New developments in non-covalent surface modification, dispersion and electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanotubes

Abstract This review describes new strategies for the non-covalent functionalization and dispersion of CNT using small molecules, such as commercial bile acid salts (BAS) and organic dyes. Efficient CNT dispersion was achieved due to the small size, charge and unique adsorption properties of BAS and dyes, which facilitated the bundle “unzipping” mechanism. The discovery of interesting electrochemical and film-forming properties of BAS and organic dyes allowed electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of CNT films by cathodic or anodic methods. Of particular importance is the efficiency of BAS dispersants in the sorting of CNT by diameter, chirality and length. These studies allowed for the efficient separation of SWCNT by electronic type and size, which addressed the urgent needs for many advanced applications. New dispersants allowed the fabrication of functional polymer coated CNT and development of advanced techniques for the fabrication of composites. Chelating dyes were used as co-dispersants for CNT and inorganic nanoparticles. The use of BAS and organic dyes for CNT dispersion has driven the development of advanced composites, films, aerogels for electrochemical, electronic, energy generation and storage, biomedical, sensor and other applications. Colloidal and interface chemistry of new dispersing agents is emerging as a new area of technological and scientific interest.