Comparison of the stability of multiwalled carbon nanotube dispersions in water

Abstract

Continuous real-time monitoring of the nanotube concentration in aqueous solution using UV-Vis spectroscopy allows quantitative comparison of the stability of different types of nanotube dispersions. Systematic investigation of the effects of nanotube length and functionalisation for thin multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) has revealed that shorter MWNT form more stable dispersions than longer nanotubes of the same diameter. MWNT shortened to an average length of approximately 1 μm form stable dispersions in water with concentrations up to 0.013 mg ml⁻¹ in the absence of surfactants or solubilising functional groups. The introduction of carboxylic or thiol groups on the surface of shortened nanotubes further increases the stability of MWNT dispersions (up to 0.24 mg ml⁻¹). The introduction of surfactant or surface charge on MWNT has contrasting effects on functionalised and non-functionalised nanotubes, destabilising and stabilising their dispersions, respectively.