Rapid dielectrophoresis assembly of single carbon nanocoil on an AFM probe tip

The assembly of a single carbon nanocoil on the tip of an atomic force microscope probe has been demonstrated by utilizing dielectrophoresis in an isopropyl alcohol solution. The nanocoil adheres to the probe tip where the maximum electrical field exists. Its orientation due to the relative position between the probe tip and the dielectrophoresis electrode has been investigated. The capillary effect which constrains the nanocoil assembly in the limited aqueous space has been discussed. The experiment results have been verified through finite element simulation. The total assembly process can be achieved within several seconds at room temperature environment by using a simple apparatus.