Making Carbon Nanotubes with Precise Chirality



 The atomic arrangement of carbon nanotubes is being researched across Japan. Scientists have created a new catalyst that allows for precise control of this atomic arrangement, also known as chirality. This new advancement will innovate semiconductor devices.

The team is being led by Associate Professor Toshiaki Kato from the Advanced Institute of Materials Research (WPI-AIMR). They claim to have created carbon nanotubes with a chiral index of 6,5 with a very high purity of over 95%. The findings were published in ACS Nano on August 20, 2024. 

Kato explains, "A carbon nanotube is basically a sheet of carbon rolled into a hallow tube. While it sounds simple (carbon nanotubes) are highly sought after for properties such as their exceptional conductivity, optical characteristics and mechanical strength."

Carbon nanotubes is referred to as "the king of nanomaterials." It has a wide variety of positive traits and uses, from biomedical uses to aircraft.

Kato reports, "The inability to control carbon nanotube chirality has been a major barrier to their industrial application, so this project was undertaken to find a catalyst that could consistently produce the desired target."

Single chirality synthesis has only been achieved for 14,4 and 12,6 chiralities.  Scientists introduced tin, iron, and nickel to a new compound. They have created a new chirality controlled creation technique. This NiSnFe catalyst reacts as a growth catalyst, allowing for the synthesis of 6,5 chirality carbon nanotubes. 

The team foresees that their advancements will provide new ways for semiconductor devices to be used and manufactured. 

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