Mobility of carbon nanotubes in high electric fields

The influence of electric fields on carbon nanotubes is experimentally demonstrated. Alignment of nanotubes along field lines, directed motion of nanotubes between electrodes separated by several thousand micrometers, and impressive solid-state actuation behavior of nanotube-embedded structures are demonstrated, taking into account the polarization and charging of the nanotubes. These effects are reported for long strands of nanotubes, nanotubes dispersed on Substrates, and nanotube-embedded polymer strips. The relative magnitude of the field responsible for polarization and directed motion was found to be dependent on the morphology of the nanotubes used. These observations may foreshadow novel electromechanical applications for nanotube elements.