Single-step total fractionation of single-wall carbon nanotubes by countercurrent chromatography

Variations in bile salt surfactant structure allow tuning of the sorting of single-wall carbon nanotubes by aqueous two-phase extraction

Being some of the most efficient agents to individually solubilize single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), bile salt surfactants (BSS) represent the foundation for the surfactant-based structure sorting and spectroscopic characterization of SWCNTs. In this work, we investigate three BSS in their ability to separate different SWCNT chiral structures by aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE): sodium deoxycholate (DOC), sodium cholate (SC) and sodium chenodeoxycholate (CDOC). The small difference in their chemical structure (just one hydroxyl group) leads to significant differences in their stacking behavior on SWCNT walls with different diameter and chiral structure that, in turn, has direct consequences for the chiral sorting of SWCNTs using these BSS. By performing several series of systematic ATPE experiments, we reveal that, in general, the stacking of DOC and CDOC is more enantioselective than the stacking of SC on the SWCNT walls, while SC has a clear diameter preference for efficiently solubilizing the SWCNTs in comparison to DOC and CDOC. Moreover, combining sodium dodecylsulfate with SC allows for resolving the ATPE sorting transitions of empty and water-filled SWCNTs for a number of SWCNT chiralities. We also show that addition of SC to combinations of DOC and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate can enhance separations of particular chiralities.

Prospects of Fluorescent Single-Chirality Carbon Nanotube-Based Biosensors

Semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) fluoresce in the near-infrared (NIR), and the emission wavelength depends on their structure (chirality). Interactions with other molecules affect their fluorescence, which has successfully been used for SWCNT-based molecular sensors. So far, most such sensors are assembled from crude mixtures of different SWCNT chiralities, which causes polydisperse sensor responses as well as spectral congestion and limits their performance. The advent of chirality-pure SWCNTs is about to overcome this limitation and paves the way for the next generation of biosensors. Here, we discuss the first examples of chirality-pure SWCNT-based fluorescent biosensors. We introduce routes to such sensors via aqueous two-phase extraction-assisted purification of SWCNTs and highlight the critical interplay between purification and surface modification procedures. Applications include the NIR detection and imaging of neurotransmitters, reactive oxygen species, lipids, bacterial motives, and plant metabolites. Most importantly, we outline a path toward how such monodisperse (chirality-pure) sensors will enable advanced multiplexed sensing with enhanced bioanalytical performance.

Surfactant Chemistry and Polymer Choice Affect Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Extraction Conditions in Aqueous Two-Polymer Phase Extraction

Quantitative determination of the effects of surfactant chemistry and polymer chain length on the concentration conditions necessary to yield extraction of specific single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNCT) species in an aqueous two-polymer phase extraction (ATPE) separation are reported. In particular, the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain length, surfactant ratios, and systematic structural variations of alkyl surfactants and bile salts on the surfactant ratios necessary for extraction were investigated using a recently reported fluorescence-based method. Alkyl surfactant tail length was observed to strongly affect the amount of surfactant necessary to cause PEG-phase extraction of nanotube species in ATPE, while variation in the anionic sulfate/sulfonate head group chemistry has less impact on the concentration necessary for extraction. Substitution of different bile salts results in different surfactant packings on the SWCNTs, with substitution greatly affecting the alkyl surfactant concentrations required for (n,m) extraction. Finally, distinct alkyl-to-bile surfactant ratios were found to extract specific (n,m) SWCNTs across the whole effective window of absolute concentrations, supporting the hypothesized competitive adsorption mechanism model of SWCNT sorting. Altogether, these results provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms behind ATPE-based SWCNT separations, towards further development and optimization of the ATPE method for SWCNT chirality and handedness sorting.

