Effect of polymer and solvent on purification and cutting of single-wall carbon nanotubes

Following our recent report that it is possible to purify and cut SWNTs by using a saw-edged homogenizer in a monochlorobenzene (MCB) solution of poly methylmethacrylate (PMMA) [Appl. Phys. A 71 (2000) 451], we report here our investigation of the effect of PMMA and MCB on the purification and cuttin g of SWNTs by thermogravimetric analyses. Our results show that MCB helps t he a-C aggregation states to homogenize during the ultrasonic treatment. Th e PMMA helps to make bundles of SWNTs thinner and accelerates both the cutt ing and damaging of them. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.