Metallic Carbon Quantum Wire from Self-Assembled Asphaltene

Quantum wires, ten nanometers in height, have been self-assembled from asphaltene and exhibit ohmic properties. In dilute solutions, Multi-Layer Nanographene (MLNG) structures form long, self-aligned nanowires which can be seen with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Electron Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) confirms only carbon is present. This previously unexplored form of quantum confined carbon based nanoribbon demonstrates ohmic properties consistent with density functional theory (DFT) simulations which show overlapping Density of States (DOS) at the Fermi Level. Chao Zhang czhang3@utep.edu 915-747-6717