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Product Description

These SWCNT products are produced by a CoMoCAT^® catalytic CVD process, using a flow of pure carbon monoxide (CO) at a pressure of 1–10 atm. The nanotubes are grown by CO disproportionation (decomposition into C and CO₂) at 700–950 °C in the presence of a unique Co-Mo catalyst.

Quality Parameters

1. T1% and Residual Mass from Thermogravimetric (TGA) Analysis - Thermogravimetric analysis is used to assess the purity of the material. The quality parameters determined from the TGA analysis are T1% and Residual mass at 625 °C. A typical TGA for a SWCNT is shown in Figure 1. Studies have shown that the first peak in the derivative curve represents the oxidation of SWCNT, while the second peak is indicative of the presence of other forms of carbon.
   
   T1%, as shown in Figure 1, is measured as a control parameter. It has been shown that this measurement typically underestimates the SWCNT content by 3–5%. The position for T1 is taken at the minimum between the two peaks in the derivative curve. In the absence of a second distinct peak in the derivative curve, T1 is taken at the point of inflection. The weight loss % is recorded and the final value of T1% as a percentage of the carbon in the sample, corrected for the initial weight loss due to moisture in the sample is calculated from the following equation:
   
   

   T1% =	Initial weight – T1% measured
   	Initial weight – residual mass

   
   The measurement of residual mass at 625 °C gives a measure of the non-carbon content of the material. The residual mass is expressed as a percentage normalized for the weight loss at 200 °C.
   
   

   Residual Mass =	Weight Loss at 625 °C
   	Initial Weight Loss

   
   The small peak in the derivative curve above 625 °C is due to changes in the residual catalyst as the material is heated.
   
   
   

   Figure 1. Thermogravimetric (TGA) Analysis for 704148

   
   
2. P2B from Optical Absorbance Spectrum - P2B is measured from the optical absorbance spectrum to ensure chirality control and applies to products 704148 and 704121 only. P2B is defined as the height of the highest peak in the spectrum between 350 and 1,350 nm divided by the background at that wavelength. Figure 2 shows a typical spectrum for product 704148 with the abscissa transformed to the energy domain. This results in a linear background over the range of the spectrum.
   
   

   P2B =	Height of (6,5) or (7,6) Signal Peak
   	Height of Background Peak

   
   
   
   

   Figure 2. Optical Absorbance Spectrum for 704148

   
   For 704148 the highest peak corresponds to (6,5) tubes.
   For 704121 the highest peak corresponds to (7,6) tubes
   
3. The Raman Quality Factor (Q) is a measure of overall quality and particularly indicative of the level of amorphous carbon relative to that of carbon nanotubes (see Figure 3).
   The Raman Quality Factor is defined as:
   
   

   Q =	1 – (D – B)
   	(G – B)

   
   Where:
   D = maximum height of D band
   G = maximum height of G+ band
   B = baseline, lowest point between the two bands
   
   
   

   Figure 3. Raman Spectrum for 704148

   

   Table 1. Properties of Single-walled Carbon Nanotube Products

   1. Tube diameter determined from optical absorbance and AFM.
   2. Tube length determined from AFM.
   3. Carbon content determined from TGA spectrum.
   4. SWCNT content is equivalent to T1% determined from TGA spectrum.
   5. Chirality distribution is equivalent to P2B determined from the optical absorbance spectrum.

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Precautions and Disclaimer

This product is for R&D use only, not for drug, household, or other uses. Please consult the Material Safety Data Sheet for information regarding hazards and safe handling practices.

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Storage/Stability

Store the nanotubes at room temperature.

CoMoCAT is a registered trademark of SouthWest NanoTechnologies, Inc.

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Materials