Towards the preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes with average diameter of 1.2 nm

• Published in: Carbon (New York) 2024-04, Vol.224, p.119059, Article 119059
• Main Authors: Qin, Xiaofan, Li, Yahui, Chernov, Alexander I., He, Maoshuai, Zhao, Wenyue, Gao, Yan, Li, Yahan, Qiu, Song, Li, Qingwen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical vapor deposition; Diameter selectivity; MgO supported Ni catalyst; Polymer wrapping; Single-walled carbon nanotubes
• ISSN: 0008-6223; 1873-3891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2024.119059

Preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with diameters ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 nm has been highly demanded for field-effect transistors with superior properties. In the work, we report the chemical vapor deposition synthesis of SWNTs with an average diameter of 1.2 nm from a rationally designed nickel catalyst supported by magnesia. The high metal dispersion, the suitable reaction temperature, and the use of a methane carbon source co-determine the SWNT diameter distribution. Furthermore, through the synergistic application of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diylalt-pyridine-2,6-diyl) wrapping and ultracentrifugation, SWNTs with enriched (10,8) species of 1.24 nm are successfully extracted, which is attributed to the selective interaction between the polymer molecules and the targeted SWNTs. This work not only sheds light on the growth of SWNTs with relatively large diameter, but also paves the way towards the preparation of high purity (n,m) species that could meet the requirements of advanced high-tech applications. Single-walled carbon nanotubes with specific diameters are high preferred for fabricating high performance nanodevices. A porous magnesia-supported nickel catalyst is prepared for bulk synthesis single-walled carbon nanotubes with an average diameter of about 1.2 nm through methane chemical vapor deposition. By combining poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl-alt-pyridine-2,6-diyl) wrapping and enhanced ultracentrifugation, nanotubes with enriched (10,8) species of 1.24 nm are successfully extracted. [Display omitted]