Purification of Carbon Nanotubes and its Effect on the Properties of Carbon Nanotube/Polyaniline Nanocomposites

Abstract

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes were purified by the mixed acid (HNO3 and H2SO4). The multi-wall carbon nanotubes/polyaniline composite (MWCNTs/PANI) was prepared by in situ polymerisation using aniline monomer and nanotubes in HCl solution. The content of MWCNTs in the samples was 0Q20 wt.%. The results showed that the MWCNTs were well dispersed in water after purification. The interaction between PANI and MWCNTs was proved by FT-IR spectrometry. The conductivity and the tensile strength of the MWCNTs/PANI were improved obviously after purification.