A Novel Technique for Forming Self‐Assembled Nanotube Structures

Abstract

A suspension containing multi‐wall, hollow structured carbon nanotubes were suspended in polyethylene glycol and electrosprayed. The results present an operational map identifying a parametric window in which stable cone‐jet mode exists. At an electric field strength of ∼0.26 kV/mm and corresponding flow rate of ∼1×10⁻⁸ m³s⁻¹ the finest droplets were generated. These droplets once deposited were analysed using optical and transmission electron microscopy and are compared with those deposits created through a control method. The electrosprayed deposits were further examined using electron diffraction and dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy that forms the discussion in this article.

Keywords:

• Nanotubes
• electrospraying
• nanofabrication
• self‐assemblies
• nanostructures

Acknowledgments

Mr. David Carnahan, President of Nanolab Inc., USA, is gratefully acknowledged for supplying the nanotubes used in this investigation. The author wishes to thank The Royal Society and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of the United Kingdom for funding this research.