Electrical circuits from capillary flow driven evaporation deposition of carbon nanotube ink in non-porous V-grooves

Low cost pliable electronics portend the advancement of novel inexpensive microfluidic electrochemical devices. In the direct printing approach, the manner of deposition of conductive material from a liquid suspension to ensure electrical continuity is crucial. We describe here an approach in which V-groove networks that make up the path of circuitry are first scribed on non-porous inexpensive surfaces. Liquid drops of carbon nanotube ink are then placed on the surface adjacent to the V-grooves to enable wicking to produce the electrical circuit. This method essentially bypasses the need for inkjet printing. We investigate the basic efficacy of the conductive networks developed using this approach and demonstrate its use in generating electrically driven liquid flow of particles in a simple open capillary channel.

Circuit developed using carbon nanoink wicked on V-grooves permit an electrically driven flow experiment to be carried out.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (150 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The scribing of V-grooves on a surface allows capillary flow of liquid from deposited droplets.
► The use of carbon nanotube ink permits the V-grooves to be conducting, thereby allowing electrical circuits to be created.
► The effect of concentration and channel length was investigated.
► The creation of circuits in this manner overcomes the need for inkjet printing.