Process for the separation of carbon nanotubes from graphite

Abstract

A process for the isolation of carbon nanotubes from a mixture containing carbon nanotubes and graphite is disclosed, which includes the steps of: (a) reacting the mixture with a metal compound to intercalate the metal compound into the graphite; (b) reducing the reaction mixture obtained in step (a) to convert the intercalated metal compound to elemental metal; (c) heating the reduction mixture obtained in step (b) at a temperature of 450-600.degree. C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to selectively oxidize the graphite and the elemental metal; and (d) contacting the heated mixture obtained in step (c) with a liquid to dissolve the oxidized metal in the liquid and to separate the carbon nanotubes as a solid phase from the oxidized metal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.