Fabrication of patterned single-walled carbon nanotube films using electrophoretic deposition

Thin films of chemically functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were fabricated by using a direct current (dc) electrophoretic deposition method. SWNTs were shortened and then functionalized with acid chloride group to combine with the amine group-terminated gold substrate. Silica nanospheres with a diameter of about 190 nm were arrayed on gold substrate to pattern a thin SWNT film. Periodically patterned SWNT film was eventually produced and would be used in potential applications like electron emitters and large surface area electrodes.