Chirality-Enriched Carbon Nanotubes for Next-Generation Computing

For the past half century, silicon has served as the primary material platform for integrated circuit technology. However, the recent proliferation of nontraditional electronics, such as wearables, embedded systems, and low-power portable devices, has led to increasingly complex mechanical and electrical performance requirements. Among emerging electronic materials, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are promising candidates for next-generation computing as a result of their superlative electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. Moreover, their chirality-dependent properties enable a wide range of emerging electronic applications including sub-10 nm complementary field-effect transistors, optoelectronic integrated circuits, and enantiomer-recognition sensors. Here, recent progress in SWCNT-based computing devices is reviewed, with an emphasis on the relationship between chirality enrichment and electronic functionality. In particular, after highlighting chirality-dependent SWCNT properties and chirality enrichment methods, the range of computing applications that have been demonstrated using chirality-enriched SWCNTs are summarized. By identifying remaining challenges and opportunities, this work provides a roadmap for next-generation SWCNT-based computing.

Toward Complete Resolution of DNA/Carbon Nanotube Hybrids by Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

Sequence-dependent interactions between DNA and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are shown to provide resolution for the atomic-structure-based sorting of DNA-wrapped SWCNTs. Previous studies have demonstrated that aqueous two-phase (ATP) systems are very effective for sorting DNA-wrapped SWCNTs (DNA-SWCNTs). However, most separations have been carried out with a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/polyacrylamide (PAM) ATP system, which shows severe interfacial trapping for many DNA-SWCNT dispersions, resulting in significant material loss and limiting multistage extraction. Here, we report a study of several new ATP systems for sorting DNA-SWCNTs. We have developed a convenient method to explore these systems without knowledge of the corresponding phase diagram. We further show that the molecular weight of the polymer strongly affects the partition behavior and separation results for DNA-SWCNTs in PEG/dextran (DX) ATP systems. This leads to the identification of the PEG1.5kDa/DX250kDa ATP system as an effective vehicle for the chirality separation of DNA-SWCNTs. Additionally, this ATP system exhibits greatly reduced interfacial trapping, enabling for the first time continuous multistep sorting of four species of SWCNTs from a single dispersion. Enhanced stability of DNA-SWCNTs in the PEG1.5kDa/DX250kDa ATP system also allows us to investigate pH dependent sorting of SWCNTs wrapped by C-rich sequences. Our observations suggest that hydrogen bonding may form between the DNA bases at lower pH, enabling a more ordered wrapping structure on the SWCNTs and improvement in sorting (11,0). Together, these findings reveal that the new ATP system is suitable for searching DNA sequences leading toward more complete resolution of DNA-SWCNTs. A new concept of "resolving sequences", evolved from the old notion of "recognition sequences", is proposed to describe a broader range of behaviors of DNA/SWCNT interactions and sorting.

Non-covalent Methods of Engineering Optical Sensors Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Optical sensors based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) demonstrate tradeoffs that limit their use in in vivo and in vitro environments. Sensor characteristics are primarily governed by the non-covalent wrapping used to suspend the hydrophobic SWCNTs in aqueous solutions, and we herein review the advantages and disadvantages of several of these different wrappings. Sensors based on surfactant wrappings can show enhanced quantum efficiency, high stability, scalability, and diminished selectivity. Conversely, sensors based on synthetic and bio-polymer wrappings tend to show lower quantum efficiency, stability, and scalability, while demonstrating improved selectivity. Major efforts have focused on optimizing sensors based on DNA wrappings, which have intermediate properties that can be improved through synthetic modifications. Although SWCNT sensors have, to date, been mainly engineered using empirical approaches, herein we highlight alternative techniques based on iterative screening that offer a more guided approach to tuning sensor properties. These more rational techniques can yield new combinations that incorporate the advantages of the diverse nanotube wrappings available to create high performance optical sensors.

Aqueous two-polymer phase extraction of single-wall carbon nanotubes using surfactants

This review details the current state of the art in aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) based separations of surfactant dispersed single-wall carbon nanotubes by their chemical species, i.e., (n,m) structure, semiconducting or metallic nature, and enantiomeric handedness. Discussions of the factors affecting each separation, including workflow effects, variations of different surfactant and nanotube materials, and the underlying physical mechanism are presented. Lastly an outlook on the applications of ATPE at bench scale and implementation to larger scales is discussed, along with identification of research directions that could further support ATPE development.

