U.S. Patent #7544546 - Formation of carbon and semiconductor nanomaterials using molecular assemblies

Carbon nanomaterials have long demonstrated great promise in enabling dramatically improved circuits and data storage devices. This patented invention describes a process that can be used to selectively position nanomaterials, e.g., carbon nanotubes or semiconductor nanowires, using an assembly of molecular precursors attached to a select substrate surface. By relying on various chemical interactions, the molecular precursors self-assemble on the selected surface. Exemplary surfaces on which to selectively grow carbon or semiconductor nanomaterials include device surfaces such as an electrode surface used in field-effect transistors, light emitting diodes, photovoltaic devices and sensors.

IBM inventors, Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Cherie R. Kagan and Laura L. Kosbar, earned a patent for this invention, which has the potential to greatly facilitate the incorporation of carbon nanotubes or semiconductor nanowires into real world electronics.