Dispersity and Stability Measurement of Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Alcohols

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were dispersed in various alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and isopropanol using ultrasonication. In order to disperse the MWCNTs in the alcohols, they were treated using a mixture of H 2 SO 4 and HNO 3 (3 : 1, vol/vol). The concentration of MWCNTs was approximately 0.03 wt.% and they formed a homogeneous dispersion in the alcohol solutions. The functional groups introduced on the surface of the MWCNTs during the acid treatment were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The dispersibility of the MWCNTs in the alcohols was characterized using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The stability of the MWCNT dispersions was also measured using a recently developed optical analyzer (Turbiscan).

Nanofiber Cellulose‐Incorporated Nanomesh Graphene–Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper and Ionic Liquid‐Based Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Flexible Supercapacitors

“…The dispersion stability of the CNT and nanomesh graphene–CNT suspension in DI water was investigated using an optical analyzer, Turbiscan (Turbiscan Lab, Formulaction, France), at 25 °C for 24 h. The suspensions were poured into a 40 mL cylindrical glass vial, and the vial was put into the Turbiscan analyzer. The dispersion stability of the suspension was monitored by measuring the transmittance and back scattering of a pulsed near‐IR light ( λ = 880 nm) from the CNTs and nanomesh graphene–CNT suspension . The nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms were investigated to characterize the textural properties of the buckypapers (BET, ASAP2420, Micromeritics).…”

Dispersity and stability measurements of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes in organic solvents

“…For observation of the individual MWCNTs obtained from the MWCNT dispersions, the MWCNT dispersions were applied to 200-mesh carbon-coated copper grids. The stability of the MWCNTs dispersed in organic solvents was investigated by using a Turbiscan (Turbiscan Lab, Formulaction, France) at 25°C for 10 days [14].…”

“…Therefore, the dispersity of alkylated MWCNT dispersions without any surfactants present was found to be effective as determined from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, the dispersive stability of alkylated MWCNT dispersions was investigated over a period of 10 days by using a recently developed optical analyzer, Turbiscan [14]. This analyzer could observe destabilization phenomena of a dispersion without interference or dilution of the sample in the process, which was especially advantageous in studying opaque and concentrated systems.…”