Synthesis, purification, properties and characterization of sorted single-walled carbon nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have attracted significant attention due to their outstanding mechanical, chemical and optoelectronic properties, which makes them promising candidates for use in a wide range of applications. However, as-produced SWCNTs have a wide distribution of various chiral species with different properties (i.e. electronic structures). In order to take full advantage of SWCNT properties, highly purified and well-separated SWCNTs are of great importance. Recent advances have focused on developing new strategies to effectively separate nanotubes into single-chirality and/or semiconducting/metallic species and integrating them into different applications. This review highlights recent progress in this cutting-edge research area alongside the enormous development of their identification and structural characterization techniques. A comprehensive review of advances in both controlled synthesis and post-synthesis separation methods of SWCNTs are presented. The relationship between the unique structure of SWCNTs and their intrinsic properties is also discussed. Finally, important future directions for the development of sorting and purification protocols for SWCNTs are provided.

A Low Energy Route to DNA-Wrapped Carbon Nanotubes via Replacement of Bile Salt Surfactants

DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes are a class of bionano hybrid molecules that have enabled carbon nanotube sorting, controlled assembly, and biosensing and bioimaging applications. The current method of synthesizing these hybrids via direct sonication of DNA/nanotube mixtures is time-consuming and not suitable for high-throughput synthesis and combinatorial sequence screening. Additionally, the direct sonication method does not make use of nanotubes presorted by extensively developed surfactant-based methods, is not effective for large diameter (>1 nm) tubes, and cannot maintain secondary and tertiary structural and functional domains present in certain DNA sequences. Here, we report a simple, quick, and robust process to produce DNA-wrapped carbon nanotube hybrids with nanotubes of broad diameter range and DNA of arbitrary sequence. This is accomplished by exchanging strong binding bile salt surfactant coating with DNA in methanol/water mixed solvent and subsequent precipitation with isopropyl alcohol. The exchange process can be completed within 10 min and converts over 90% nanotubes into the DNA wrapped form. Applying the exchange process to nanotubes presorted by surfactant-based methods, we show that the resulting DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes can be further sorted to produce nanotubes with defined handedness, helicity, and endohedral filling. The exchange method greatly expands the structural and functional variety of DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes and opens possibilities for DNA-directed assembly of structurally sorted nanotubes and high-throughput screening of properties that are controlled by the wrapping DNA sequences.

Spiral Countercurrent Chromatography Enrichment, Characterization, and Assays of Carbon Nanotube Chiralities for Use in Biosensors

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are synthetic materials that hold great promise for electronics that are smaller and more versatile than the current silica-based technologies. But as-produced SWCNTs are generally a mixture of nanotubes with different structures that have vastly different properties. Separating these SWCNTs from multiwalled and metallic carbon nanotubes is vital to explore their individual properties and commercial utility ranging from optics to semiconductors. Compounding the problem of commercial investigation is that the semiconducting SWCNTs are also a mixture of different diameters and/or chiralities with different properties. Analyzing properties of enriched semiconducting SWCNT chiralities has only recently been possible through separation techniques such as aqueous two-phase solvent systems. Our study illustrates a semipreparative spiral countercurrent chromatography (CCC) separation of a commercial mixture of SWCNTs into distinct enriched fractions. A new mixer-settler spiral disk rotor was applied in this study, in which we compare the enriched SWCNTs for their effectiveness in biosensors with a high-throughput model assay, followed by antibody-mediated detection of Escherichia coli. Our results demonstrate that CCC-enriched responsive SWCNTs for biosensors can be used in our model assay, as well as for the detection of E. coli. To date, we believe that this is the first study along with Liu et al. [Chirality-controlled synthesis of single-wall carbon nanotubes using vapour-phase epitaxy. Nat. Commun.2012, 3, 1199] to demonstrate a specific utility of separated SWCNT species.

Separation of double-wall carbon nanotubes by electronic type and diameter

We introduce a new procedure for the efficient isolation and subsequent separation of double-wall carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs). A simplified, rate zonal ultracentrifugation (RZU) process is first applied to obtain samples of highly-enriched DWCNTs from a raw carbon nanotube material that has both single- and double-wall carbon nanotubes. Using this purified DWCNT suspension, we demonstrate for the first time that DWCNTs can be further processed using aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) for sequential separation by electronic structure and diameter. Additionally, we introduce analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) as a new method for DWCNT characterization to assess DWCNT purity in separated samples. Results from AUC analysis are utilized to compare two DWCNT separation schemes. We find that RZU processing followed by sequential bandgap and diameter sorting via ATPE provides samples of highest DWCNT enrichment, whereas single-step redox sorting of the same raw material through ATPE yields SWCNT/DWCNT mixtures of similar diameter and electronic character. The presented methods offer significant advancement in DWCNT processing and separation while also providing a promising alternative for DWCNT sample analysis.

