Increasing the semiconducting component in transparent conducting films of single-walled carbon nanotubes

A simple process was developed for increasing the semiconducting component of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with narrowed diameter distribution through directly eliminating metallic SWCNTs and semiconducting SWCNTs (s-SWCNTs) with smaller diameters in transparent conducting films of SWCNTs. The process is based on the oxidation with diazonium reagents and air. The transparent films of s-SWCNTs obtained had high-purity and retained the original structure. The possible mechanism of the process is discussed.