CNT bundles growth on microhotplates for direct measurement of their thermal properties

Vertically aligned Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) arrays were successfully grown on top of a freestanding microhotplate, to investigate the thermal dissipation properties of CNT bundles and their applicability as heat exchanger. Two CNT configurations are employed: a group of six bundles, each with a diameter of 20 μm, and a single CNT bundle with a diameter of 200 μm. In both configurations the bundles are 70 μm high. The microhotplate consists of a platinum thin film microheater integrated on a freestanding silicon nitride membrane. The microhotplate is used as heat source and as temperature sensor. Results show that at 300 °C, 20% and 31% of power can be saved with the circular six and single bundle configurations, respectively.