Self-assembled network of carbon nanotubes synthesized by chemical vapor deposition in alumina porous template

Relying on self-assembly principles and mechanisms to engineer new and previously unachievable devices and systems on nano- and microscales is a highly promising field of research today. In this work, a self-assembly of partially exposed and free-standing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown in the pores of alumina matrix into a quasiperiodic two-dimensional static network is reported. The network pattern is analyzed with a fast Fourier transformation and reveals a short-range order, which does not replicate that of underlying alumina template. The network formation is likely to be driven by short-range interactions involving hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions and van der Waals forces balanced by mechanical deformation forces. The work might help realize new possibilities for self-guided, bottom-up, and large scale assembly of multifunctional and electrically conductive CNTs grown in alumina matrix for applications in electronic circuits, sensor networks and interconnects. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.