Carbon Nanotube Alignment Dynamics under Electric Fields in Different Solutions

Controlled macroscopic assembly of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) while preserving their excellent optoelectronic properties still remain a key challenge. Here, we investigated the molecular dynamics of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) alignment inside various viscous media under electric fields. An analytical model based on dieletrophoresis induced torque considering the viscosity and conductivity of the medium was used to obtain molecular dynamics of the SWCNTs. An alternating current (AC) electric field was applied to SWCNT containing liquid solutions of several solvents/surfactants such as DIW, DMF, DPSF, SDS, and DOC. Time required for the SWCNTs to get aligned to the applied AC electric field were calculated for different initial conditions for all the solutions. The effects of CNT length, CNT diameter, and frequency of the electric field on the SWCNT network formation were theoretically studied. Longer and thinner SWCNTs prompted to faster alignment in SWCNT network. Furthermore, the effect of concentration of surfactant on arrangement time was examined. Slower SWCNT alignment was observed in medium with higher viscosity. The findings of this report will be helpful for establishing an effective technique of producing large-scale aligned CNT films for diverse applications.