Application of the electromeniscus phenomenon to carbon nanotube erection and surface modification

In this paper, we report an interesting observation called the ‘‘electromeniscus phenomenon.’’ In this phenomenon, an upward liquid current is produced and can be controlled by a sinusoidal electric field. The liquid seals materials of any shape or quality inside the meniscus and can be used for the erection of nano-scale materials on various substrates. The results reported here demonstrate that liquid can be used to reduce cohesive forces, allowing the accurate manipulation of a variety of nano- and mesoscale materials. Using this technique, carbon nanotubes were successfully erected onto a glass slide. This phenomenon can potentially be applied to the mass production of field emission displays. # 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.