Dielectrophoretic manipulation of fluorescing single-walled carbon nanotubes

Electrophoresis. 2007 May;28(10):1495-8. doi: 10.1002/elps.200600607.

Abstract

We investigate the behavior of fluorescing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) under dielectrophoretic conditions and demonstrate their collection with fluorescence microscopy. SWCNTs are dispersed in water with the aid of a nonionic surfactant, Triton X-100, and labeled through noncovalent binding with the dye 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide (diOC(6)). The chromophore's affinity to the SWCNTs is due to pi-stacking interactions. Carbon nanotube (CNT) localization is clearly identified on the fluorescence images, showing that the nanotubes concentrate between the electrodes and align along the electric field lines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbocyanines / chemistry
  • Electrochemistry / methods*
  • Fluorescence
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure*
  • Octoxynol / chemistry
  • Particle Size
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman

Substances

  • Carbocyanines
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • 3,3'-dihexyl-2,2'-oxacarbocyanine
  • Octoxynol