Magnetophoretic continuous purification of single-walled carbon nanotubes from catalytic impurities in a microfluidic device.
A magnetophoretic continuous purification method is presented of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) from the superparamagnetic iron-catalyst impurities in a microfluidic device without any influence on inherent SWCNT properties. By employing microfluidics and a magnetic-field-induced saw-tooth nickel microstructure, a highly enhanced magnetic force in adjoining microchannels is exploited. The iron impurities of SWCNTs are attracted towards areas of higher magnetic-flux density in the microchannels where magnetic field was asymmetrically generated perpendicularly to the streamline. We obtained highly purified SWCNTs at a rate of 0.36 mg h(-1) and that are estimated to be about 99% purity.
Kang
Joo H
JH
Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 335 Gwahangno, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-701, Korea.
Park
Je-Kyun
JK
D002384:Catalysis; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D005453:Fluorescence; D008280:Magnetics; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; C001215:ferrite