Dielectrophoretic trapping of selenium nanorods for use in device applications

Abstract

Dielectrophoretic alignment of the Selenium<br><br>(Se) nanorods is reported for electrical characterization and<br><br>possible applications as micro/nano devices. Selenium<br><br>nanorods were successfully synthesized using a reverse<br><br>microemulsion process. The produced material was<br><br>investigated structurally using X-ray diffraction and<br><br>transmission electron microscope. Suspensions of the Se<br><br>powder in the concentration of 0.1 (g/l) were prepared in<br><br>pure ethanol. Interdigitated platinum electrodes were<br><br>employed for manipulation of suspended materials in the<br><br>fluid. When Se particles were exposed to the platinum<br><br>electrodes in two frequencies of 10 and 100 kHz, dielectrophoretic<br><br>force captured suspended particles onto the<br><br>interdigitated micro-electrode array. The trapped Se<br><br>nanorods were aligned along the electric field lines and<br><br>bridged the electrode gaps. Dielectrophoretic entrapment of<br><br>Se nanorods on microelectrode was also detected by<br><br>impedance measurements. The device was characterized<br><br>and can potentially be used as a nanodevice.