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Dissolution and separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Sin Stephen Chris Neal Milo 1 Imperial College (LCN/Chemistry); 2 University College (LCN/Physics)
Prof. Milo Shaffer, m.shaffer@imperial.ac.uk; Prof. Neal Skipper, n.skipper@ucl.ac.uk
1, Fogden 1, Hodge 2, Howard 2, Skipper 1 Shaffer

Previous work by NS/CH demonstrated conclusively, using neutron scattering (SANS) techniques, that individual fullerene (C60) molecules become charged and are spontaneously dissolved in metal ammonia electronic liquids. This observation provided inspiration (initially at an LCN event) for developing a carbon nanotube dissolution and separation technology using similar processes. Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs) have a series of unique properties that suggest a wide range of applications. However, as produced, they are heterogeneous mixtures of many species, some metallic, some semi-conducting. They are particularly difficult to isolate, and hence purify, due to a strong tendency to bundle together. Existing methods work at milligram scales, and are commensurately expensive. The new approach provides a scalable, bulk technique that avoids the limiting sonication/centrifugation steps associated with other methods, and is very promising for industrial application.

Ammonia molecules around a single charged fullerene : SANS density data (top left) and associated model (bottom left) Schematic view inside a carbon nanotube (above)

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs)

Spontaneous Dissolution of Carbon Nanotubes

Family of distinct molecules defined by their But chiral angle, , and chiral vector, (n,m). Interesting Synthesised as a mixture materials with phenomenal properties: of metallic and semi-conducting types Complex conductivity (metallic/semiconducting) not useful for electronic High current capacity applications High strength Not very soluble very difficult to process High aspect ratio

Possible applications Separation of Carbon Nanotubes

M
11

S11

S22

Resonance Raman (left) spectroscopy reveals metallic/semi-conducting character. Peaks that appear in low wavenumber region of Raman spectra correspond to nanotube Radial Breathing Modes positions depend on tube diameter and (n,m) type and can be identified for these CoMoCat SWNTs. SEM (centre) and AFM (right) demonstrate that the dissolved species are individualised SWNTs, each around 1nm in diameter.

Roadmap for carbon nanotube based devices (G.S. Duesberg, 12th International Conference on Ultimate Integration on Silicon (ULIS) 2011)

Conclusions
A new method has been developed to dissolve and separate SWNTs. The availability of large quantities of individualized, purified, undamaged SWNTs will enable further fundamental studies of SWNT phenomena and a wide range of applications. Three patents have been filed on these processes, and have been licensed to Linde who are now developing the technology as part of their Salt-enhanced electrostatic repulsion (SEER) technology portfolio.
C.A. Howard, H. Thompson, J.C. Wasse, and N.T. Skipper, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2004, 126 (41) S. Fogden, C.A. Howard, R.K. Heenan, N.T. Skipper, M.S.P. Shaffer, in review, 2011

Acknowledgements

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