Highly Conductive Ink Based on Self-Aligned Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes through Inter-Fiber Sliding in Cellulose...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer superior electrical and mechanical properties, making them ideal for nonmetallic conductive materials.
• Cellulose is a sustainable, low-cost matrix for preparing cellulose-CNT (C-CNT) nanocomposites.
• Challenges remain in achieving compatibility with solution-processing and optimizing structural rearrangement for enhanced conductivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a straightforward method for preparing conductive composite materials from SWCNTs and natural pulp.
• To investigate the self-alignment mechanism of SWCNTs within a cellulose matrix.
• To explore the relationship between structural properties, processing, and the electrical conductivity of C-CNT films.

Main Methods:

• High-power shaking of an aqueous mixture of SWCNTs and natural pulp to induce self-alignment.
• Structural analysis of dried C-CNT films using techniques to confirm SWCNT dispersion and entanglement.
• Rheological analysis of C-CNT inks to evaluate coating and printing characteristics.

Main Results:

• High-power shaking facilitated the self-alignment of individual SWCNTs in the cellulose matrix.
• Structural analysis confirmed that C-CNT nanowire entanglement and dispersion dictate mechanical and electrical properties.
• Electrical conductivity of C-CNT films (9 wt.% SWCNTs) was tunable from 0.9 to 102.4 S cm⁻¹, controlled by shaking time.
• The optimized C-CNT ink demonstrated compatibility with conventional coating and printing processes.

Conclusions:

• A facile method for producing conductive C-CNT composites with tunable conductivity was established.
• The self-alignment of SWCNTs via high-power shaking is key to achieving high electrical performance.
• The developed C-CNT inks show promise for eco-friendly, flexible, and stretchable electrode applications.