ABSTRACTLearning how to purify and manipulate single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) presents a unique challenge in material science. The processing-related difficulties of these long nano-fibers stem from their high aspect ratio, rigidity and the profound hydrophobic attractions along their tubular walls. Shortening them into discrete segments, with lengths from tens to hundreds of nanometers, presents a viable methodology to alleviate the shape-induced intractability. In addition, the metal-assisted self-organization of these nanosized objects into nano-forest geometries with dense perpendicular surface grafting, demonstrates that such nanosized objects hold significant promise for the development of nanoscale devices. This paper will present an extensive characterization of the topological characteristics of these assemblies, along with their surface coverage, growth characteristics and height fluctuation on iron hydroxide substrates.