Characterization and synthesis of carbon nano-materials by LDI-IM TOF MS

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses problems of the synthesis and separation of carbon nanotubes for a wide range of nanotechnology applications. We propose to use unique capabilities of Laser Desorption Ionization - Ion Mobility Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for identification and selective deposition of carbon nano-materials produced by High-Pressure Gas-Phase Catalytic Disproportination of carbon monoxide. We will evaluate the capabilities of the LDI-IM TOF MS system for the identification and separation of different carbon nano-phases by obtaining the mass-mobility information.Once we have demonstrated the viability of the LDI-IM TOF MS for the identification of carbon nanophases in a wide range of masses including short nanotubes, the task of the Phase II of the project be will to use a modified LDI-IM setup for the rapid preparation of thin films of pure nanophases for testing as electron emitter surfaces, catalysts, or biologically active selected areas. As a result of this project novel efficient technique for the characterization and synthesis of carbon nano-materials will be developed.