Tubular microstructures such as carbon nanotubes have attracted enormous attention over the past decade due to their potential significance in microelectronic devices. The hollow structures can transport biomaterials as well as electronic signals and also can provide space for cell growth, making them an ideal choice for a variety of applications. Ongoing innovation in this field creates a demand to develop compositions, systems, and methods to improve control of nanotube dimensions.
Description
University of Pittsburgh researchers have devised a method of end-to-end joining of self-assembled organic nanotubes by simple solvent-treating. Uniform diacetylene nanotubes are synthesized from an amphiphilic single-chain diacetylene monomer by self-assembly. Both ends of the resultant nanotube are slightly hydrophobic compared to the inner and outer wall of the nanotube where hydrophilic head groups are exposed. This feature allows the concatenation of nanotubes without affecting the diameter. In addition, these long nanotubes can be disassembled into the original short nanotubes of about 1 micron length with the addition of an acid. Complete polymerization of the nanotubes under UV light enables reversible blue to red color transition. The assembly and disassembly of nanotubes may yield the ability to connect, for example, two electronic circuits or a nano-bridge between neuronal cells.
Applications
· Biological and biomedical research
· Textiles, alloys, springs, coatings, and films
· Microelectronics, transistors, and other circuit components
· Solar cells
· Hydrogen storage
· Energy storage, e.g. supercapacitors and batteries
· Environmental remediation and water treatment
Advantages
· Template-free, end-to-end joining of self-assembled organic nanotubes
· Simple disassembly process
· Capability to lengthen a nanotube without widening it
Invention Readiness
Nanotube fabrication with lengths between 0.2-200 microns
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8012278B2
