US Patent 7371696 - Vertically aligning CNTs using self-assembled monolayer

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7371696.html

A variety of methods exist for aligning carbon nanotubes for device applications but many rely on either CVD, which requires high temperatures, or electrostatic alignment, which can produce less than satisfactory results. This method from Samsung teaches an alternative based on the use of a self assembled monolayer to facilitate the alignment. Claim 1 reads:

1. A method of vertically aligning Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs), the method comprising:

forming a first conductive substrate;

stacking a CNT support layer having a plurality of pores on the first conductive substrate;

attaching one end of the each of the CNTs to portions of the first conductive substrate exposed through plurality of pores; and

forming a Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM) including a functional group having a chemical affinity for the plurality of CNTs on the surface of the first conductive substrate after its formation.