Purification of Single-Shell Nanotubes

Abstract

Purification of single‐shell nanotubes is essential if reliable information about their physical and chemical properties is to be obtained. Using the present synthetic techniques, samples typically contain 30% or more amorphous carbon and catalytic metal particle impurities. An extremely simple and efficient method of purification, involving boiling the nanotubes in concentrated nitric acid, is reported. It is demonstrated that this method removes most of the impurities and, unlike some other methods, is not sensitive to the quality of the starting material.

Chemistry of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

“…The defect sites that are introduced into the carbon nanotubes can be used to shorten and eventually destroy the carbon nanotubes under similar oxidizing conditions. 55,[79][80][81][82] The shortened tubes (s-SWNTs) are better solvated by amide solvents than are the full-length SWNTs.…”

A multiwalled carbon nanotube/dihydropyran composite film electrode for insulin detection in a microphysiometer chamber

“…An Astex Large Area Diamond Deposition System with a 5 kW microwave source was used. Nanotubes were purified through treatment with nitric acid, following the method of Dujardin et al [49], to remove the remaining catalyst and aggregates. Following purification, the nanotubes were stored in a desiccator.…”

Purification and Characterization of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs) Obtained from the Gas-Phase Decomposition of CO (HiPco Process)

“…[13][14][15] However, Dujardin et al have suggested that the same purification process would destroy single-wall carbon nanotubes. Dillon et al 16 have described an oxidation process that produces >98 wt % pure SWNTs.…”