Microscopic friction in the manipulation of carbon nanotubes

The microscopic friction during nanomanipulation was studied using the tip of an atomic force microscope to cut and manipulate carbon nanotubes with excellent mechanical and electrical properties for different surface conditions. Experimental results show that the surface chemical composition and the surface topography significantly influence the microscopic friction during nanomanipulation. Manipulation experiments combined with photolithography indicate that after the photolithography, the residual photolithographic glue significantly increases the microscopic friction between the carbon nanotubes and the substrates and also aggravates the contamination and abrasion of the atomic force microscope tips.