Advances in Numerical and Experimental Study of Dielectrophoretic Assembly of Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Study of the effect of dielectrophoresis (DEP) parameters is important in high-precision DEP assembly of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The DEP parameters usually considered in the literature include the magnitude and frequency of the applied voltage, the assembly time, the concentration of the CNT suspension, and the geometry of the electrodes. This paper reviews the current progresses on both numerical and experimental study of the CNT assembly by DEP, especially the influence of the DEP parameters on the assembly process and results. The review shows that the magnitude of the applied voltage affects the DEP force and the number of deposited CNTs. The assembly time and CNT concentration influence the density of deposited CNTs. Different electrode geometries have an effect on the distribution of the electric field. The electrode spacing changes the field strength and the direction of the field gradient. The related discussion is presented as well.