Preparation of clear colloidal solutions of detonation nanodiamond in organic solvents

Highly transparent colloidal solutions of detonation nanodiamonds in organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and acetone were attained in this investigation through an easy process, in which the detonation nanodiamond powder was oxidized at 420 degrees C for 1.5 h and then dispersed into solvents by beads-milling with the addition of the surfactant, oleylamine (OLA). The results of both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements confirm that a readily apparent number of Lewis acid sites composed of mainly carboxylic acid and cyclic acid anhydrides were derived on the surface of thermally oxidized nanodiamond (T-ND). This acid sites-derived T-ND is chemically active, favoring the formation of charge-transfer complexes with the amino-containing surfactants Such as OLA and octadecylamine (ODA). After being dispersed with one of the surfactants, OLA or ODA, the T-ND shows good dispersion stability in organic solvents; however, the dispersion efficiency of the saturated ODA is not as good as that of the unsaturated OLA. By using the dispersant OLA, accompanied with de-agglomeration by beads-milling, a clear colloidal solution of T-ND in solvents of THF, MEK or acetone can be easily attained and stabilized for at least 3 months. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.