SSU researchers have patented their invention
Formation of electrically conductive layers based on graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes
The scientific team of Saratov State University together with the staff of the Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology (Zelenograd) have developed a new method for forming an electrically conductive layer based on graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes. The technical result is to improve the hardness and electrical conductivity of the formed layers by forming contacts between carbon nanotubes in the presence of graphene oxide during laser welding, as well as increasing thermal resistance due to the absence of a polymer binder in the composition of the conductive layer.
A team of scientists using high-precision quantum calculations determined the wavelength of laser radiation at which the highest efficiency of welding of carbon components in the composition of the layer will be achieved, ensuring improvement of its electrically conductive and durable characteristics.
The invention can be used to create electrical conductors in sensors, microelectronics and electrical energy sources.
method prospects
First of all, the developed method will allow creating electron sources for emission electronics. Devices based on the principle of electron emission are used, for example, when creating X-ray tubes, displays. In addition to emission electronics, the developed method can be used in areas where the formation of thin conductive layers is necessary. These are mainly micro- and nanoelectronics. Thin conducting channels are used to create the basis of any microelectronic device – a transistor.
Another example is gas sensors based on conductive films made of carbon nanomaterials. Such materials can be used where high adhesion, stability, purity and electrical conductivity of the coating are important – for example, in the structure of electrodes of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, biocompatible surfaces for cell growth and electrical stimulation.
During the preparation of the patent, the scientific group actively studied the literature on the subject of existing analogues of our development. At the moment, it is safe to say that the development presented in the patent contains a set of features that favorably distinguish it from existing analogues, including foreign ones, and is unique.
"Of course, obtaining a patent will allow us to intensively continue the development of this area. By patenting our invention, we have established ourselves as innovators in this field. Thanks to the patent, in the future we will be able to promote our new developments and commercialize them, entering the domestic microelectronics market," said Olga Glukhova, head of the project under the RNF grant, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Radio Engineering and Electrodynamics of SSU.
The patent obtained determines the priority of this discovery, shows the completeness of the research and allows to increase the prospects for the practical use of the method and material – because now you can safely sell the technology to any interested company.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT?
After patenting a new method for producing an electrically conductive layer, scientists plan to create emission structures from hybrids of carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets. Uniform dispersed media based on single-walled carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide will be produced for application to a silicon substrate and laser formation of films with a developed surface on them. Structural features will be investigated for the obtained films. The main goal at the moment is to achieve a highly efficient, uniform and stable emission of electrons from the entire surface of the film.
background
The research work was carried out within the framework of the implementation of the RNF grant No. 21-19-00226 "Functional branched networks based on single-walled carbon nanotubes, bundles of them and graphene mono-/layered flakes for emission electronics: new technological solutions and applied developments", carried out under the leadership of Olga Glukhova.
Maria Mironova
