Methods for Sorting Nanotubes by Wall Number

摘要

The present teachings provide methods for sorting nanotubes according to their wall number, and optionally further in terms of their diameter, electronic type, and/or chirality. Also provided are highly enriched nanotube populations provided thereby and articles of manufacture including such populations.

主权项

1. A method of separating carbon nanotubes by wall number, the method comprising:
centrifuging a carbon nanotube composition in contact with a first fluid medium comprising a first density gradient; and separating the carbon nanotube composition into two or more separation fractions visibly distinguishable by the human eye, wherein
the carbon nanotube composition comprises an aqueous sodium cholate solution and a carbon nanotube population comprising double-walled carbon nanotubes having a mean outer wall diameter of less than about 1.7 nm and carbon nanotubes having a wall number other than two,the carbon nanotube composition is introduced into the first fluid medium at a density less than about 1.095 g/mL, andat least one of the two or more separation fractions comprises a carbon nanotube subpopulation comprising a higher percentage of double-walled carbon nanotubes than the carbon nanotube population.