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Growth process

How a “growth process” nanoworkshop works?

The growth of nanotubes or nanowires is obtained by chemical vapor deposition in a confined reactor. The break down of the substrate (preparation) may disperse a few particles. Some characterization techniques can damage the sample. The daily cleaning is done with the reactor closed, but some maintenance with the reactor open are needed each year. The particles/substrate liaison of the samples is high (low risk of inhalation) provided shocks, destruction, or contacts are avoided. The operations of transfert of samples are therefore done with shields and their destruction are made with waste elimination.

What characterization precautions to take?

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SEM characterization workstation.

Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) provides information on the morphology of the tubes, while Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM) specifies the layout of the crystalline structure. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) provides indications as to the electrical conductivity of a nanostructure perpendicular to the support, or the topography of the structure in the case of tubes that are detached and deposited on a surface. Poor handling of the AFM tip can damage the structures and lead to the scattering of several nanoparticles.