Homogeneous and stable carbon nanotube dispersion assisted by cellulose in NaOH/thiourea aqueous solution

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proposed as next-generation lightweight structural materials, yet their application is facing challenges due to the poor dispersity in most solvents, especially in aqueous solution. Here, we report a facile and robust strategy for the rapid and scalable preparation of homogeneous and stable CNT dispersion assisted by cellulose in NaOH/thiourea aqueous solution. The whole process only needs a mild stirring procedure at ice-bath without any pre-treatment of raw materials. It is demonstrated that the suitability of the CNT dispersion for aqueous self assembly of various functional materials, ranging from zero-dimensional (0D) microsphere to three-dimensional (3D) monolith through various molding techniques. Also, the CNT dispersion can be used as ink to prepare CNT-based paper and textile through simply dyeing commercial filter paper and textile, and to directly write on the paper by syringe, indicating the great potential for flexible and wearable devices.