The quantitative removal of metal catalyst from multi-walled carbon nanotubes with minimal tube damage

Authors: Huber, Trisha A.; Kopac, Michael C.; Chow, Catherine

Source: Canadian Journal of Chemistry, Volume 86, Number 12, December 2008 , pp. 1138-1143(6)

Publisher: NRC Research Press

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Abstract:

A purification method for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been developed to remove almost all (>98%) residual metal catalyst without introducing a significant amount of surface functionality. The process involves alternating mild acid oxidation and thermal oxidation in an iterative fashion with progressively higher temperatures for thermal treatment, in accordance with the increasing thermal stability. Thermogravimetric analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were employed to assess thermal stability and residual catalyst content, respectively, throughout the process. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the integrity of the nanotubes, and the degree of acid functionalization introduced by the acid oxidation is minimal, as determined by titration analysis.Key words: multi-walled carbon nanotube, purification, ICP-MS, TGA, FTIR.

On a développé une méthode de purification de nanotubes de carbone à parois multiples qui permet d'éliminer pratiquement tous les résidus de catalyseur (>98 %) sans introduire de quantités significatives de fonctionnalité à la surface. Le processus implique une alternance d'oxydation acide douce et une oxydation thermique de façon itérative, en augmentant progressivement les températures des traitements thermiques, en fonction de l'augmentation de la stabilité thermique. Tout au long du processus, on a fait appel à l'analyse thermogravimétrique et à la spectrométrie de masse avec couplage plasma pour évaluer respectivement la stabilité thermique et la quantité résiduelle de catalyseur. La microscopie électronique de transmission confirme l'intégrité des nanotubes et, d'après une analyse par titrage, le degré de fonctionnalisation acide introduit par l'oxydation acide est minimal.Mots-clés : nanotube de carbone à parois multiples, purification, spectrométrie de masse avec couplage plasma, analyse thermogravimétrique, infrarouge à transformée de Fourier.[Traduit par la Rédaction]

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-12-01

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  • Published since 1929, this monthly journal reports current research findings in all branches of chemistry. It includes the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical-theoretical chemistry and newer interdisciplinary areas such as materials science, spectroscopy, chemical physics, and biological, medicinal and environmental chemistry. Full papers, preliminary communications and review articles are all welcomed.
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