Carbon nanotube structure and method of vertically aligning carbon nanotubes

Abstract

A Carbon NanoTube (CNT) structure includes a substrate, a CNT support layer, and a plurality of CNTs. The CNT support layer is stacked on the substrate and has pores therein. One end of each of the CNTs is attached to portions of the substrate exposed through the pores and each of the CNTs has its lateral sides supported by the CNT support layer. A method of vertically aligning CNTs includes: forming a first conductive substrate; stacking a CNT support layer having pores on the first conductive substrate; and attaching one end of the each of the CNTs to portions of the first conductive substrate exposed through the pores.

1 . A Carbon NanoTube (CNT) structure, comprising:
 a substrate;   a CNT support layer stacked on the substrate and having a plurality of pores arranged therein; and   a plurality of CNTs, one end of each of the CNTs being attached to portions of the substrate exposed through the plurality of pores and lateral sides of each of the CNTs being supported by the CNT support layer.   
     
     
         2 . The CNT structure of  claim 1 , wherein a Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM) comprising a functional group having a chemical affinity for the plurality of CNTs is arranged on the surface of the substrate, and wherein one end of each of the CNTs is attached to the SAM through the plurality of pores. 
     
     
         3 . The CNT structure of  claim 2 , wherein the SAM comprises an organic material containing phosphorous. 
     
     
         4 . The CNT structure of  claim 3 , wherein the organic material containing phosphorous comprises 2-carboxyethyl phosphoric acid. 
     
     
         5 . The CNT structure of  claim 2 , wherein the CNT support layer comprises a colloid monolayer including a plurality of self-assembled colloid particles and wherein the plurality of pores are arranged between the colloid particles. 
     
     
         6 . The CNT structure of  claim 5 , wherein the colloid particles comprise either silica or polystyrene. 
     
     
         7 . The CNT structure of  claim 2 , wherein the substrate comprises a conductive material. 
     
     
         8 . The CNT structure of  claim 7 , wherein the conductive material comprises Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). 
     
     
         9 - 16 . (canceled)