Transcript Nanotechnology in Electronics Updated September 2011 Nanotechnology Things Are Heating UP! Updated September 2011 Carbon nanotubes— a girl’s best friend? The diamond has long been Diamond considered the hardest mineral on earth.

Nanotechnology
in
Electronics
Updated September 2011
Nanotechnology
Things Are Heating UP!
Updated September 2011
Carbon nanotubes—
a girl’s best friend?
The diamond has
long been
Diamond
considered the
hardest mineral
on earth until
cc by Gregory Phillips
now!
Updated September 2011
Enlarged
Nanotubes
Photo by NREL
What on earth are carbon nanotubes?
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
are carbon structures with
special properties that
make them useful in a wide
range of scientific and
everyday applications.
cc by Michael Ströck
Updated September 2011
There are four distinct forms of carbon:
Nanotube
Fullerene
cc by Guillaume Paumier
cc by Sauperad
Graphite
Diamond
cc by Gregory Phillips
Updated September 2011
cc by Eurico Zimbres
Each form of carbon has its own unique properties
determined by the arrangement of atoms within it.
CNTs exist in three different forms. Even though
the differences are very small, they cause each one
to have its own unique properties.
Zigzag
Armchair
Chiral
Images cc by Michael Ströck
Updated September 2011
Carbon nanotubes are different from other natural
materials. The CNT’s incredibly small size and distinct
properties allow it to do things other materials cannot
do. These special properties include increased
electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and tensile
strength.
Electrical and
thermal
conductivity
Tensile
strength
Image by NASA
Image cc by CDang
Updated September 2011
CNTs conduct electricity extremely well. However, other
materials such as copper nanowires have tens of
thousands of electrons traveling through the center of the
wire together. Imagine what would happen if a large
group of people tried to go through a narrow doorway at
the same time.
Updated September 2011
In the same way, electrons rush together and bump
into stationary atoms. Because of this, the electrons
move forward, sideways and even backward. This is
called scattering. This process generates a lot of
heat and wastes energy.
In carbon nanotubes there is not as much scattering
because the carbon tubes are hollow. This prevents
electron “clumping,” so CNTs do not lose as much
heat and do not waste as much energy.
Updated September 2011
CNTs are extremely strong. A one-inch thick rope
made of CNTs is 100 times stronger and 1/6 the
weight of steel. Can you imagine a building built with
ropes instead of steel or an elephant on a platform
supported by CNT ropes?
cc by Follix
Updated September 2011
The special properties of these tiny structures make
CNTs useful for several current and future
applications in the electronics field.
Photo by Mike 1024
Updated September 2011
Flat panel display screens: CNTs are being used
to make thinner, lighter display screens. An
electrified nanotube will shoot electrons from its
end like a small cannon. When these are allowed
to bombard a phosphor screen, an image is
created.
cc by Chuck Jordan
Updated September 2011
Transistors are devices that can act like an on/off
switch or an amplifier for currents and are in nearly
every piece of electronic equipment used today.
The properties of CNTs can produce molecular
electronic devices, transistors being the most
significant.
cc by Rolf Süssbrich
Updated September 2011
This module is one of a series designed to introduce faculty and high school
students to the basic concepts of nanotechnology. Each module includes a
PowerPoint presentation, discussion questions, and hands-on activities, when
applicable.
The series was funded in part by:
The National Science Foundation
Grant DUE-0702976
and the
Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the
material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the
National Science Foundation or the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative.
Updated September 2011
Image Credits
Phillips, Gregory (Photographer), CZ_Brilliant.jpg [Digital Image], Canada, Wikimedia Commons
(commons.wikimedia.org)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Photographer), Carbon Nanotubes.jpg
Wikimedia Commons (commons.wikimedia.org)
[Digital Image], United States,
Ströck, Michael (Designer) Types of Carbon Nanotubes.jpg [Digital Image], Austria, Wikimedia Commons
(commons.wikimedia.org)
Saperaud (Designer) Fullerene-C60.png [Digital Image], Germany, Wikimedia Commons
(commons.wikimedia.org)
Paumier, Guillaume (Designer) Carbon Nanotube.svg [Digital Image], France, Wikimedia Commons
(commons.wikimedia.org)
Zimbres, Eurico (Photographer), GrafitaEZ.jpg [Digital Image], Brazil, Wikimedia Commons
(commons.wikimedia.org)
Cdang. (Photographer). Gunt WP300 tensile testing machine, for educational purpose. [Digital Image]. France.
Wikimedia Commons (commons.wikimedia.org)
Updated September 2011
Image Credits
Mike1024. (Photographer). 28 pin MLP integrated circuit [Digital Image]. Wikimedia Commons
(commons.wikimedia.org)
Jordan, Chuck (Photographer). Apple TV and Sony flatscreen TV on display at Macworld San Francisco 2007.
[Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons (commons.wikimedia.org)
Süssbrich, Rolf (Photographer). Small Transistor Metal 1.jpg. [Digital Image]. Wikimedia Commons
(commons.wikimedia.org)
Updated September 2011
References
Weichman, Joe. Science Happens (2009). [Kindle Edition]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com
Williams, Linda and Dr. Wade Adams. (2007). Nanotechnology Demystified. [Kindle Version] doi: 10.1036/0071460233
Wilson, Michael, Kanangara, Kamali, Smith, Geoff, Simmons, Michelle, & Raguse, Burkhard. Nanotechnology: Basic
Science and Emerging Technologies. (2004). [Kindle Edition] Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com
Updated September 2011