Orientated assembly of single-walled carbon nanotubes and applications

Single- walled carbon nanotubes ( SWNTs) have unique structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, which make them attractive and important building blocks for nanotechnology. Orientated assembly of SWNTs presents a crucial prerequisite for both fundamental research at the individual SWNT level and nanotube- based device fabrication and applications. In this feature article, we review recent progress in the field with a focus on the orientated assembly of SWNTs ( horizontally aligned and vertically aligned) from solution deposition and direct chemical vapor deposition, and on possible growth mechanisms. We also discuss our own research efforts in orientation control by chemical vapor deposition, and how this enables the fundamental characterization of individual SWNTs, and contributes to nanotube- based device fabrication and applications.