Because of the increasing importance of nanotubes in electronic devices and battery designs, the IEEE has begun work on a new standard to define methods for testing carbon nanotubes used as additives in bulk materials, and how to report data about the materials' performance.
The standard, IEEE P1690, will recommend instruments and procedures for validating nanotube purity (e.g., the presence of noncarbon substances such as metal catalysts and carbon-like molecules), measuring proper levels of dispersion rate and agglomeration (which affect nanotube dispersion shelf life), concentration, and other properties.
For nanotube producers, the IEEE standard aims to help them "characterize purity, dispersion, and other properties," as well as bolster confidence among end-users evaluating nanotube-based materials from multiple sources, according to Krishna Kalyanasundaram, chair of the IEEE's Carbon Nanotube Characterization Working Group.
The IEEE working group also welcomes input into the standard development, particularly from people with expertise in carbon nanotube metrology, manufacturing, and characterization; high-volume manufacturing; and inline testing.
