Sorting carbon nanotubes by electronic structure using density differentiation

Michael S. Arnold, Alexander A. Green, James F. Hulvat, Samuel I. Stupp, Mark C. Hersam

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2064 Scopus citations

Abstract

The heterogeneity of as-synthesized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) precludes their widespread application in electronics, optics and sensing. We report on the sorting of carbon nanotubes by diameter, bandgap and electronic type using structure-discriminating surfactants to engineer subtle differences in their buoyant densities. Using the scalable technique of density-gradient ultracentrifugation, we have isolated narrow distributions of SWNTs in which >97% are within a 0.02-nmdiameter range. Furthermore, using competing mixtures of surfactants, we have produced bulk quantities of SWNTs of predominantly a single electronic type. These materials were used to fabricate thin-film electrical devices of networked SWNTs characterized by either metallic or semiconducting behaviour.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)60-65
Number of pages6
JournalNature nanotechnology
Volume1
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sorting carbon nanotubes by electronic structure using density differentiation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this