Physicists explain metallic conductivity of thin carbon nanotube films

Physicists explain metallic conductivity of thin carbon nanotube films
Credit: MIPT

An international team of researchers has examined the optical and dielectric properties of thin macroscopic films based on single-walled carbon nanotubes and obtained an explanation for the metallic nature of their conductivity using infrared and terahertz spectroscopy. The research findings were published in the journals Carbon and Nanotechnology.

A single-walled , or SWNT, can be pictured as a graphene sheet rolled into a cylinder. Light, strong, and resistant to high temperatures, SWNTs can be used as additives to composite materials to make them more durable, or as building blocks to fabricate aerosol filters and electrochemical sensors. Transparent and flexible carbon nanotube —that is, 2-D structures formed by intersecting nanotubes—have a wide variety of potential applications, for example as supercapacitors or transparent electrodes in flexible electronics—electronic devices that can be bent, folded, and twisted without breaking. The study of the charge transfer mechanisms in such films is therefore important for both basic research and practical applications.

The physicists measured optical and electrical properties of the films by terahertz-infrared spectroscopy at a variety of temperatures, from -268 degrees Celsius to room temperature, and in a wide range of incident radiation wavelengths—from ultraviolet to terahertz (wavelengths of about 1 millimeter). The study of the interaction between the films and radiation yielded fundamental data on the electrodynamics of the films.

The SWNT films were synthesized by using aerosol chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Briefly, a vapor of the catalyst precursor ferrocene is supplied into the CVD reactor, where it decomposes in the atmosphere of carbon monoxide, forming nanometer-sized catalyst particles. On their surface, carbon monoxide (CO) disproportionation—simultaneous oxidation and reduction—occurs and finally, SWNTs grow. The flow at the outlet of the rector is filtered, and SWNTs are collected onto the nitrocellulose filter. By varying the duration of the collection time, researchers obtain films of different thicknesses. Importantly, the SWNT films can be easily transferred to different substrates by dry deposition or used in their free-standing form, that is, without a substrate. This method enables the production of high-quality nanotubes with no amorphous carbon impurities.

Physicists explain metallic conductivity of thin carbon nanotube films
Atomic force microscopy image of the surface of a carbon nanotube film. The fragment seen on the image is 2.5 by 2.5 micrometers. The false color bar indicates the penetration depth of the microscope tip. Image courtesy of the researchers. Credit: MIPT

"Since all carbon atoms in SWNTs are located on their surface, it is relatively easy to alter the electrical properties of this unique material. We can improve the conductivity of the films either by incorporating dopants into the nanotubes or by coating them with electron-acceptor or -donor molecules," says Professor Albert Nasibulin of Skoltech. In their studies, the scientists coated the samples with gold chloride, whose solution acted as a doping agent, and obtained films from nanotubes filled with iodine and copper chloride by placing them in an atmosphere of the appropriate vapors. Such treatment increases charge carrier density in the filled tubes and reduces contact resistance between them, enabling flexible transparent electrodes and materials with selective charge transfer for use in optoelectronics and spintronics.

For use in electronics, films need to be efficient , so the physicists examined the broadband spectrum of their dielectric permittivity. But flexible electronics also require transparent films, so the researchers measured their optical conductivity, as well. Both analyses were conducted in a wide temperature range, from several degrees above absolute zero to room temperature. Of particular interest are the data obtained in the terahertz and far-infrared regions of the spectrum. While prior research findings pointed to a peak in the terahertz conductivity spectrum (at frequencies between about 0.4 and 30 THz, depending on the study), this paper reports no clear indications of the phenomenon. The authors attribute such results to the high quality of their films.

Since the analysis of the optical and of the films at frequencies below 1,000 cm⁻¹ revealed spectral features that were typical for conducting materials, like metals, the team decided to employ the corresponding conductivity model that was developed by Paul Drude. According to that model, the charge in the conductors is transferred by free carriers. Like the ideal gas molecules, they move between the ions in the lattice and scatter upon collision with its vibrations, defects or impurities. In this study, the charge carriers are also scattered by the energy barriers at the intersections of individual nanotubes. However, as the analysis suggests, these barriers are insignificant and allow the electrons to move almost freely across the film. Using the Drude model, the authors were able to quantitatively analyze the temperature dependencies of the carriers' effective parameters—namely, concentration, mobility, mean free path and time between collisions—which are responsible for the electrodynamic properties of the films.

"Our research has clearly demonstrated that provides an efficient tool for studying the conductivity mechanisms in macro-scale carbon nanotube films and determining the effective parameters of charge carriers in a noncontact manner. Our findings show that such films may be successfully used as components or assemblies in various micro- and nanoelectronic devices," says Elena Zhukova, deputy head of the Laboratory of Terahertz Spectroscopy at MIPT.

More information: B.P. Gorshunov et al, Terahertz spectroscopy of charge transport in films of pristine and doped single-wall carbon nanotubes, Carbon (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2017.10.072

Journal information: Carbon , Nanotechnology

Citation: Physicists explain metallic conductivity of thin carbon nanotube films (2017, November 21) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2017-11-physicists-metallic-thin-carbon-nanotube.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Factors in the fabrication of heterojunctions of 2-D materials through CVD

7 shares

Feedback to editors