110)-16 x 2 surface

A well-ordered two-dimensional (2D) network consisting of two crossed Au silicide nanowire (NW) arrays is self-organized on a Si(110)-16 x 2 surface by the direct-current heating of approximately 1.5 monolayers of Au on the surface at 1100 K. Such a highly regular crossbar nanomesh exhibits both a perfect long-range spatial order and a high integration density over a mesoscopic area, and these two self-ordering crossed arrays of parallel-aligned NWs have distinctly different sizes and conductivities. NWs are fabricated with widths and pitches as small as approximately 2 and approximately 5 nm, respectively. The difference in the conductivities of two crossed-NW arrays opens up the possibility for their utilization in nanodevices of crossbar architecture. Scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy studies show that the 2D self-organization of this perfect Au silicide nanomesh can be achieved through two different directional electromigrations of Au silicide NWs along different orientations of two nonorthogonal 16 x 2 domains, which are driven by the electrical field of direct-current heating. Prospects for this Au silicide nanomesh are also discussed.

Functionalization of carbon nanotubes with a pH-responsive molecule to produce a pH sensor

Carbon nanotubes were functionalized with the ratiometric pH-responsive dye molecule 6,8-dihydroxy-1,3-pyrenedisulfonic acid disodium salt, which enabled them to indicate pH values over the range of pH 5.6-8.3. The nanotubes were coated with a layer of electron-donating ZnPc, which strengthened the CNT-dye interaction. The range of pH response is relevant for biological systems, which makes the nanotubes suitable for a wide range of applications within nanobiotechnology.

The influence of a compatibilizer on the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of PEEK/carbon nanotube composites

The effect of polyetherimide (PEI) as a compatibilizing agent on the morphology, thermal, electrical and dynamic mechanical properties of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK)/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanocomposites, has been investigated for different CNT loadings. After a pre-processing step based on ball milling and pre-mixing under mechanical treatment in ethanol, the samples were prepared by melt extrusion. A more homogeneous distribution of the CNTs throughout the matrix is found for composites containing PEI, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates an increase in the matrix degradation temperatures under dry air and nitrogen atmospheres with the addition of SWCNTs; the level of thermal stability of these nanocomposites is maintained when PEI is incorporated. Both differential scanning calorimetry and synchrotron x-ray scattering studies indicate a slight decrease in the crystallization temperatures of the compatibilized samples, and suggest the existence of reorganization phenomena during the heating, which are favoured in the composites incorporating the compatibilizer, due to their smaller crystal size. Dynamic mechanical studies show an increase in the glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites upon the addition of PEI. Furthermore, the presence of PEI causes an enhancement in the storage modulus, and hence in the rigidity of these systems, attributed to an improved interfacial adhesion between the reinforcement and the matrix. The electrical and thermal conductivities of these composites decrease with the incorporation of PEI. Overall, the compatibilized samples exhibit improved properties and are promising for their use in industrial applications.

Electromechanical properties of suspended graphene nanoribbons

Graphene nanoribbons present diverse electronic properties ranging from semiconducting to half-metallic, depending on their geometry, dimensions, and chemical composition. Here we present a route to control these properties via externally applied mechanical deformations. Using state-of-the-art density functional theory calculations combined with classical elasticity theory considerations, we find a remarkable Young's modulus value of approximately 7 TPa for ultranarrow graphene strips and a pronounced electromechanical response toward bending and torsional deformations. Given the current advances in the synthesis of nanoscale graphene derivatives, our predictions can be experimentally verified opening the way to the design and fabrication of miniature electromechanical sensors and devices based on ultranarrow graphene nanoribbons.

Effect of carbon nanotubes on response time of ferroelectric liquid crystals

We present the results of the fast electro-optic response of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-doped deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (DHFLC). The fastening of the response in MWCNTs-doped DHFLC has been attributed to the decrease in rotational viscosity and increase in anchoring energy. The decrease in the former is due to the experience of the torque both by MWCNTs and DHFLC and perturbation of order parameter of the DHFLC while the increase in the latter is due to the pi-pi electrons stacking between the MWCNTs, DHFLC molecules, and alignment layers. The increase in conductance in doped cells has also been observed.

Controlled assembly of rodlike viruses with polymers

A practical method to assemble rodlike tobacco mosaic virus and bateriophage M13 with polymers was developed, which afforded a 3D core-shell composite with morphological control.

