In this paper, we report an interesting observation called the "electromeniscus phenomenon." In this phenomenon, an upward liquid current is produced and can be controlled by a sinusoidal electric field. The liquid seals materials of any shape or quality inside the meniscus and can be used for the erection of nano-scale materials on various substrates. The results reported here demonstrate that liquid can be used to reduce cohesive forces, allowing the accurate manipulation of a variety of nano- and mesoscale materials. Using this technique, carbon nanotubes were successfully erected onto a glass slide. This phenomenon can potentially be applied to the mass production of field emission displays. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.