Dielectrophoretic Assembly of Carbon Nanotube Chains in Aqueous Solution

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have generated remarkable interests in a wide range of research fields due to their excellent electrical properties. However, achieving the CNTs arrangement with high quality in a short time remains a challenge. Herein we studied the in-situ assembly of CNTs based on macroscopic dielectrophoresis by using a centimeter scale electrode, which overcome the limitation of small size in traditional method for manipulating nanoparticles. Ordered CNTs chains could be obtained under the action of alternating current dielectrophoresis by optimizing the voltage and frequency. Besides, the ordered chains were able to restore immediately upon powering up after being damaged. Furthermore, a CNTs chain was prepared for conducting the wet circuit and powering a LED, and different conductive patterns on the non-woven fabric were achieved by controlling the position of the electrodes in wet environment.