Arbitrary Cutting of a single CNT tip in Nanogripper using Electrochemical Etching

Abstract

Recently, many research results have been reported about nano-tip using carbon nanotube because of its better sensing ability compared to a conventional silicon tip. However, it is very difficult to identify the carbon nanotube having proper length for nano-tip and to attach it on a conventional tip. In this paper, a new method is proposed to make a nano-tip and to control its length. The electrochemical etching method was used to control the length by cutting the carbon nanotube of arbitrary length and it was possible to monitor the process through current measurement. The etched volume of carbon nanotube was determined by the amount of applied charge. The carbon nanotube was successfully cut and could be used in the nanogripper.