Abstract: A method of fabricating a carbon-carbon composite includes mixing a carbon-based matrix precursor with a carbon nanomaterial additive forming a polymeric matrix impregnated with the carbon nanomaterial additive, heating the impregnated polymeric matrix under an inert atmosphere, with temperatures ranging between 350-1100° C. for carbonization followed by graphitization at a temperature greater than 1800° C. The matrix precursor may be a graphitizing or non-graphitizing material. The additive may present basal or edge site carbon atoms or a combination of both. As a result, a carbon-carbon composite composed of the matrix and additive is formed by templating or bond formation, wherein at least 1-D nano-scale or micro-scale structural changes begins at the interface between the matrix and additive and propagates outward from the interface into the matrix, thus adjusting or altering the nano- or micro-structures in the matrix that would not naturally occur in the absence of the additive.

Abstract: Systems and methods that incorporate nanostructures into microdevices are discussed herein. These systems and methods can allow for standard microfabrication techniques to be extended to the field of nanotechnology. Sensors incorporating nanostructures can be fabricated as described herein, and can be used to reliably detect a range of gases with high response.