Patent ID: 8470709
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: B01J,B82Y,C01B,H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming metal-silicide nanoparticles for use as catalysts in carbon nanotube growth, the method comprising: depositing a barrier layer on a substrate; depositing a thin layer of silicon containing material having a thickness of from 1 nm to 10 nm on the barrier layer; depositing a thin metal film onto the thin layer of silicon containing material, the thin metal film having a thickness of from 1 nm to 10 nm; and annealing the thin metal film and the thin layer of silicon containing material to form metal-silicide nanoparticles having a diameter smaller than 10 nm, wherein the barrier layer prevents diffusion of the metal-silicide nanoparticles into the substrate.