No abstract

Homogenously dispersing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in solvents has been one critical step towards exploiting their exceptional properties in high-performance components. However, the solubility of SWNTs is severely limited by the inert tube surfaces and strong tube-tube van der Waals attractions. Starting with carbon nanotubides, i.e., negatively charged SWNTs reduced by alkali metals, we herein propose a sonication-free approach to prepare an aqueous dispersion of SWNTs. The approach combines the spontaneous dissolution of nanotubides in polar aprotic solvents with polyvinylpyrrolidone wrapping and dialysis in deionized H2O, which results in well-dispersed, neutralized SWNTs. The gelation of concentrated SWNT dispersion leads to the formation of hydrogels, which is subsequently transformed into SWNT aerogels through lyophilization. The prepared SWNT aerogels exhibit high-mass-sorption capacities for organic solvent absorption, paving the way towards harvesting the extraordinary properties of SWNTs.

No abstract

Elastic and fatigue-resistant materials with a wide service temperature range are extremely needed in the crash cushion, automobile safety, and personal protective equipment. By combining radial freeze casting with carbon welding, single-walled carbon nanotube aerogels (SWCNTAs) with cellular structures are fabricated from a facile, scalable sol–gel method. The prepared SWCNTAs show a negative Poisson’s ratio and high energy loss efficiency under the uniaxial compressive strain. Furthermore, the SWCNTAs exhibit both outstanding fatigue resistance with negligible plastic deformation even after 105 compressive cycles and superior elasticity ranging from −100 to 300 °C in air, making the aerogels viable candidates for energy dissipation in extreme environments.

No abstract