Methods and mechanisms of solution dispersion of carbon nanotube powders
WANG Yanqing
GAO Caiqin
ZHANG Chaoyang
NI Yuxiang
HUANG Xin
Abstract：Objective To maximize the performance potential of carbon nanotubes(CNTs),it is crucial to overcome the inherent tendency of CNTs to form aggregates and achieve effective dispersion within various matrices.
Progress This paper reviews the methods,mechanisms,and evaluation techniques related to the dispersion of CNTs.Physical dispersion methods typically involve ultrasonication,high-shear mixing,and ball milling,using mechanical forces to break up CNT aggregates.Ultrasonication,for instance,uses high-frequency sound waves to generate cavitation bubbles in a liquid medium.The collapse of the bubbles produces intense localized forces capable of disentangling CNT bundles.High-shear mix-ing and ball milling similarly apply mechanical forces to achieve dispersion,but differ in their effectiveness and potential dam-ages to the CNT structure.Chemical dispersion methods generally rely on CNT functionalization to enhance their solubility and compatibility with different solvents and matrices.This can be achieved through covalent functionalization,where chemical groups are directly attached to the CNT surface,or non-covalent functionalization,which involves the adsorption of surfactants,polymers,or biomolecules onto the CNT surface.Covalent functionalization,while effective in improving dispersion,may also alter the intrinsic properties of CNTs.Non-covalent functionalization,in contrast,preserves the CNT structure but may offer less stable dispersion depending on the interactions involved.Evaluating CNT dispersion involves various characterization tech-niques,including electron microscopy(TEM,SEM),spectroscopy(Raman,UV-Vis),and scattering methods(DLS,SAXS).Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)provide direct visualization of CNT dispersion at the nanoscale.Spectroscopic methods such as Raman and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis)spectroscopy offer insights into the structural integrity and functionalization status of CNTs.Dynamic light scattering(DLS)and small-angle X-ray scatter-ing(SAXS)are used to assess the size distribution and dispersion state of CNTs in a given medium.
Conclusions and Prospects Despite the development and optimization of physical,chemical,and mechanical dispersion tech-niques,challenges such as low dispersion efficiency and poor dispersion stability still remain.The interplay between dispersion techniques and the resulting properties of CNT-based materials underscores the need for continued innovation and optimization in this field.Future research could focus on several key areas to address these issues.One promising direction is the develop-ment of novel,environmentally friendly,and highly efficient dispersants.Further enhancement of current dispersion technolo-gies and a deeper understanding of CNT dispersion mechanisms are also critical.Moreover,the utilization of well-dispersed CNTs to develop multifunctional composite materials holds significant potential.This progress can unlock CNTs'full potential in diverse applications,from high-performance electronics to cutting-edge biomedical devices.Establishing robust and standard-ized dispersion evaluation methods is crucial to ensuring consistent and reliable integration of CNTs into these next-generation technologies.
Keywords：carbon nanotubedispersion mechanismcovalent modificationsurface functionalization
Publication Date：2025-02-24
Online Publishing Date：2026-05-22(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：13( 170-182 )