Fabrication of New Thermo-pH Responsive Carbon Nanotube Gels

Stimuli-responsive gels have widespread attraction due to their potential applications. In this work, we have demonstrated the preparation of new multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) incorporate multi-responsive (pH and thermal) gels (MWNT-IPN-MRG) though network formation with functional macromolecules that interact each other via hydrogen bonds, covalent networking and temporary associative forces. A simple strategy has been developed to prepare MWNT-IPN-MRG. Typically, surface of MWNTs was facilitated to form network with pH and thermo responsive polymers and converted into smart MWNT-IPN-MRGs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy were employed to examine chemical compositions and microstructures of MWNT-IPN-MRGs. The new MWNT-IPN-MRGs showed thermo-pH responsive swelling-deswelling behaviors. The advantageous approach for the preparation of new multiresponsive gel in this study will potentially pave way for the preparation of nanogels for environmental application.