Vertical Embedding of Carbon Nanotubes on Electrode Covered with Track Etch Membrane

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes dispersed in cyclohexane migrated toward the cathode under electric field and inserted themselves into pores in a track etch membrane on the cathode. The efficiency of the insertion depends on the frequency of the applied electric field. Application of rectangular electric pulses with a frequency of 0.1 Hz gave a maximum efficiency of 22%. Prolonged application of the field did not increase the fraction of occupied pores. The fraction saturates at 30 min, since the inserted tubes attract subsequent tubes and prevent the insertion of the tubes into pores.