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Characterization of an assortment of commercially available multiwalled carbon nanotubes

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize an assortment of as received, commercially available, non-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) samples (n = 24) using thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Each sample was assigned to one of six types based on nominal length and diameter. Some of the samples from the product assortment exhibited significant differences in purity and morphology from their nominal values. Variability in the physicochemical properties of MWCNTs may be a significant factor in why many toxicological investigations have findings that are difficult to reproduce. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that investigators studying these materials present characterization information in addition to providing their source.

TGA and XRF purity by type of MWCNT sample. The objective of this study was to characterize an assortment of commercially available, non-functionalized of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) samples using thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Variability in the physicochemical properties of MWCNTs may be a significant factor in why many toxicological investigations have findings that are difficult to reproduce. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that investigators studying these materials present characterization information with their research findings in addition to providing their source.

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Acknowledgments

This analytical work was funded in full by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Contract Number: N01-ES-65554.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA

    Keith E. Levine, Li Han, Andrea C. McWilliams, Amal S. Essader, Kelly E. Amato, Reshan A. Fernando, Donna B. Browning, Lisa C. Greene & David S. Ensor

  2. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, MD EC-06, P.O. Box 12233, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA

    Nigel J. Walker, Veronica G. Robinson & Bradley J. Collins

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  1. Keith E. Levine
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  2. Li Han
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Correspondence to Keith E. Levine.

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Levine, K.E., Han, L., McWilliams, A.C. et al. Characterization of an assortment of commercially available multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Microchim Acta 181, 171–179 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-013-1088-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-013-1088-2

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