Orientation of Carbon Nanotubes Using Electrophoresis

Electric field orientation of carbon nanotubes has been demonstrated using electrophoresis in isopropyl alcohol. The carbon nanotubes move towards the cathode during this process. The nanotubes align along the electric field due to the anisotropy of their electrophoresis velocity. The mobility has been estimated to be higher than ~5×10-5 cm2 V-1 s-1. The results suggest that it is possible to purify and handle carbon nanotubes using electrophoresis.