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Product Description Document

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With the introduction of its first product, NOMEC 1556 – Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes with no Metal Catalyst on August 1^st 2006, Idaho Space Materials, Inc. (ISM) has made a significant step forward in producing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).  Most manufacturing methods, which use a metal catalyst to form the tubes, have several drawbacks that have impeded development of SWCNT applications. Idaho Space Materials uses a consistent, dependable, high yield, high volume, safe method to create SWCNTs without the use of a metal catalyst.

NOMEC Series (NO MEtal Catalyst)

NOMEC 1556 SWCNTs – Single walled carbon nanotubes with no metal catalyst.

SWCNTs formed using ISM’s arc discharge process.  Nominal SWCNT yields are greater than 70% for “as produced” material.  The bulk of the remaining material (less than 30% of the generated material by weight) is composed of multi-wall and dual-wall carbon nanotubes and amorphous carbon with trace amounts of zirconium oxide from the milling process.  Some nanotubes may have hydroxyl molecules attached.  The nanotubes are typically formed in ropes or bundles.  Characterization of the “as produced” material is performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The TEM image shown in figure (1) represents a typical NOMEC 1556 SWCNT bundle.  TEM results were obtained using a JEOL model 1200 EX II  transmission electron microscope.  Raman spectroscopy provides additional confirmation of the presence of single walled carbon nanotubes.  Raman spectroscopy results for NOMEC 1556 SWCNT are shown in figure (2).  The strong response in the G band (approximately 1600 cm^-1) shows the presence of the single walled carbon nanotubes.  Weaker response at the D band (approximately 1300 cm^-1) reflects the disordered carbon present in the material.  Raman spectroscopy is performed using a Kaiser Optical Systems model RXN1 using a 785 nm laser operating at 36 mW.

Figure 1 - Transmission Electron Microscope image of NOMEC 1556 SWCNT bundle (magnification is 400k).  Image courtesy of University of Idaho Electron Microscopy Center

Figure 2 - Raman Spectroscopy of NOMEC 1556 SWCNTs

Pricing

As part of Idaho Space Material’s commitment to supporting research and development in nanotechnology, we offer reduced pricing options for educational and non-profit research institutions.  The following table indicates our pricing structure.

Organizations requiring quantities in excess of 100 grams on a recurring basis are eligible for reduced pricing.  Please contact our office for a customized quote.

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