Locally Controlled Growth of Individual Lambda‐Shaped Carbon Nanofibers

The locally defined growth of carbon nanofibers with lambda shape in an open flame process is demonstrated. Via the growth time, the geometry of the structures can be tailored to a Λ‐ or λ‐type shape. Microchannel cantilever spotting and dip‐pen nanolithography are utilized for the deposition of catalytic salt NiCl2 · 6H2O for locally controlled growth of lambda‐shaped carbon nanofibers. Rigorous downscaling reveals a critical catalytic salt volume of 0.033 µm³, resulting in exactly one lambda‐shaped carbon nanofiber at a highly predefined position. An empirical model explains the observed growth process. Precision control over location and shape of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) is achieved by utilizing scanning probe lithography methods (microchannel cantilever spotting and dip‐pen nanolithography) for deposition of catalytic salt features. The CNF type (Λ‐ or λ‐type shape) can be selected by growth time in a facile open ethanol flame process. An empirical model is proposed for the observed growth process.