|
From
•>>September 2006
Ya-Ping Sun answers
a few questions about this month's fast moving front in the
field of Materials Science. The
author has also
sent along images of their work.
Field: Materials Science
Article: Selective interactions of porphyrins with semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Li, HP;Zhou, B;Lin, Y;Gu, LR;Wang, W;Fernando, KAS;Kumar, S;Allard,
LF;Sun, YP
Journal: J AM CHEM SOC, 126 (4): 1014-1015, FEB 4 2004
Addresses:
Clemson Univ, Howard L Hunter Chem Lab, Dept Chem, Clemson, SC 29634 USA.
Clemson Univ, Howard L Hunter Chem Lab, Dept Chem, Clemson, SC 29634 USA.
Oak Ridge Natl Lab, High Temp Mat Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 USA.
|
|
Why do you think your
paper is highly cited?
|
“...semiconducting SWNTs are unique nanoscale semiconductors of a very large aspect ratio.”
|
|
The separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) into
metallic and semiconducting fractions is very important to a wide
variety of applications. In particular, semiconducting SWNTs are
unique nanoscale semiconductors of a very large aspect ratio.
Does it describe a new discovery, methodology, or synthesis
of knowledge?
Yes, it describes a distinctive way that exploits the nanotube
surface properties for the separation discussed above.
Could you summarize the significance of your paper in layman’s
terms?
Upon separation, the metallic SWNTs may be used for devices
such as ultra-thin coatings that are optically transparent
(necessary for many of the gadgets like LCD display, HDTV, and so
on). The semiconducting SWNTs are uniquely suited for sensors,
transistors, and so on.
How did you become involved in this research, and were there
obstacles along the way?
We have a group here at Clemson University dedicated to carbon
nanomaterials research. The reported research has been one of our
major targets. There have been obstacles, especially with respect
to the quantitative evaluation of the separated fractions.
Are there any social or political implications for your
research?
There may be economic implications that are potentially
significant considering the broad-based applications in high-value
products. In fact, an experienced senior executive in Greenville,
South Carolina has formed a company (Selah Technologies, LLC) to
bring this technology to the market.
Ya-Ping Sun, PhD
Frank Henry Leslie Professor
Materials/Organic Chemistry
Howard L. Hunter Chemical Lab
Department of Chemistry
Clemson University
Clemson, SC, USA
|
|
A Closer Look...
|
 |
Below
are images sent in by Ya-Ping Sun which correspond with the featured
paper, or current research. |
|
Figure
1:
 |
|
Figure
1 - Scheme-Separation:
A schematic illustration of the selective interactions of derivatized porphyrins and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes
(SWNTs). |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Figure 2:
|
|
Figure
2 - Conductivity figure: I-V characteristics of specimens from semiconducting SWNT- (blue, triangle) and metallic SWNT- (red, diamond) enriched samples from the separation. |
|
| |
|
Return to Fast Moving Fronts |
Return to Special Topics main menu
|
