These single-wall carbon nanotubes are purified to values of 95-98% (nanotube content measured via the Itkis ratio). PureTubes offer metal content lower than 5% and SuperPureTubes offer less than 2% metal content (as per TGA). These are our highest purity un-sorted nanotubes. Sourced from the arc-discharge processes and offered in solution or dry powder.
Caracterisation
Optical Absorbance
Figure 1. Optical absorbance plots for our PureTubes. Following the method of Ouyang et al. (Acc. Chem. Res. 35, 1018 (2002)), we can calculate the transition energies for nanotubes in our diameter range (1.2 – 1.7 nm). We see peaks where we would expect them: S33 transitions should lie between ~450-630 nm, M11 transitions between ~600-850 nm, and S22 transitions between ~ 900-1,270 nm. We estimate our SWCNT purity by the ratio of the S22 peak area (after linear background subtraction) to the total area in the band (Itkis et al. JACS (2005) 127, pp 3439-3448). Before comparison, the individual peak areas are scaled by empirically determined values for the M11 and S22 extinction coefficients.
Metal Catalyst
Neutron Activation Analysis
| Unprocessed SWNTs | PureTubes | |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (wt %) | 3.59 | 0.23 |
| Yttrium (wt %) | 0.70 | 0.05 |
| Iron (wt %) | 0.70 | 0.06 |
| Total (wt %) | 4.99 | 0.34 |
| Iodine (wt %) | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Full elemental profiles of our products are available upon request.
Figure 2. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) data taken from our unprocessed and PureTube powders. NAA reveals that our PureTubes contain significantly lower levels of metallic/catalyst impurities than the raw arc discharge SWNTs from which they are produced.
Metal Catalyst
Thermogravimetric Analysis
Figure 3. Thermogravimetric (TGA) plots of our nanotube products. Because our PureTubes do not contain iodixanol, the burnoff of residual surfactant and amorphous carbon is solely accountable for the ~5% mass decrease which occurs between approximately 200 and 400°C.
Amorphous Carbon
Raman
Figure 4. Resonance Raman plots for our PureTubes. All Raman measurements were taken using a 514 nm laser. The G/D ratios of our products range from approximately 12 to 41, indicating extremely low levels of amorphous carbon and/or damaged nanotubes.
Length
Atomic Force Microscopy
Figure 5. Atomic-force microscopy (AFM) data indicates that our SWNTs range in length from approximately 100 nm to 4 microns. Length histograms of our PureTubes.
Properties at a Glance
| Property | PureTubes | Measurement | Set Figure | Solution | Powder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nanotube Type | Arc discharge | Manufacturer data | n/a | ||
| Diameter Range | 1.2 – 1.7 nm | Manufacturer data | n/a | ||
| Mean Diameter | 1.4 nm | Manufacturer data | n/a | ||
| Length Range | 100 nm – 4 μm | AFM | 6 | ||
| Mean Length | ~1 micron | AFM | 6 | ||
| Catalyst Impurity | ~0.5% by mass | NAA, TGA | 3, 4 | ||
| Carbonaceous Impurity | < 5% by mass | TGA, Raman | 4, 5 | ||
| Semiconducting CNT Content | n/a | Optical absorbance | 2 | ||
| Metallic CNT Content | n/a | Optical absorbance | 2 | ||
| Shelf Life | 6 months | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Nanotube Concentration | 0.25 mg/mL | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Surfactant Concentration | 1% w/v | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Surfactant Type | Ionic (proprietary mixture) | n/a | n/a | n/a |
For further details, reach out to our
Sales Manager at sales@raymor.com or call +1 450.434.6266.
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