Toward high-performance solution-processed carbon nanotube network transistors by removing nanotube bundles

Abstract

Reported solution-processed field-effect transistor (FET) devices based on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) networks have either high mobility but low on/off ratio or vice versa. Recently, Arnold et al. (Nat. Nanotechnol. 2006, 1, 60-65) have made significant improvements in obtaining semiconductor-enriched SWNTs by using density-gradient ultracentrifugation. Here, we report that removing the SWNT bundles using organic - aqueous interfacial purification can further enhance the electrical performance of SWNT-FETs. The on/off ratio of the SWNT-FET is improved by ∼1 order of magnitude. By combining density-gradient ultracentrifugation and interfacial purification, it is possible to obtain high on/off ratio and high mobility of solution-processed SWNT-FETs at a promising yield. © 2008 American Chemical Society.