Fabrication of Porous Semiconductor Interfaces by pH-Driven Assembly of Carbon Nanotubes on Honeycomb Structured Membranes

Abstract

Semiconductor hybrid structures are achieved by interfacing single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with microstructured porous membranes. Interconnectivity and interplay of nanotubes are achieved by the assistance of adaptive polymers on 3D ordered honeycomb membranes. The buildup of semiconductor interfaces is based on the nanoassembly concept, which includes (a) self-assembly of sacrificial water droplets for tailoring 3D ordered polymeric platforms; (b) directed assembly of carbon nanotubes by sequential layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition; and (c) improvement of the electrical contact between nanotubes and stabilization of the organic–inorganic interface by pH-directed forces. Unprecedented better-quality charge-transfer pathways are achieved by making a large number of connections between nanotubes rather than increasing the adsorption of conductive inorganic materials onto the membrane platforms. Electrical current transfer is generated in hybrid interfaces, wherein fine conductivity function (σ 102 S/m) is associated with high-defined porous structure, through a rationalization of the role of intermolecular forces in the assembly process.