Functionalize Carbon Nanotubes, Graphene for Electronic Devices

Abstract

The University of Central Florida invention provides a way to functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene while maintaining valuable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. By non-covalently attaching (at least partially conjugated) polymers to CNTs or a graphene structure, the UCF technology enables functionalized CNTs and graphene for fabricating various electronic devices. This includes sensors, energy-storing devices, and field effect transistors (FETs). In one example, the efficiency of CNT FET devices with polymer supramolecular structures is 100 times higher than that of standard polymer thin film FETs.

Two carbon allotropes, CNTs and graphene have valuable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The lack of a simple and versatile system to disperse and functionalize CNTs and graphene for commercial use often prevents these valuable properties from being used to make various electronic devices.

Technical Details

The UCF technology provides a composition and method for forming a new nanomaterial and electronic device containing the following:

• At least one CNT or graphene structure with an outer surface, and
• Multiple crystalline polymer supramolecular structures (including a conjugated polymer) that are non-covalently secured to the outer surface of the CNTs or graphene structure. The conjugated polymer can be a conjugated homopolymer or a block copolymer that has at least one conjugated block. Like tentacles protruding from the CNTs or graphene structure, the supramolecular structures of crystalline polymers extend outward from the outer surface of the CNTs or graphene-comprising structures.

Applications include nanoelectronics and electronic devices such as sensors, organic field effect transistors (FET), photovoltaic cells, biomolecular imaging and detection, and energy storage devices such as fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors.

Benefit

Market Application