Growth of chiral single-walled carbon nanotube caps in the presence of a cobalt cluster

Density functional theory is used to simulate nanotube growth by addition of a pair of carbon atoms to a composite chiral nanotube cap/cobalt cluster system, with caps corresponding to near-armchair (6, 5), (7, 5) and near-zigzag (9, 1) nanotubes. Two different carbon addition processes are evaluated: in the first, the new carbon atoms are located in the vicinity of the armchair site of the cap rim, and thus this process provides insight into the root-growth mechanism; in the second the carbon atoms are initially located under the cobalt cluster, and thus this process helps one to evaluate the dissolution of carbon inside the metal cluster. The geometric evolution and energetics of the system are used to explain features of the mechanism of nanotube growth. The root-growth reaction is shown to occur by displacement of a cobalt atom initially interacting with the armchair site while the added carbon atoms bond to each other forming a new hexagonal ring, whereas the carbon dissolution process shows formation of dimers inside the cluster only for the (6, 5) system. The energetics for both steps reveals that the dissolution stage is probably controlling the overall nanotube growth rate.

Electrical bistabilities and operating mechanisms of memory devices fabricated utilizing ZnO quantum dot-multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the ZnO quantum dots (QDs) were conjugated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Bistable memories utilizing an ensemble of the ZnO QD-MWCNT heterostructures were developed and the storage capability of the devices was significantly enhanced due to the conjugation of the ZnO QDs and the MWCNTs. Operating mechanisms of memory devices fabricated utilizing the ZnO QD-MWCNT heterostructures are described on the basis of the current-voltage results. The memory devices exhibited excellent environmental stability at ambient conditions.

Amidation of single-walled carbon nanotubes by a hydrothermal process for the electrooxidation of nitric oxide

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been amidated by hydrothermal treatment with different aliphatic amines. The amido groups modified on the surface of the SWCNTs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrooxidation of nitric oxide (NO) at the modified electrodes of amidated SWCNTs was investigated. The modified electrodes of amidated SWCNTs exhibited different electrocatalytic activity for NO when different aliphatic amines were being used. The electrode amidated by ammonia has the highest activity, which is 1.8 times value of the SWCNT modified electrode. The electrocatalytic activity of the amidated SWCNT modified electrodes depends on the length of the alkyl groups. The results demonstrate that hydrothermal treatment is an efficient way to modify SWCNTs with amines, and the reaction rate of NO electrooxidation can be changed by the amidation of SWCNTs.

Flexible orientation control of ultralong single-walled carbon nanotubes by gas flow

Gas flow is used to guide the growth of ultralong single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with complex shapes. Large-area cross-shaped networks of ultralong SWCNTs are obtained by a two-step chemical vapor deposition process. Also non-straight SWCNTs of different shapes are prepared by modifying the gas flow with tiny barriers. The shapes of the SWCNTs replicate the streamline patterns accordingly. The SWCNTs with designed patterns and shapes may be used in high performance nanoelectronics.

Two-terminal nanoelectromechanical devices based on germanium nanowires

A two-terminal bistable device, having both ON and OFF regimes, has been demonstrated with Ge nanowires using an in situ TEM-STM technique. The function of the device is based on delicately balancing electrostatic, elastic, and adhesion forces between the nanowires and the contacts, which can be controlled by the applied voltage. The operation and failure conditions of the bistable device were investigated, i.e. the influence of nanowire diameter, the surface oxide layer on the nanowires and the current density. During ON/OFF cycles the Ge nanowires were observed to be more stable than carbon nanotubes, working at similar conditions, due to the higher mechanical stability of the nanowires. The higher resistivity of Ge nanowires, compared to carbon nanotubes, provides potential application of these 1D nanostructures in high-voltage devices.

Nanoscale reversible mass transport for archival memory

We report on a simple electromechanical memory device in which an iron nanoparticle shuttle is controllably positioned within a hollow nanotube channel. The shuttle can be moved reversibly via an electrical write signal and can be positioned with nanoscale precision. The position of the shuttle can be read out directly via a blind resistance read measurement, allowing application as a nonvolatile memory element with potentially hundreds of memory states per device. The shuttle memory has application for archival storage, with information density as high as 10(12) bits/in(2), and thermodynamic stability in excess of one billion years.

Fabrication and characterization of graphitic carbon nanostructures with controllable size, shape, and position

The incorporation of carbon materials in micro- and nanoscale devices is being widely investigated due to the promise of enhanced functionality. Challenges in the positioning and addressability of carbon nanotubes provide the motivation for the development of new processes to produce nanoscale carbon materials. Here, the fabrication of conducting, nanometer-sized carbon structures using a combination of electron beam lithography (EBL) and carbonisation is reported. EBL is used to directly write predefined nanometer-sized patterns in a thin layer of negative resist in controllable locations. Careful heat treatment results in carbon nanostructures with the size, shape, and location originally defined by EBL. The pyrolysis process results in significant shrinkage of the structures in the vertical direction and minimal loss in the horizontal direction. Characterization of the carbonized material indicates a structure consisting of both amorphous and graphitized carbon with low levels of oxygen. The resistivity of the material is similar to other disordered carbon materials and the resistivity is maintained from the bulk to the nanoscale. This is demonstrated by fabricating a nanoscale structure with predictable resistance. The ability to fabricate these conductive structures with known dimensions and in predefined locations can be exploited for a number of applications. Their use as nanoband electrodes is also demonstrated.