Chirality-Controlled Synthesis and Applications of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Preparation of chirality-defined single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is the top challenge in the nanotube field. In recent years, great progress has been made toward preparing single-chirality SWCNTs through both direct controlled synthesis and postsynthesis separation approaches. Accordingly, the uses of single-chirality-dominated SWCNTs for various applications have emerged as a new front in nanotube research. In this Review, we review recent progress made in the chirality-controlled synthesis of SWCNTs, including metal-catalyst-free SWCNT cloning by vapor-phase epitaxy elongation of purified single-chirality nanotube seeds, chirality-specific growth of SWCNTs on bimetallic solid alloy catalysts, chirality-controlled synthesis of SWCNTs using bottom-up synthetic strategy from carbonaceous molecular end-cap precursors, etc. Recent major progresses in postsynthesis separation of single-chirality SWCNT species, as well as methods for chirality characterization of SWCNTs, are also highlighted. Moreover, we discuss some examples where single-chirality SWCNTs have shown clear advantages over SWCNTs with broad chirality distributions. We hope this review could inspire more research on the chirality-controlled preparation of SWCNTs and equally important inspire the use of single-chirality SWCNT samples for more fundamental studies and practical applications.

Sorting Carbon Nanotubes

Sorting of single-wall carbon nanotubes by their electronic and atomic structures in liquid phases is reviewed in this chapter. We first introduce the sorting problem, and then provide an overview of several sorting methodologies, following roughly the chronological order of their development over the past 15 years or so. Major methods discussed include ion-exchange chromatography, density-gradient ultracentrifugation, selective extraction in organic solvents, gel chromatography, and aqueous two-phase extraction. A main focus of the review is on the common mechanisms underlining all sorting processes. We propose that differences in solvation among different nanotube species are the ultimate driving force of sorting, and we corroborate this proposal by presenting analysis on how the differences are realized in electronic-structure-based sorting and atomic-structure-based sorting. In the end, we offer some suggestions on future directions that may grow out of carbon nanotube sorting. In particular, the prospect of expanding the function of DNA/carbon nanotube hybrid to control inter-particle interactions both inside and outside the nanotube is discussed.

Purification of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes by spiral counter-current chromatography

Over the last decade man-made carbon nanostructures have shown great promise in electronic applications, but they are produced as very heterogeneous mixtures with different properties so the achievement of a significant commercial application has been elusive. The dimensions of single-wall carbon nanotubes are generally a nanometer wide, up to hundreds of microns long and the carbon nanotubes have anisotropic structures. They are processed to have shorter lengths but they need to be sorted by diameter and chirality. Thus counter-current chromatography methods developed for large molecules are applied to separate these compounds. A modified mixer-settler spiral CCC rotor made with 3 D printed disks was used with a polyethylene glycol-dextran 2-phase solvent system and a surfactant gradient to purify the major species in a commercial preparation. We isolated the semi-conducting single walled carbon nanotube chiral species identified by UV spectral analysis. The further development of spiral counter-current chromatography instrumentation and methods will enable the scalable purification of carbon nanotubes useful for the next generation electronics.

The Reciprocal Principle of Selectand-Selector-Systems in Supramolecular Chromatography †

In selective chromatography and electromigration methods, supramolecular recognition of selectands and selectors is due to the fast and reversible formation of association complexes governed by thermodynamics. Whereas the selectand molecules to be separated are always present in the mobile phase, the selector employed for the separation of the selectands is either part of the stationary phase or is added to the mobile phase. By the reciprocal principle, the roles of selector and selectand can be reversed. In this contribution in honor of Professor Stig Allenmark, the evolution of the reciprocal principle in chromatography is reviewed and its advantages and limitations are outlined. Various reciprocal scenarios, including library approaches, are discussed in efforts to optimize selectivity in separation science.

