Semiconductors & Integrated Circuits
Methods For Removing Polymer Coatings From Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
WARF: P150061US01
Inventors: Padma Gopalan, Michael Arnold, Yongho Joo, Gerald Brady, Matthew Shea
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a method to sort and purify semiconducting SWCNTs.
Overview
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.
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.
The Invention
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.
Applications
- Field effect transistors, displays, flexible electronics, sensors, biosensors and heterojunction devices (e.g., solar cells)
Key Benefits
- Carried out under mild conditions
- Supports high electronic-type purity
- No undesired side effects
- Does not adversely impact electric/optoelectric properties
Stage of Development
This method has been successfully tested with a variety of SWCNTs.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
Related Technologies
For current licensing status, please contact Jeanine Burmania at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9846