Electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanotubes on semi-conducting and non-conducting substrates

•The new modified EPD proposed here can be used for semi-/non-conducting substrates.•CNTs were successfully coated on silicon & rubber by using the proposed EPD set-up.•The substrate was in direct contact with a steel electrode above the suspension.•There was a porous separator between the substrate and steel within the suspension.•The separator is a key element that enables EPD on semi-/non-conducting substrates.