Robin Nicholas

Abstract:

Using TEM, absorption and photoluminescence-excitation spectroscopy we have shown that nitrogen and nitrogen/boron doping of single-walled carbon nanotubes produce significant changes in both the optical properties and the diameter distribution of nanotubes produced by the arc-discharge method. Smaller diameter tubes are preferentially formed in the presence of boron. In addition the presence of nitrogen is found to significantly affect the emission properties of the nanotube ensemble, causing a shift in the dominant emission to lower energies, possibly due to changes in the bundling structure of the nanotubes in solution, but only very small changes are observed in the emission energies for individual nanotubes. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract:

Fluorescence intensity from single walled carbon nanotubes in aqueous sodium dodecylsulfate solution is shown to be strongly temperature dependent in the range 5-60 degrees C. Emission peaks corresponding to particular nanotube species which have been quenched due to oxidation by aerated water show sharp transitions at distinct temperatures as the sample is heated. The temperature at which the transition occurs is found to be species dependent and has been interpreted as being proportional to the valence band edge potential of the nanotube. The results are explained quantitatively using the Nernst equation to measure the increase in reduction potential of the solution as the temperature is raised. The removal of dissolved O(2) and CO(2) is thought to be a significant driving force in the reversal of the redox reaction which causes oxidation of the nanotubes.