Experiments have shown that it is feasible to use oxygen radicals (specifically, monatomic oxygen) from mild oxygen plasmas to remove organic contaminants and chemical fabrication residues from the surfaces of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metal/CNT interfaces. A capability for such cleaning is essential to the manufacture of reproducible CNT-based electronic devices.
The use of oxygen radicals to clean surfaces of other materials is fairly well established. However, previously, cleaning of CNTs and of graphite by use of oxygen plasmas had not been attempted because both of these forms of carbon were known to be vulnerable to destruction by oxygen plasmas. The key to success of the present technique is, apparently, to ensure that the plasma is mild — that is to say, that the kinetic and internal energies of the oxygen radicals in the plasma are as low as possible.
The plasma oxygen-radical source used in the experiments was a commercial one marketed for use in removing hydrocarbons and other organic contaminants from vacuum systems and from electron microscopes and other objects placed inside vacuum systems. In use, the source is installed in a vacuum system and air is leaked into the system at such a rate as to maintain a background pressure of ≈0.56 torr (≈75 Pa). In the source, oxygen from the air is decomposed into monatomic oxygen by radiofrequency excitation of a resonance of the O2 molecule (N2 is not affected). Hence, what is produced is a mild (nonenergetic) oxygen plasma. The oxygen radicals are transported along with the air molecules in the flow created by the vacuum pump.
In the experiments, exposure to the oxygen plasma in this system was shown to remove organic contaminants and chemical fabrication residues from several specimens. Many high-magnification scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of CNTs were taken before and after exposure to the oxygen plasma. As in the example shown in the figure, none of these images showed evidence of degradation of CNT structures.
This work was done by Mihail Petkov of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free online at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Materials category.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management
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Refer to NPO-41846, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Cleaning Carbon Nanotubes by Use of Mild Oxygen Plasmas
(reference NPO-41846) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document titled "Technical Support Package for Cleaning Carbon Nanotubes by Use of Mild Oxygen Plasmas" (NPO-41846) is a NASA Tech Brief that outlines innovative techniques for cleaning carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using mild oxygen plasmas. This research is part of NASA's Commercial Technology Program, aimed at disseminating aerospace-related developments with broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
The primary focus of the document is on the effectiveness of oxygen radicals in removing organic contaminants from surfaces, particularly in vacuum environments. The use of mild oxygen plasmas is highlighted as a promising method for cleaning CNTs, which are known for their unique properties and potential applications in various fields, including electronics, materials science, and nanotechnology.
Key findings presented in the document include experimental results demonstrating the decomposition of contaminants, such as fingerprints on gold foil, through oxygen plasma exposure. Figures included in the document illustrate the reduction of carbon signatures in energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectra, indicating successful cleaning. The experiments show that even severely contaminated surfaces can be effectively cleaned with controlled exposure to oxygen radicals, with a recommended exposure time of 1000 seconds for optimal results.
The document also discusses the absence of adverse effects from the oxygen plasma treatment, as evidenced by high-magnification scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images that reveal no damage or ashing of the CNTs. This is crucial for ensuring that the cleaning process does not compromise the integrity of the materials being treated.
In addition to the experimental data, the document provides information on the broader implications of this technology. The ability to clean CNTs efficiently could enhance their performance in various applications, making them more viable for commercial use. The document encourages further exploration and application of these techniques in different fields, emphasizing the potential for advancements in nanotechnology and materials science.
For additional information, the document references resources available through the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office, providing avenues for further research and collaboration in this area. Overall, this technical support package serves as a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals interested in the cleaning and application of carbon nanotubes using advanced plasma technology.
