Stable Solutions of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Using an Azobenzene Dye

Abstract

We present a method to achieve stable dispersions of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in tetrahydrofuran for several days. The physical chemistry of this method is based on the π−π stacking interactions between MWCNT and an azobenzene derivative, Disperse Orange 3 (DO3). Evidence of this interaction was obtained using UV−vis absorption spectroscopy. Our results suggest that there is a weight ratio DO3/MWCNT beyond which interactions are strong enough to achieve stable dispersions of MWCNT for at least 45 days.