Nanocarbon separation method and nanocarbon separation apparatus

A nanocarbon separation apparatus used for separation of metallic nanocarbons and semiconductor nanocarbons included in a nanocarbon dispersion liquid in which nanocarbons and a non-ionic surfactant are dispersed in a solvent, the nanocarbon separation apparatus comprising:

• a separation tank which is configured to accommodate the nanocarbon dispersion liquid;
• and
• electrode members disposed inside the separation tank,
• wherein the separation tank has a lower end having an injection/recovery port communicating with an outer bottom surface of the separation tank,
• the electrode member includes a cylindrical member, a columnar member inserted into the cylindrical member, a first electrode provided on an outer circumferential surface of an upper end portion of the cylindrical member and a second electrode provided on a lower end portion of the columnar member,
• the columnar member is capable of moving in a height direction of the separation tank in a state being inserted into the cylindrical member,
• a lower end of the columnar member includes a fitting member configured to inscribe in a lower end portion of the cylindrical member when the columnar member moves upward in the height direction of the separation tank, and
• wherein at least a part of the second electrode is arranged inside the cylindrical member.

A nanocarbon separation method, comprising:

• preparing a separation tank and an electrode member provided in the separation tank wherein the electrode member comprises a cylindrical member, a columnar member inserted into the cylindrical member, a first electrode provided on an outer circumferential surface of an upper part of the cylindrical member, a second electrode provided at a lower part of the columnar member, and wherein at least a part of the second electrode is arranged inside the cylindrical member;
• preparing a nanocarbon dispersion liquid in which a nanocarbon and a non-ionic surfactant are dispersed in a solvent;
• injecting the nanocarbon dispersion liquid into the separation tank;
• applying a direct current voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode;
• separating metallic nanocarbons and semiconductor nanocarbons included in the nanocarbon dispersion liquid.