Enhanced colloidal properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes in α-terpineol and Texanol

The solubility of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in solvents is a critical factor for the potential applications of SWCNTs. Recently, it has been reported that SWCNTs are relatively well-dispersed in organic amide solvents, such as, dimethylformamide (DMF). However, it is still a challenge to disperse and to stabilize SWCNTs in solvents for further chemical reactions. In this research, a-terpineol and Texanol were used as solvents to disperse SWCNTs. The solubility of SWCNTs in solvents was investigated by observing the sedimentation and the aggregation of SWCNTs with a digital camera, a optical microscope (OM), and a UV/vis spectroscope. Experimental results demonstrated the improved solubility of SWCNTs in alpha-terpineol and Texanol. SWCNTs suspensions were better dispersed and longer stabilized in alpha-terpineol and Texanol than in DMF after dispersing SWCNTs by 15 min sonification at mild conditions. The enhanced solubility of SWCNTs in a-terpineol and Texanol may be caused by the chemical structures, such as, Lewis basicity, the branch and the ring structure, and the high viscosity. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.