Universal dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes in the liquid phase inspired by Maya Blue

Abstract

Universal dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in the liquid phase using Laponite RD (LRD) is achieved via a simple grinding–ultrasonication procedure inspired by Maya Blue. The marriage between SWNTs and water-soluble LRD via van der Waals interactions and electron donating–accepting interactions generates a water-dispersible hybrid, which we term LRD/SWNTs. The concentration of LRD and hand-grinding play important roles in effectively dispersing SWNTs. The LRD/SWNT aqueous dispersion features excellent stability (over 6 months without any sediment) and a high SWNT concentration of 1.83 mg mL−1, which is obviously superior to the frequently used surfactants and other materials for noncovalent dispersion of carbon nanotubes. Moreover, the LRD/SWNT aqueous dispersion is miscible with and stable in the other common organic solvents, e.g., methanol, DMF and DMSO.