Method for forming composites of sub-arrays of fullerene nanotubes
The formation of arrays of fullerene nanotubes is described. A microscopic molecular array of fullerene nanotubes is formed by assembling subarrays of up to 10 6 fullerene nanotubes into a composite array.
1. A method of forming a macroscopic array of fullerene nanotubes, said method comprising the step of assembling subarrays of at least about 10 6 fullerene nanotubes into a composite array, wherein the subarrays are made according to the method comprising:
(a) providing at least about 10 6 fullerene nanotubes of substantially similar length;
(b) introducing a linking moiety onto at least one end of the fullerene nanotubes;
(c) providing a substrate coated with a material to which the linking moiety will attach; and
(d) contacting the fullerene nanotubes containing the linking moiety with the substrate.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said substantially similar length is in the range between 50 and 500 nm.
3. A method of forming a macroscopic array of fullerene nanotubes, said method comprising the step of assembling subarrays of at least about 10 6 fullerene nanotubes into a composite array wherein the subarrays are made according to the method comprising:
(a) providing at least about 10 6 fullerene nanotubes of substantially similar length;
(b) introducing a linking moiety onto at least one end of the fullerene nanotubes;
(c) providing a substrate coated with a material to which the linking moiety will attach; and
(d) contacting the fullerene nanotubes containing a linking moiety with the substrate,
wherein the substrate comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of gold, mercury and indium-tin-oxide.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said substantially similar length is in the range between 50 and 500 nm.
5. A method of forming a macroscopic array of fullerene nanotubes, said method comprising the step of assembling subarrays of at least about 10 6 fullerene nanotubes into a composite array wherein the subarrays are made according to the method comprising:
(a) providing at least about 10 6 fullerene nanotubes of substantially similar length;
(b) introducing a linking moiety onto at least one end of the fullerene nanotubes;
(c) providing a substrate coated with a material to which the linking moiety will attach; and
(d) contacting the fullerene nanotubes containing a linking moiety with the substrate wherein the linking moiety comprises a moiety selected from the group consisting of —S—, —S—(CH 2 ) n —NH 2 , and SiO 3 (CH 2 ) 3 NH, wherein n is an integer greater than zero.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said substantially similar length is in the range between 50 and 500 nm.