Colloidal Carbon Nanotube Dispersions

Introduction

CNTs are renowned for their high mechanical strength, exceptional electrical conductivity, and thermal properties, making them highly sought-after additives for reinforcing composite materials. Despite their remarkable properties, CNTs tend to form aggregates due to strong van der Waals interactions, hindering their applications. For CNTs to be utilized at their full potential, they must be dispersed and processed into uniform, stable, and colloidal dispersions ^[1-3].

Figure 1. Series of diluted supernatants of CNT-dispersions ^[2].

A wide range of colloidal dispersions of CNTs are available from Alfa Chemistry, including single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs), multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs), OH-functionalized CNTs, and COOH-functionalized CNTs. Additionally, our colloidal CNT dispersions are available in different concentrations to meet specific application requirements. Please refer to the link provided at the top of the page to explore our product offerings.

Research and Development

CNTs exhibit diameters on the nanometer scale and lengths extending into micrometers. CNTs can broadly be categorized into two classes based on the number of graphite layers they contain: SWCNTs and MWCNTs. Despite the obvious commonality, SWCNTs and MWCNTs possess significantly different physical properties due to their structural disparities.

The seamless tubular architecture and high degree of graphitization impart exceptional mechanical properties to CNTs. The tensile strength of SWCNTs, for instance, is theoretically estimated to be 100 times greater than that of steel, while their mass represents only a fraction (1/6) of steel's weight ^[4]. Additionally, SWCNTs can achieve elongation of up to 20%, and their length-to-diameter ratio can range from 100 to 1000, far surpassing that of conventional materials, earning them the moniker of "super strong fibers."

In conclusion, CNTs' remarkable attributes such as high specific surface area, large aspect ratio, and exceptional mechanical strength make them useful in enhancing the performance of composite materials. Incorporating high-quality CNT dispersions into metals, polymers, ceramics, and other matrices not only significantly improves the mechanical strength of the materials but also enhances specific thermodynamic properties, electrical and magnetic properties. Notably, the quality of these dispersions can be evaluated based on three key aspects: particle size distribution, homogeneous spatial distribution, and temporal stability.

Figure 2. Diagram of SWCNT and MWCNTs.

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Alfa Chemistry is able to provide customers with a wide range of colloidal CNT dispersions. Through continuous innovation of core technology, we can serve customers in the global technology and research market. Relying on an efficient operating model, our products and solutions are highly competitive in the industry.

References

1. Jiang, L.; et al. Production of aqueous colloidal dispersions of carbon nanotubes. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 2003, 260(1): 89-94.
2. Keinänen, P.; et al. Optimized dispersion quality of aqueous carbon nanotube colloids as a function of sonochemical yield and surfactant/CNT ratio. Heliyon. 2018, 4(9): e00787.
3. Nadler, M.; et al. Preparation of colloidal carbon nanotube dispersions and their characterisation using a disc centrifuge. Carbon. 2008, 46(11): 1384-1392.
4. Treacy, M. M. J.; et al. Flexible light-emitting diodes made from soluble conducting polymers. Nature. 1996, 381(6387): 678-680.

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