Evaluation of the Dispersion Stability of Nanocarbons Using Zeta Potential in Distilled Water

Abstract

Nanocarbons (NCs) have exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties as compared to conventional carbon fibers. In previous studies, chemical agent has been used to disperse NCs in the colloid. The main objective of this study is to investigate the dispersion stability of NCs in distilled water and measurement the Zeta Potential value after using ultrasonic dispersion method (physics method). Two types of NCs were used in this study, carbon nanotube (CNT), and Carbon nanofiber (CNF) with different amounts and sonication time of 2 to 12 minutes. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is utilised to inspect the efficiency of the dispersion methodology. The result has shown the significate dispersion of NCs. It was found that the Zeta Potential was 57.5 mV, and 50.9 mV for CNT, and CNF respectively after one month of sonication process. Moreover, the result indicates that the solution is in good stability according to ASTM standard D418-82. Thus, this physical method used in this study can be further considered as a potential method for NCs dispersion when mixed with a different application. Keywords: Nanocarbons, Dispersion, Zeta Potential, Sonication, Nanomaterials

Research on the dispersion of carbon fiber and recycled carbon fiber in cement-based materials: a review

“…The effectiveness of fiber dispersion is directly correlated with the absolute value of the fiber surface potential, wherein a higher value indicates a superior degree of dispersion. Consequently, the zeta potential serves as a quantifiable and accurate measure of fiber dispersion in water, while also reflecting the stability of the fiber suspension (Alsharef et al, 2019). Ma et al (2011) employed zeta potential to compare the dispersion of CNTs in different solvents.…”

“…The optimal concentration ratio of MC to CNF was determined to be 2:1. Similarly, Alsharef et al (2019) evaluated the dispersion stability of CNTs and CNF in water using zeta potential and found that ultrasonic treatment enhanced the dispersion stability of carbon nanomaterials in water, with zeta potential values maintained above 50 mV. Thus, zeta potential serves as a valuable tool for quantitatively and accurately assessing the stability of fiber suspensions, including systems without dispersants.…”