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Purification process for vertically aligned carbon nanofibersIndividual, free-standing, vertically aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes or nanofibers are ideal for sensor and electrode applications. Our plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition techniques for producing free-standing and vertically aligned carbon nanofibers use catalyst particles at the tip of the fiber. Here we present a simple purification process for the removal of iron catalyst particles at the tip of vertically aligned carbon nanofibers derived by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The first step involves thermal oxidation in air, at temperatures of 200-400 degrees C, resulting in the physical swelling of the iron particles from the formation of iron oxide. Subsequently, the complete removal of the iron oxide particles is achieved with diluted acid (12% HCl). The purification process appears to be very efficient at removing all of the iron catalyst particles. Electron microscopy images and Raman spectroscopy data indicate that the purification process does not damage the graphitic structure of the nanotubes.
Document ID
20040087566
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Nguyen, Cattien V.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field CA United States)
Delziet, Lance
Matthews, Kristopher
Chen, Bin
Meyyappan, M.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology
Volume: 3
Issue: 1-2
ISSN: 1533-4880
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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