Ringor C., Miyazawa K.
National Institute for Material Science, JP
Keywords: carbon, fullerene, nanotubes, synthesis
Nanotubes composed of C60 molecules were prepared at ambient pressure and temperature by modified liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation method using pyridine for the solvent of C60 powder and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Various parameters, such as ratio of C60-pyridine solution:IPA (1:10, 1:9, 1:8, and 1:7), incubation temperature (15ºC, 10ºC, and 5ºC), and light intensity (302 nm and 400-500 nm) been applied to examine their effect to the structural character of the nanotubes and to determine the most efficient condition for producing high yield of nanotubes. Results show that specimens irradiated under 400-500 nm have (a) higher yield of nanotubes, (b) higher reproducibility and (c) faster growth rate (nanotubes start forming within 24 h of incubation) compared with that illuminated with UV light. Nanotubes also form faster when prepared using higher C60-pyridine:IPA ratio and stored at cooler temperature. SEM and TEM images indicate that the diameter of nanotubes increases with increasing C60-pyridine:IPA ratio but is smaller and relatively more uniform in solutions with lower ratio.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 128 - 131
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6