(739a) Separation of Small Diameter Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Species Via Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction

Aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) was recently demonstrated [1] to enable the separation of semiconducting from metallic species of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as well as partitioning of several small diameter nanotubes species across the separated phases.   In this presentation we will describe the use of a dextran – polyethylene glycol (PEG) aqueous two-phase system along with a separation scheme of varying surfactant concentrations to enable isolation of high purity specific small diameter SWCNT species.  Separation by ATPE is rapid and robust, with a remarkable tunability that allows isolation of many single nanotube chiralities at high purity.  The rapidity and robust open opportunity for scale-up and cost reductions beyond competitor technologies.  Choice of surfactant(s), temperature, polymer concentrations, and the addition of small molecule salts can all be used to tune the exact partitioning of single SWCNT species between the two phases.  Details of the separation, and properties of the separated fractions will be presented

[1] Khripin, C.Y.; Fagan, J.A.; Zheng, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja402762e.