A method for sorting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for sorting CNTs of the present disclosure comprises providing to a surface of a substrate, the surface modified with a trans isomer of photo-isomerization-reactive diazo compound, a dispersion containing a mixture of conducting CNTs and semiconducting CNTs; removing CNTs which are not associated with the modified surface from the surface; and irradiating the modified surface to detach the CNTs associated with the modified surface.