Significance and systematic analysis of metallic impurities of carbon nanotubes produced by different manufacturers

Ge, C; Li, W; Li, Y; Li, B; Du, J; Qiu, Y; Liu, Y; Gao, Y; Chai, Z; Chen, C

HERO ID

737955

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2011

Language

English

PMID

21449398

HERO ID 737955
In Press No
Year 2011
Title Significance and systematic analysis of metallic impurities of carbon nanotubes produced by different manufacturers
Authors Ge, C; Li, W; Li, Y; Li, B; Du, J; Qiu, Y; Liu, Y; Gao, Y; Chai, Z; Chen, C
Journal Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Volume 11
Issue 3
Page Numbers 2389-2397
Abstract Commercially available carbon nanotubes (CNT) often contain some quantities of metallic and carbonaceous impurities. These impurities influence their physicochemical properties and performance, and accordingly a number of potential applications. The lack of information of metal impurities may also preclude accurate environmental and health risk assessments for specific CNT materials. To address these needs, a quantitative analysis of the metal contents has been made in a number of commercial carbon nanotubes produced by different manufacturers. More than 20 metals or metalloids were determined by neutron activation analysis. The results indicate arranging from 0.44 to 3 wt% of catalyst residues remained although the producers claim to provide a catalyst-free product. Most of the impurity elements are transition metals, such as Fe, Ni, Mo, Y, Co and Cr. In addition to the expected catalyst residues, other unexpected impurity elements were detected including As, Gd, W, Yb, Sm and so on. Metallic impurities in carbon nanotube materials should come from the large-scale production procedures, post fabrication and post-purification treatments. The analytical results determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry show that a further deep purification using conventional acid reflux cannot completely remove the metallic impurities from carbon nanotubes. Post-production clean up is difficult and often incompletely.
Doi 10.1166/jnn.2011.3520
Pmid 21449398
Wosid WOS:000288102300082
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Catalyst Elements; Carbon Nanotubes; Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry; Neutron Activation Analysis
Is Qa No