Separation and Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes As Model Colloidal Rods

Dispersed single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in surfactant solution exhibit properties consistent with, and analyzable as, model colloidal rods. In this presentation, I will discuss how multiple different colloidal processing routes (chromatography, sedimentation rate, and polymer depletion) can all be utilized to separate well-resolved particle length and aspect ratio fractions. These separated populations, for which we can also control the flexibility, are simultaneously then ideal, and tuned, model rod particle systems for use in investigating phase boundaries, interparticle interactions, and comparative size distribution measurements by different analytical methods. These investigations rely on fundamentals of colloidal science to which my understanding was greatly enhanced by Dennis Prieve’s mentorship.