Abstract: CNT materials comprising aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with pre-determined site densities, catalyst substrate materials for obtaining them and methods for forming aligned CNTs with controllable densities on such catalyst substrate materials are described. The fabrication of films comprising site-density controlled vertically aligned CNT arrays of the invention with variable field emission characteristics, whereby the field emission properties of the films are controlled by independently varying the length of CNTs in the aligned array within the film or by independently varying inter-tubule spacing of the CNTs within the array (site density) are disclosed. The fabrication of microelectrode arrays (MEAs) formed utilizing the carbon nanotube material of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A method of producing a branched carbon nanotube (CNT) is disclosed. The branched CNT is used with an atomic force microscope having a cantilever and a tip and that is able to measure a surface of a substrate as well as an undercut feature of the substrate that protrudes from the surface. A catalytic material is deposited onto the tip of the microscope, and the catalytic material is subjected to chemical vapor deposition. This initiates growth of a primary branch of the branched carbon nanotube such that the primary branch extends from the tip. A secondary branch is then introduced to extend from the primary branch and produce the branched carbon nanotube. The primary branch interacts with the surface of the substrate and the secondary branch interacts with the undercut feature.

Abstract: CNT materials comprising aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with pre-determined site densities, catalyst substrate materials for obtaining them and methods for forming aligned CNTs with controllable densities on such catalyst substrate materials are described. The fabrication of films comprising site-density controlled vertically aligned CNT arrays of the invention with variable field emission characteristics, whereby the field emission properties of the films are controlled by independently varying the length of CNTs in the aligned array within the film or by independently varying inter-tubule spacing of the CNTs within the array (site density) are disclosed. The fabrcation of microelectrode arrays (MEAs) formed utilizing the carbon nanotube material of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A method of producing a branched carbon nanotube (CNT) is disclosed. The branched CNT is used with an atomic force microscope having a cantilever and a tip and that is able to measure a surface of a substrate as well as an undercut feature of the substrate that protrudes from the surface. A catalytic material is deposited onto the tip of the microscope, and the catalytic material is subjected to chemical vapor deposition. This initiates growth of a primary branch of the branched carbon nanotube such that the primary branch extends from the tip. A secondary branch is then introduced to extend from the primary branch and produce the branched carbon nanotube. The primary branch interacts with the surface of the substrate and the secondary branch interacts with the undercut feature.