Purification of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized from Alcohol by Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition

Abstract

The purification of single-wall carbon nanotubes synthesized by alcohol catalytic chemical vapor deposition (ACCVD) was performed for the first time. Subsequent use of aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid removed the main impurities, such as the support zeolite and the catalyst metal particles, from the as-grown material. The obtained samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy. The present purification protocol has some advantages, in terms of cost, safety, and large applicability for other carbon materials formed on zeolite.