Curious aligned growth of carbon nanotubes under applied electric field

In the present investigation, we have investigated the effect of external voltage (field) on the alignment of graphitic nanotubes as a result of applied electric field. The details of alignment effect embodying variation of applied electric field corresponding to applied voltage between 2 to 10 volts, the variation of length and diameter of the tubes have been studied. It has been found that bath the degree of alignment and optimum length (similar to 12 mum). diameter (similar to 60 nm) of the tubes are obtained for the applied electrical field corresponding to 6 volts. The applied electrical field for 6 volts has been estimated to be approximate to 1889 volts cm(-1). A feasible model fur the: effect of tube alignment due to the external electric field has been described and discussed. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.