Rapid Dielectrophoresis Assembly of a Single Carbon Nanocoil on AFM Tip Apex

We assembled a single carbon nanocoil (CNC) on the tip apex of an atomic force microscope probe by utilizing dielectrophoresis in isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The total assembly process can be achieved within several seconds at room temperature by using a simple apparatus. Three-dimensional finite element simulations have been conducted to investigate the orientation and position of this assembly. Our experiment agrees well with the simulation. The results indicate that it is essential to filter the CNC/IPA suspension and manipulate the capillary meniscus for a single CNC to be vertically assembled on the tip apex. An inclined-edge electrode has, therefore, been suggested and found effectively confining the CNC/IPA suspension around the probe tip.