Near-infrared Fluorescence Spectroscopy of SWCNT and Its Applications

Huang et al (Jul-Aug 2011) TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 30:7, 1109-1119

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) emit fluorescence at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths that are characteristic of the specific diameter and the chiral angle. While providing a convenient method for structural identification of semiconducting SWCNTs, NIR fluorescence of SWCNTs also offers a powerful approach for sensor development and in vivo or real-time imaging of biological systems.

This article provides an introductory overview of the approaches to obtaining individually dispersed semiconducting SWCNTs with reasonably good purity, which is a critical step in acquiring NIR fluorescence spectra. It also summarizes the progress since 2002 in sensor design and applications in bioimaging in vitro and in vivo using NIR fluorescence of semiconducting SWCNTs.

Interesting External Links

• Nanotube Metrology

• Optical properties of carbon nanotubes

• The 4th Carbon Nanotube Workshop at NIST

• "Perspectives on Risks of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies: Advancing the Science", a special series in Risk Analysis journal