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SES Research FAQs
How to determine the purity of the Nanotube? |
To determine the purity of the nanotubes TGA gives a quantitative analysis of the level of concentration of up to 98% nanotubes and if necessary we can reprocess the tubes to achieve the proper purity level and metal content < .2%. by weight*
We also use SEM and TEM to view and evaluated the material.
Typically, SEM is used to evaluate the raw, as produce, nanotubes and TEM is used to evaluate the purified nanotubes.
Not every batch is tested due to cost and test equipment availability, but tests are ordered when processes are changed.
*(Care must be taken when weighting the ash/metal content of the Nanotube in the TGA, the metal catalyst Nickel tends to form NiO2 in the TGA. This can offset the actual weight of the metal through the addition of the oxygen.) |
How is the Purification method for nanotubes? |
Singlewall nanotube - SWNT
Multiwall nanotube - MWNT
When the material is made (as-produce) the nanotubes comes straight out of the reactor with the approximate concentration of 95% MWNT ( 90% in the case of SWNT) nanotube vs. non-nanotube material. These nanotubes are then processed and purified. This step yields an increase in purity of the tubes which are sold as "Purified Open Material". This step uses a Heat and Acid Wash process, which removes the non-nanotubic material. (Non-Nanotubic material is usually comprised of amorphous and graphitic carbon, and metal catalyst, Nickel-Yttrium, Iron or other metals). Also process may shortens the nanotubes by “end eroding” during the acid wash which removes the ends of the nanotubes.
A summary of the steps follows:
- Heat nanotubes in air to 300C to expose the carbon surface and oxidize the metal catalyst.
- Sonicate and wash in nitric acid and/or HCL to remove the metal catalyst, amorphous carbons and to open the ends of the nanotubes.
- Clean with solvent and hot air dry. (acetone, ether and etc.)
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What is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Nanotubes? |
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Product Name: |
CARBON NANOTUBE |
Other known names: |
(multiwall nanotubes, singlewall nanotubes, purified or non-purified, mwnt, swnt) |
TOXICITY HAZARDS |
| No toxicity data available |
HEALTH HAZARD DATA |
| Acute Effects: |
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May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, causes eye irritation. Material is irritating to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. To the best of our knowledge, the chemical, physical and toxicological properties have not been thoroughly investigated. |
First Aid: |
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In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. In case of contact, immediately wash skin with soap and water. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration. |
| Rating: |
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Health: |
2 |
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Flammability: |
0 |
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Reactivity: |
0 |
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PHYSICAL DATA |
| Appearance: |
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Dark gray powder |
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA |
| Extinguishing Media: |
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Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical power, foam. |
Unusual fire and explosion hazard: |
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Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions. |
REACTIVITY DATA |
| Incompatibilities: |
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Strong oxidizing agents |
Hazardous combustion or decomposition products: |
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Toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide |
SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES |
| Steps to be taken if material is released or spilled: |
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Wear respirator: niosh/osha approved for dust.
Chemical safety goggles: side shield safety glasses
Protect hands with suitable gloves: impervious
Sweep up, hold for waste disposal. |
| Waste Disposal Method: |
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Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator. Observe all federal, state and local environmental regulations. |
STORAGE |
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Store in a cool dry place, out of direct light, keep container sealed. |
DISCLAIMER |
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For R&D use only. Not for drug, household or other uses.
The above information is believed to correct but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. SES research shall not be held liable for any damage resulting form handling or form contact with the above product. |
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What is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for C60/C70? |
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Product Name: |
FULLERENE EXTRACT |
Other known names: |
(Fullerene mixture, Fullurite, C60/C70) |
TOXICITY HAZARDS |
| No toxicity data available |
HEALTH HAZARD DATA |
| Acute Effects: |
| |
May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, causes eye irritation. Material is irritating to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. To the best of our knowledge, the chemical, physical and toxicological properties have not been thoroughly investigated. |
First Aid: |
| |
In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. In case of contact, immediately wash skin with soap and water. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration. |
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PHYSICAL DATA |
| Appearance: |
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Dark gray/black powder |
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA |
| Extinguishing Media: |
| |
Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical power, foam. |
Unusual fire and explosion hazard: |
| |
Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions. |
REACTIVITY DATA |
| Incompatibilities: |
| |
Strong oxidizing agents |
Hazardous combustion or decomposition products: |
| |
Toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide |
| |
|
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Decompose over time if expose to air. |
SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES |
| Steps to be taken if material is released or spilled: |
| |
Wear respirator: niosh/osha approved for dust.
Chemical safety goggles: side shield safety glasses
Protect hands with suitable gloves: impervious
Sweep up, hold for waste disposal. |
| Waste Disposal Method: |
| |
Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator. Observe all federal, state and local environmental regulations. |
STORAGE |
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Store in a cool dry place, out of direct light, keep container sealed. |
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What is the Solubility of PCBM? |
Results show that approximately 9-10 mg can at maximum be dissolved per mL of toluene at room temperature, when stirring the solution for a long time (several days). After that time, the dark red-brown solution is (almost) clear/transparent, meaning that the material has fully dissolved. We can, however, not exclude that some of it is still present as un-dissolved nanoparticles, which are not seen by the eye, nor can be easily filtered out.
Sonification may lead to a higher solubility, however, may also lead to more of these nanoparticles.
When heated, e.g. at 50 degrees C, more PCBM can be dissolved in toluene. Upon cooling to room temperature, the PCBM does not precipitate directly, but stays in solution for at least several hours. Thus, a supersaturated solution can be obtained.
PCBM is better soluble in so-called good fullerene solvents, such as chlorobenzene and ODCB. In the latter solvent, 50 mg/mL solutions can be made without too much trouble. |
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