Large-Volume Production of Monodisperse Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The holy grail of nanotube research is to obtain batches of specific types, chiralities and diameters of carbon nanotubes. Eikos proposes to assess several methods already verified methods for producing monodisperse nanotubes for their scalability. Eikos will attempt several aqueous-based methods to separate nanotubes, including centrifugation- and electrophoresis-based methods. Eikos brings a decade of experience in nanotube purification, dispersion, separation, coating, and characterization. This experience has shown us the most relevant variables for producing monodisperse nanotubes, regardless of separation technique. We will apply this experience to specific separation techniques, use our results in a bottom-up cost and scalability model, and then assess which techniques are most likely to scale economically and produce useful quantities of monodisperse nanotube fractions. If successful, Eikos will overcome one of the last barriers in realizing the full commercial potential of carbon nanotubes for optics and electronics.