A method for positioning carbon nanotubes on a substrate, the substrate including a first electrode and a second electrode thereon, the second electrode being positioned oppositely from the first electrode; the method includes: applying a first AC voltage across the first and second electrodes; providing a first resistance in series with the first AC voltage; and introducing a solution including at least one carbon nanotube; wherein, when the first AC voltage is applied through the first resistance across the first and second electrodes, the at least one carbon nanotube attaches to the first and second electrodes. Another aspect of the invention includes providing a metallic area between the first and second electrodes. In an additional aspect of the invention, the substrate includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode thereon, the fourth electrode being positioned oppositely from the third electrode, the third electrode being positioned adjacent to the first electrode; the method further includes: removing the first AC voltage; applying a second AC voltage to the third and fourth electrodes, the second AC voltage causing the first and second electrodes to have a floating potential; and providing a second resistance in series with the second AC voltage; wherein when the first AC voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes, the first AC voltage causes the third and fourth electrodes to have a floating potential, and wherein, when the second AC voltage is applied through the second resistance across the third and fourth electrodes, a second carbon nanotube attaches to the third and fourth electrodes.