Dielectrophoretic assembly of ZnO nanowires

The synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires is achieved by vapor phase transportation (VPT) method. The designed quartz tube, whose both ends are narrow and the middle is wider, is used to control the growth of ZnO nanowires. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) method is employed to align and manipulate ZnO nanowires which are ultrasonic dispersed and suspended in ethanol solution. Under the dielectrophoretic force, the nanowires are trapped on the pre-patterned electrodes, and further aligned along the electric field and bridge the electrode gap. The dependence of the alignment yield on the applied voltage and frequency is investigated.