Study of the current stressing in nanomanipulated three-dimensional carbon nanotube structures

We report the fabrication of free-standing carbon nanotube structures. The welding of individual carbon nanotubes to other nanotubes and metal substrates has been performed, on a selective basis, to produce joints of both good electrical conductivity and mechanical integrity, without the need for a joining material. As a result of this unique process, we study the damage to the microstructure of the nanotube as a function of current. When the current densities are in excess of 2 106 A/cm2, particular care must be taken with regard to the quality of the nanotube and the heat dissipation. This is crucial for the use and application of nanotubes in any future device structure for it gives the upper limits to the “average” current density calculations. This process now allows for the fabrication of bespoke carbon nanotube devices for the prototyping of device performance. © 2005 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.1990268