Optimized vertical carbon nanotube forests for multiplex surface-enhanced raman scattering detection

The highly sensitive and molecule-specific technique of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) generates high signal enhancements via localized optical fields on nanoscale metallic materials, which can be tuned by manipulation of the surface roughness and architecture on the submicrometer level. We investigate gold-functionalized vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests (VACNTs) as low-cost straightforward SERS nanoplatforms. We find that their SERS enhancements depend on their diameter and density, which are systematically optimized for their performance. Modeling of the VACNT-based SERS substrates confirms consistent dependence on structural parameters as observed experimentally. The created nanostructures span over large substrate areas, are readily configurable, and yield uniform and reproducible SERS enhancement factors. Further fabricated micropatterned VACNTs platforms are shown to deliver multiplexed SERS detection. The unique properties of CNTs, which can be synergistically utilized in VACNT-based substrates and patterned arrays, can thus provide new generation platforms for SERS detection. © 2012 American Chemical Society.

Novel architecture to facilitate disassembly and reuse of electronic components and sub-assemblies

This paper advances the proposition that in many electronic products, the partitioning scheme adopted and the interconnection system used to interconnect the sub-assemblies or components are intimately related to the economic benefits, and hence the attractiveness, of reuse of these items. An architecture has been developed in which the residual values of the connectors, components and sub-assemblies are maximized, and opportunities for take-back and reuse of redundant items are greatly enhanced. The system described also offers significant manufacturing cost benefits in terms of ease of assembly, compactness and robustness.