Metallic and semiconducting carbon nanotubes separation using an aqueous two-phase separation technique: a review

It is known that carbon nanotubes show desirable physical and chemical properties with a wide array of potential applications. Nonetheless, their potential has been hampered by the difficulties in acquiring high purity, chiral-specific tubes. Considerable advancement has been made in terms of the purification of carbon nanotubes, for instance chemical oxidation, physical separation, and myriad combinations of physical and chemical methods. The aqueous two-phase separation technique has recently been demonstrated to be able to sort carbon nanotubes based on their chirality. The technique requires low cost polymers and salt, and is able to sort the tubes based on their diameter as well as metallicity. In this review, we aim to provide a review that could stimulate innovative thought on the progress of a carbon nanotubes sorting method using the aqueous two-phase separation method, and present possible future work and an outlook that could enhance the methodology.

Industrial-scale separation of high-purity single-chirality single-wall carbon nanotubes for biological imaging

Single-chirality, single-wall carbon nanotubes are desired due to their inherent physical properties and performance characteristics. Here, we demonstrate a chromatographic separation method based on a newly discovered chirality-selective affinity between carbon nanotubes and a gel containing a mixture of the surfactants. In this system, two different selectivities are found: chiral-angle selectivity and diameter selectivity. Since the chirality of nanotubes is determined by the chiral angle and diameter, combining these independent selectivities leads to high-resolution single-chirality separation with milligram-scale throughput and high purity. Furthermore, we present efficient vascular imaging of mice using separated single-chirality (9,4) nanotubes. Due to efficient absorption and emission, blood vessels can be recognized even with the use of ∼100-fold lower injected dose than the reported value for pristine nanotubes. Thus, 1 day of separation provides material for up to 15,000 imaging experiments, which is acceptable for industrial use.

Single-chirality, single-wall carbon nanotubes are attractive for bioimaging applications, however large-scale separation remains a challenge. Here, the authors utilize mixed surfactants for high-resolution single-chirality separation of (9,4) SWCNTs, demonstrating their improved performance for bioimaging.

A simple tool for tubing modification to improve spiral high-speed counter-current chromatography for protein purification

A simple tool is introduced which can modify the shape of tubing to enhance the partition efficiency in high-speed countercurrent chromatography. It consists of a pair of interlocking identical gears, each coaxially holding a pressing wheel to intermittently compress plastic tubing in 0 - 10 mm length at every 1 cm interval. The performance of the processed tubing is examined in protein separation with 1.6 mm ID PTFE tubing intermittently pressed in 3 mm and 10 mm width both at 10 mm intervals at various flow rates and revolution speeds. A series of experiments was performed with a polymer phase system composed of polyethylene glycol and dibasic potassium phosphate each at 12.5% (w/w) in deionized water using three protein samples. Overall results clearly demonstrate that the compressed tubing can yield substantially higher peak resolution than the non-processed tubing. The simple tubing modifier is very useful for separation of proteins with high-speed countercurrent chromatography.

Double-walled carbon nanotube processing

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been the focus of intense research, and the body of literature continues to grow exponentially, despite more than two decades having passed since the first reports. As well as extensive studies of the fundamental properties, this has seen SWCNTs used in a plethora of applications as far ranging as microelectronics, energy storage, solar cells, and sensors, to cancer treatment, drug delivery, and neuronal interfaces. On the other hand, the properties and applications of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) have remained relatively under-explored. This is despite DWCNTs not only sharing many of the same unique characteristics of their single-walled counterparts, but also possessing an additional suite of potentially advantageous properties arising due to the presence of the second wall and the often complex inter-wall interactions that arise. For example, it is envisaged that the outer wall can be selectively functionalized whilst still leaving the inner wall in its pristine state and available for signal transduction. A similar situation arises in DWCNT field effect transistors (FETs), where the outer wall can provide a convenient degree of chemical shielding of the inner wall from the external environment, allowing the excellent transconductance properties of the pristine nanotubes to be more fully exploited. Additionally, DWCNTs should also offer unique opportunities to further the fundamental understanding of the inter-wall interactions within and between carbon nanotubes. However, the realization of these goals has so far been limited by the same challenge experienced by the SWCNT field until recent years, namely, the inherent heterogeneity of raw, as-produced DWCNT material. As such, there is now an emerging field of research regarding DWCNT processing that focuses on the preparation of material of defined length, diameter and electronic type, and which is rapidly building upon the experience gained by the broader SWCNT community. This review describes the background of the field, summarizing some relevant theory and the available synthesis and purification routes; then provides a thorough synopsis of the current state-of-the-art in DWCNT sorting methodologies, outlines contemporary challenges in the field, and discusses the outlook for various potential applications of the resulting material.

