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Functionalization of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes with Thermo-reversible Block Copolymers and Characterization by Small-angle Neutron Scattering
Published on: June 1, 2016
Universally dispersible carbon nanotubes
Alexandre Prevoteau1, Corinne Soulié-Ziakovic, Ludwik Leibler
1Matière Molle et Chimie, UMR 7167 CNRS-ESPCI, Ecole Supérieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles de la Ville de Paris, 10 rue Vauquelin 75005 Paris, France.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|November 23, 2012
Summary
Supramolecular chemistry enables versatile dispersion and recovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in various solvents. This method utilizes thymine-modified CNTs and specific polymers for tunable solubility and reversible aggregation.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess unique properties but suffer from poor solubility.
- Dispersing CNTs in diverse solvents is crucial for their application.
- Existing dispersion methods often lack versatility and reusability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile method for dispersing and recovering CNTs in various solvents.
- To utilize supramolecular chemistry for tunable CNT solubility.
- To enable reversible aggregation and redispersion of CNTs.
Main Methods:
- Modification of CNTs with thymine (CNT-Thy).
- Utilizing supramolecular thymine/diaminotriazine (Thy/DAT) association.
- Employing DAT-functionalized polymers (polystyrene for hydrophobic, PPO/PEO for polar solvents).
- Reversible aggregation using DMSO and solvent exchange for redispersion.
Main Results:
- Achieved stable CNT dispersions in solvents of any nature.
- Demonstrated easy recovery and redispersion of CNT-Thy.
- Showcased reversible aggregation/dispersion by switching solvents or adding DMSO.
- Validated the method's applicability across hydrophobic and polar solvents.
Conclusions:
- Supramolecular chemistry offers a convenient and versatile approach for CNT dispersion and recovery.
- The developed method allows for tunable solubility and controlled aggregation of CNTs.
- This technique enhances the practical utility of CNTs in diverse applications.
