Large-Volume Production of Monodisperse Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-073 Topic Title: Large-Volume Production of Monodisperse Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Proposal No.: N091-073-0496 Firm: Eikos, Inc. 2 Master Drive Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 Contact: David Britz Phone: (508) 528-0300 Web Site: www.eikos.com Abstract: The holy grail of nanotube research is to obtain batches of specific types, chiralities and diameters of carbon nanotubes. Eikos proposes to assess several methods already verified methods for producing monodisperse nanotubes for their scalability. Eikos will attempt several aqueous-based methods to separate nanotubes, including centrifugation- and electrophoresis-based methods. Eikos brings a decade of experience in nanotube purification, dispersion, separation, coating, and characterization. This experience has shown us the most relevant variables for producing monodisperse nanotubes, regardless of separation technique. We will apply this experience to specific separation techniques, use our results in a bottom-up cost and scalability model, and then assess which techniques are most likely to scale economically and produce useful quantities of monodisperse nanotube fractions. If successful, Eikos will overcome one of the last barriers in realizing the full commercial potential of carbon nanotubes for optics and electronics. Benefits: Eikos is developing carbon nanotube based transparent conductive coatings for DoD and commercial products. These products will be greatly enhanced if large quantities of metallic and semiconducting nanotubes can be realized. Transparent conductive films made with long metallic carbon nanotubes will easily compete with the highest quality indium tin oxide films in terms of conductivity and outperform them in durability. Applications of metallic nanotube films include EMI shielding, solar cells, flexible displays, and resistive heaters. Semiconducting nanotube inks can be used for printed electronics, optical sensors, or biomedical applications. Films of semiconducting nanotubes could compete directly with amorphous silicon transistors. Further more, semiconducting nanotubes may find use in the solar industry. The promise of carbon nanotubes for electronics is still held back by the lack of large quantities of type separated tubes, which will be addressed by this Phase I SBIR. Return