Mixed-Solvent Engineering as a Way around the Trade-Off between Yield and Purity of (7,3) Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Obtained Using Conjugated Polymer Extraction

The inability to purify nanomaterials such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to the desired extent hampers the progress in nanoscience. Various SWCNT types can be purified by extraction, but it is challenging to establish conditions giving rise to the isolation of high-purity fractions. The problem stems from the fact that common organic solvents or water cannot provide an optimal environment for purification. Consequently, one must often decide between the separation yield and purity of the product. This article reports how through the self-synthesis of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) with tailored characteristics, in-depth elucidation of the extraction process, and mixed-solvent engineering, a high-yield isolation of monochiral (7,3) SWCNTs is developed. The combination of toluene and tetralin affords a separation medium of unique properties, wherein both high yield and exceptional purity can be attained simultaneously. The reported results pave the way for further research on this rare chirality, which, as illustrated herein, is much more reactive than any of the previously separated SWCNTs.

Automated summary

The inability to purify nanomaterials such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to the desired extent hampers the progress in nanoscience. This article reports a method for high-yield isolation of monochiral (7,3) SWCNTs through self-synthesis of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole), in-depth elucidation of the extraction process, and mixed-solvent engineering. The combination of toluene and tetralin affords a separation medium of unique properties, wherein both high yield and exceptional purity can be attained simultaneously.