Resistive switching memory devices composed of binary transition metal oxides using sol-gel chemistry

We describe a novel and versatile approach for preparing resistive switching memory devices based on binary transition metal oxides (TMOs). Titanium isopropoxide (TIPP) was spin-coated onto platinum (Pt)-coated silicon substrates using a sol-gel process. The sol-gel-derived layer was converted into a TiO2 film by thermal annealing. A top electrode (Ag electrode) was then coated onto the TiO2 films to complete device fabrication. When an external bias was applied to the devices, a switching phenomenon independent of the voltage polarity (i.e., unipolar switching) was observed at low operating voltages (about 0.6 VRESET and 1.4 VSET). In addition, it was confirmed that the electrical properties (i.e., retention time, cycling test and switching speed) of the sol-gel-derived devices were comparable to those of vacuum deposited devices. This approach can be extended to a variety of binary TMOs such as niobium oxides. The reported approach offers new opportunities for preparing the binary TMO-based resistive switching memory devices allowing a facile solution processing.

Gas sensing with long, diffusively contacted single-walled carbon nanotubes

A carbon nanotube thermal-conductivity-based pressure or gas sensor is described, which utilizes 5-10 microm long, diffusively contacted single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs). Low temperature electrical transport measurements for these tubes were suggestive of a thermally activated hopping mechanism for electron localization, where a hopping energy of approximately 39 meV was computed. A negative differential conductance regime was also detected in suspended tubes, released using critical point drying, at high bias voltages. The pressure or gas sensitivity increased more dramatically as the bias power was increased up to 14 muW, which was interpreted in the context of the high optical phonon density in the suspended SWNTs. Such devices are promising for use as pressure sensors, as well as for the chemical identification of species having differing gas thermal conductivities.

The fabrication of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors with semiconductors as the source and drain contact materials

Sb(2)Te(3) and Bi(2)Te(2)Se semiconductor materials were used as the source and drain contact materials in the fabrication of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs). Ultra-purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were ultrasonically dispersed in N-methyl pyrrolidone solvent. Dielectrophoresis was used to deposit and align SWCNTs for fabrication of CNTFETs. The Sb(2)Te(3)- and Bi(2)Te(2)Se-based CNTFETs demonstrate p-type metal-oxide-silicon-like I-V curves with high on/off drain-source current ratio at large drain-source voltages and good saturation of drain-source current with increasing drain-source voltage. The fabrication process developed is novel and has general meaning, and could be used for the fabrication of SWCNT-based integrated devices and systems with semiconductor contact materials.

Negative differential resistance: gate controlled and photoconductance enhancement in carbon nanotube intraconnects

Intraconnects, as-grown single-walled carbon nanotubes bridging two metal electrodes, were investigated as gated structures. We show that even with a seemingly "ohmic" contact at zero gate voltage one observes negative differential resistance (NDR) at nonzero gate bias. Large differential photo conductance (DPC) was associated with the NDR effect raising hopes for the fabrication of novel high-speed optoelectronic devices.

Synthesis of Novel Porphyrin and its Complexes Covalently Linked to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Study of their Spectroscopy

Novel covalent porphyrin and its complexes (Co(2+), Zn(2+)) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been successfully synthesized by the reaction of the carboxyl on the surface of MWNTs which was synthesized to use carbon radicals generated by the thermal decomposition of azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN) with 5-p-hydroxyphenyl-10,15,20-triphenyl-porphyrin and its complexes (Co(2+), Zn(2+)). Three resulting nanohybrids were characterized by spectroscopy (FT-IR, Raman, and UV-vis), TGA, and TEM. The quality of porphyrin attached to the MWNTs was determined from thermogravimeric analysis (TGA) of the MWNTs, which showed a weight loss of about 60%. The Raman and absorption spectroscopy data showed that the electronic properties of modified MWNTs were mostly retained, without damaging their one-dimensional electronic properties. From fluorescence measurements, it was observed that the porphyrin and its complexes (Co(2+), Zn(2+)) were nearly quenched by MWNTs, indicating that this covalently modified mode facilitated the effective energy or electron transfer between the excited porphyrin moiety and the extended pi-system of MWNTs.

Intrinsic memory function of carbon nanotube-based ferroelectric field-effect transistor

We demonstrate the intrinsic memory function of ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) based on an integration of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and epitaxial ferroelectric films. In contrast to the previously reported "charge-storage" CNT-FET memories, whose operations are haunted by a lack of control over the "charge traps", the present CNT-FeFETs exhibit a well-defined memory hysteresis loop induced by the reversible remnant polarization of the ferroelectric films. Large memory windows approximately 4 V, data retention time up to 1 week, and ultralow power consumption (energy per bit) of femto-joule, are highlighted in this report. Further simulations and experimental results show that the memory device is valid under operation voltage less than 1 V due to an electric-field enhancement effect induced by the ultrathin SWCNTs.