Controlled two-dimensional pattern of spontaneously aligned carbon nanotubes.

We report a simple solution process to form controlled patterns of aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes on solid substrates. The essential step of the process is to deposit a dilute solution of DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes (DNA-CNTs) on a SiO(2) surface covered with a thin hydrophobic layer. This leads to deposition of fully aligned CNTs. The alignment pattern can be controlled by metal electrodes in the deposition region and can be quantitatively modeled by the behavior of a quasi-two-dimensional DNA-CNT nematic phase near the solution/SiO(2) interface. These results point to the possibility of rational design and economical fabrication of CNT alignment patterns on solid substrates.