Dielectrophoretic alignment of carbon nanotubes: theory, applications, and future

Abdullah Abdulhameed*, Mohd Mahadi Halim*, Izhal Abdul Halin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nominated to be the successor of several semiconductors and metals due to their unique physical and chemical properties. It has been concerning that the anisotropic and low controllability of CNTs impedes their adoption in commercial applications. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is known as the electrokinetics motion of polarizable nanoparticles under the influence of nonuniform electric fields. The uniqueness of this phenomenon allows DEP to be employed as a novel method to align, assemble, separate, and manipulate CNTs suspended in liquid mediums. This article begins with a brief overview of CNT structure and production, with the emphasize on their electrical properties and response to electric fields. The DEP phenomenon as a CNT alignment method is demonstrated and graphically discussed, along with its theory, procedure, and parameters. We also discussed the side forces that arise in DEP systems and how they negatively or positively affect the CNT alignment. The article concludes with a brief review of CNT-based devices fabricated using DEP, as well as the method’s limitations and future prospects.

Original languageEnglish
Article number242001
JournalNanotechnology
Volume34
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - 11 Jun 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Keywords

  • CNTFET
  • alignment
  • assembly
  • carbon nanotubes
  • dielectrophoresis
  • sensors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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