Isolation of >1 nm Diameter Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Species Using Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction

In this contribution we demonstrate the effective separation of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) species with diameters larger than 1 nm through multistage aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE), including isolation at the near-monochiral species level up to at least the diameter range of SWCNTs synthesized by electric arc synthesis (1.3-1.6 nm). We also demonstrate that refined species are readily obtained from both the metallic and semiconducting subpopulations of SWCNTs and that this methodology is effective for multiple SWCNT raw materials. Using these data, we report an empirical function for the necessary surfactant concentrations in the ATPE method for separating different SWCNTs into either the lower or upper phase as a function of SWCNT diameter. This empirical correlation enables predictive separation design and identifies a subset of SWCNTs that behave unusually as compared to other species. These results not only dramatically increase the range of SWCNT diameters to which species selective separation can be achieved but also demonstrate that aqueous two-phase separations can be designed across experimentally accessible ranges of surfactant concentrations to controllably separate SWCNT populations of very small (∼0.62 nm) to very large diameters (>1.7 nm). Together, the results reported here indicate that total separation of all SWCNT species is likely feasible by the ATPE method, especially given future development of multistage automated extraction techniques.

Redox sorting of carbon nanotubes

This work expands the redox chemistry of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by investigating its role in a number of SWCNT sorting processes. Using a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/dextran (DX) aqueous two-phase system, we show that electron-transfer between redox molecules and SWCNTs triggers reorganization of the surfactant coating layer, leading to strong modulation of nanotube partition in the two phases. While the DX phase is thermodynamically more favored by an oxidized SWCNT mixture, the mildly reducing PEG phase is able to recover SWCNTs from oxidation and extract them successively from the DX phase. Remarkably, the extraction order follows SWCNT bandgap: semiconducting nanotubes of larger bandgap first, followed by semiconducting nanotubes of smaller bandgap, then nonarmchair metallic tubes of small but nonvanishing bandgap, and finally armchair metallic nanotubes of zero bandgap. Furthermore, we show that redox-induced surfactant reorganization is a common phenomenon, affecting nanotube buoyancy in a density gradient field, affinity to polymer matrices, and solubility in organic solvents. These findings establish redox modulation of surfactant coating structures as a general mechanism for tuning a diverse range of SWCNT sorting processes and demonstrate for the first time that armchair and nonarmchair metallic SWCNTs can be separated by their differential response to redox.

DNA-controlled partition of carbon nanotubes in polymer aqueous two-phase systems

Sorting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of different chiralities is both scientifically interesting and technologically important. Recent studies have shown that polymer aqueous two-phase extraction is a very effective way to achieve nanotube sorting. However, works published to date have demonstrated only separation of surfactant-dispersed SWCNTs, and the mechanism of chirality-dependent SWCNT partition is not well understood. Here we report a systematic study of spontaneous partition of DNA-wrapped SWCNTs in several polymer aqueous two-phase systems. We show that partition of DNA-SWCNT hybrids in a given polymer two-phase system is strongly sequence-dependent and can be further modulated by salt and polymer additives. With the proper combination of DNA sequence, polymer two-phase system, and partition modulators, as many as 15 single-chirality nanotube species have been effectively purified from a synthetic mixture. As an attempt to provide a unified partition mechanism of SWCNTs dispersed by surfactants and by DNA, we present a qualitative analysis of solvation energy for SWCNT colloids in a polymer-modified aqueous phase. Our observation and analysis highlight the sensitive dependence of the hydration energy on the spatial distribution of hydrophilic functionalities.