Locally Controlled Growth of Individual Lambda-Shaped Carbon Nanofibers

Abstract

The locally defined growth of carbon nanofibers with lambda shape in an open flame process is demonstrated. Via the growth time, the geometry of the structures can be tailored to a Λ- or λ-type shape. Microchannel cantilever spotting and dip-pen nanolithography are utilized for the deposition of catalytic salt NiCl₂ · 6H₂ O for locally controlled growth of lambda-shaped carbon nanofibers. Rigorous downscaling reveals a critical catalytic salt volume of 0.033 µm³, resulting in exactly one lambda-shaped carbon nanofiber at a highly predefined position. An empirical model explains the observed growth process.

Keywords: branched carbon nanofibers; dip-pen nanolithography (DPN); lambda-shaped carbon nanofibers; microchannel cantilever spotting (µCS).