Principles of carbon nanotube dielectrophoresis

Abstract Dielectrophoresis (DEP) describes the motion of suspended objects when exposed to an inhomogeneous electric field. It has been successful as a method for parallel and site-selective assembling nanotubes from dispersion into sophisticated device architecture. Researchers have conducted extensive works understand DEP in aqueous ionic surfactant solutions. However, only recently, was applied polymer-wrapped single-walled carbon (SWCNTs) organic solvents due availability ultra-pure SWCNT content. In this paper, focus is on difference between starts with introduction (CNT-DEP) provide comprehensive, in-depth theoretical background before discussing detail experimental procedures conditions. For academic interests, work focuses CNT-DEP deposition scheme, discusses importance electrical double layer, employs finite element simulations optimize condition respect observation. An important outcome understanding why allows alignment SWCNTs low-frequency even static fields, response semiconducting (s-SWCNTs) strongly enhanced non-conducting, weakly polarizable media. Strategies further improve s-SWCNT-relevant applications are given well. Overall, should serve practical guideline select appropriate setting effective CNT DEPs.