Sorting carbon nanotubes

Published

January 12, 2017

Author(s)

Ming Zheng

Abstract

Sorting of single-wall carbon nanotubes by their electronic and atomic structures in liquid phases is reviewed in this chapter. We first introduce the sorting problem, then provide an overview of several sorting methodologies, following roughly the chronological order of their development over the past fifteen years or so. Major methods discussed include ion-exchange chromatography, density-gradient ultracentrifugation, selective extraction in organic solvents, gel chromatography, and aqueous two-phase extraction. A main focus of the review is on the common mechanisms underlining all sorting processes. We propose that differences in solvation among different nanotube species are the ultimate driving force of sorting, and we corroborate this proposal by presenting analysis on how the differences are realized in electronic- structure-based sorting and atomic-structure-based sorting. In the end, we offer some suggestions on future directions that may grow out of carbon nanotube sorting. In particular, the prospect of expanding the function of DNA/carbon nanotube hybrid to control inter-particle interactions both inside and outside the nanotube is discussed.

Citation

Chemistry of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Publisher Info

Springer, Beijing, -1

Pub Type

Book Chapters

Keywords

chirality, DNA, separation, single-wall carbon nanotubes, solvation energy

Citation

Zheng, M. (2017), Sorting carbon nanotubes, Chemistry of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes, Springer, Beijing, -1 (Accessed April 25, 2024)