The dispersion of SWCNT bundles on interaction with p-terphenyl

The interaction and dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) bundles were investigated. SWCNTs were produced by arc discharge and by the high pressure decomposition of carbon monoxide (HiPco method), in the presence of the molecule p-terphenyl. The dispersion of SWCNT bundles and their interaction with p-terphenyl in their as-produced state and after purification were compared. A number of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were used to probe the SWCNTs and their interaction with p-terphenyl. X-ray energy dispersive analysis was used to give an elemental analysis of the SWCNT samples before and after purification. Fluorescence and atomic force microscopy are used as techniques to assess the degree of interaction and dispersion of the SWCNT bundles. Results show that the extent of bundle dispersion and the degree of interaction with p-terphenyl is related to the purity of the SWCNTs.