Tailored synthesis of hydrogel media for chirality separation of single walled carbon nanotubes

An alternative approach toward understanding and advancing hydrogel-based single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) purification is described employed. Experimental atomistic modeling analysis of the leading hydrogel for SWNT purification, Sephacryl S200, affords creation gels that mimic its behavior in terms dependent interaction properties. This achievement introduces a generalized optimization media with respect to components Sephacryl. Here, role radical initiator ammonium persulfate (APS) explored through synthesis characterization containing varied APS concentration, thus, amounts covalently embedded charged organosulfate groups (R–SO4-). The presence these moieties plays significant SWNT-gel interactions: at decreasing concentration uptake increased, chiral profiles purified are altered, greater fraction adsorbed material recovered. Tailored hydrogels minimal exhibit improved adsorption vs. These findings warrant proposition four-step qualitative model deconvolutes electrostatic steric effects within SWNT/surfactant/hydrogel systems. Collectively, this work demonstrates enhanced methodology lays foundation further gel medium.