Sample preparation protocols for realization of reproducible characterization of single-wall carbon nanotubes

Harmonized sample pre-treatment is an essential first step in ensuring quality of measurements as regards repeatability, inter-laboratory reproducibility and commutability. The development of standard preparation methods for single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) samples is therefore essential to progress in their investigation and eventual commercialization. Here, descriptions of sample preparation and pre-treatment for the physicochemical characterization of SWCNTs are provided. Analytical methods of these protocols include: scanning electron microscopy (SEM; dry, wet), transmission electron microscopy (TEM; dry, wet), atomic force microscopy (AFM), inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), neutron activation analysis (NAA), Raman spectroscopy (dry, wet), UV-Vis-NIR absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy, manometric isothermal gas adsorption and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Although sample preparation refers to these specific methods, application to other methods for measurement and characterization of SWCNTs can be envisioned.Le pr\ue9traitement harmonis\ue9 de l?\ue9chantillon est une premi\ue8re \ue9tape essentielle pour garantir la qualit\ue9 des mesures en termes de fid\ue9lit\ue9, de reproductibilit\ue9 interlaboratoire et de commutabilit\ue9. Le d\ue9veloppement de m\ue9thodes de pr\ue9paration standard pour des \ue9chantillons de nanotube de carbone \ue0 simple paroi (NTCSP) est par cons\ue9quent essentiel au progr\ue8s de leur investigation et \ue0 leur \ue9ventuelle commercialisation. Nous fournissons ici les descriptions de la pr\ue9paration et du pr\ue9traitement des \ue9chantillons aux fins de la caract\ue9risation physico-chimique des NTCSP. Les m\ue9thodes analytiques de ces protocoles comprennent les suivantes : microscopie \ue9lectronique \ue0 balayage (sec, humide); microscopie \ue9lectronique \ue0 transmission (sec, humide); microscopie \ue0 force atomique; spectrom\ue9trie de masse avec plasma induit par haute fr\ue9quence; analyse par activation neutronique; spectrom\ue9trie Raman (sec, humide); spectrophotom\ue9trie d?absorption atomique et photoluminescente UV-visible-dans le proche infrarouge; et analyse isotherme par technique manom\ue9trique d?adsorption de gaz et de thermogravim\ue9trie. Bien que la pr\ue9paration de l?\ue9chantillon renvoie \ue0 ces m\ue9thodes pr\ue9cises, on peut envisager une application \ue0 d?autres m\ue9thodes aux fins de la mesure et de la caract\ue9risation physicochimique des NTCSP.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye