Unusual behaviors of heat-treated nanotube devices with platinum contact metal

ORAL

Abstract

Modest heat treatments typically lead to performance improvements in devices made from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) [1]. We report highly unusual behavior, however, in the response SWCNTs contacted with Pt electrodes. Instead of monotonically improving, the contact resistance can either increase or decrease by one order of magnitude depending on the processing temperature. Furthermore, we observe anomalous changes in the device transconductance, such that SWCNTs previously identified as metallic acquire gate-dependent characteristics. The results appear intrinsic to the Pt-SWCNT interface and are not due to contamination or environmental effects, because measurements are performed \textit{in situ} during heating in ultra-high vacuum. Complimentary electrochemical and spectroscopic testing reveals the influences of Pt-SWCNT interface chemistry. These results have particular importance for high power applications requiring refractory metal contact electrodes. [1] A. Kane et al. \textit{App. Phys. Lett}. \textbf{92} 038506 (2008).

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Authors

  • Alexander A. Kane

    Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4576

  • Tatyana Sheps

    Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4576

  • Philip G. Collins

    Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4576, Univ. of California Irvine, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4576, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Univ. of California Irvine, Irvine CA 92697-4576, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Univ. of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4576