The NPRL has extensive experience on developing control over the synthesis, characterization, purification and separation of SWCNT chiralities for advanced power generation and storage devices. Recent success has enabled the development of synthesis capabilities that produce carbon nanotubes with enhanced material quality and production scalability. This synthesis control can be obtained by understanding the fundamental material properties in conjunction with innovative fabrication and chemical processes. The NPRL is specifically focused on the synthesis and characterization of SWCNTs produced by laser vaporization. The laser synthesis is performed using either an Alexandrite laser (755 nm) or Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) which rasters over the surface of metal-doped graphite targets at an average power density of 100 W/cm2. The reactor temperature is constant at 1150 °C under flowing Ar(g) and 760 torr. The raw SWCNT soot is purified using a nitric acid reflux followed by controlled thermal oxidation treatment to maximize purification efficiency.
- Recent Publications:
- Landi, B.J.; Raffaelle, R.P. “Effects of Carrier Gas Dynamics on Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Chiral Distributions during Laser Vaporization Synthesis.” J. Nanosci. and Nanotech., 2007, 7, 883-890.