Dielectrophoretic assembly of reversible and irreversible metal nanowire networks and vertically aligned arrays

We demonstrate the dielectrophoretic control of metallic nanowires (NWs) in liquid suspensions. By varying a range of parameters including the magnitude and frequency of the applied electric field, the liquid suspending the NWs, and the flow conditions, we demonstrate control over NW network formation and dissolution, as well as ordering of NWs into vertically aligned arrays. These results suggest a straightforward strategy for NW assembly and integration in devices. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.