Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Fabrication of Carbon Nanotube High-Frequency Nanoelectronic Biosensor for Sensing in High Ionic Strength Solutions
Published on: July 22, 2013
Capillary assisted deposition of carbon nanotube film for strain sensing
Zida Li1, Xufeng Xue1, Feng Lin1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
Abstract:
Advances in stretchable electronics offer the possibility of developing skin-like motion sensors. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), owing to their superior electrical properties, have great potential for applications in such sensors. In this paper, we report a method for deposition and patterning of CNTs on soft, elastic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates using capillary action. Micropillar arrays were generated on PDMS surfaces before treatment with plasma to render them hydrophilic. Capillary force enabled by the micropillar array spreads CNT solution evenly on PDMS surfaces. Solvent evaporation leaves a uniform deposition and patterning of CNTs on PDMS surfaces. We studied the effect of the CNT concentration and micropillar gap size on CNT coating uniformity, film conductivity, and piezoresistivity. Leveraging the piezoresistivity of deposited CNT films, we further designed and characterized a device for the contraction force measurement. Our capillary assisted deposition method of CNT films showed great application potential in fabrication of flexible CNT thin films for strain sensing.
Related Concept Videos
Phase Transitions: Sublimation and Deposition
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
The Carbon Cycle
Carbon Skeletons
Capillary Beds
Capillaries connect arterioles, small branches of arteries, to venules,...
Capillary Exchange

