Improving dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene using a common non-covalent modifier
2016
The reportedly synergistic effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene hybrids have
prompted strong demand for an efficient modifier to enhance their dispersion. Here, we investigated
the ability of poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) to overcome the van der Waals interaction
of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) and graphene by employing a simple wrapping process
involving ultrasonication and subsequent centrifugation of PAN/MWCNT/graphene solutions.
The physical wrapping of MWCNTs and graphene with PAN was investigated for
various PAN concentrations, in an attempt to simplify and improve the polymer-wrapping
process. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the wrapping of the MWCNTs
and graphene with PAN layers. The interaction between the graphitic structure and the
PAN molecules was examined using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet-visible
spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman
spectroscopy. The obtained results revealed that the cyano groups of the PAN molecules
facilitated adhesion of the PAN molecules to the MWCNTs and graphene for polymer wrapping.
The resulting enhanced dispersion of MWCNTs and graphene was verified from zeta
potential and shelf-life measurements.
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