Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube Bundles Research Articles

Radial gradient characteristics formed by the interstitial space of MWCNT yarn owing to twisting

The interstitial space of a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) yarn is key to creating electric double-layer capacitance for harvesting energy. Despite various fabrication methods for MWCNT yarns, the formation mechanism of the interstitial space inside the yarns is poorly understood. Herein, the twisting process of a cylindrical MWCNT bundle into a yarn was simulated using the mesoscale coarse-grained particle dynamics model. A larger fraction of interstitial space was observed in the sheath region of the yarn, where large-diameter MWCNTs were mainly distributed. Small-diameter MWCNTs first swirled toward the inner core during the twisting process, causing the large-diameter MWCNTs to be sparsely distributed throughout the sheath region. The proposed methodology and its results can be applied to the geometric design of twisted MWCNT bundles to maximize the fraction of the interstitial space therein.

Establishing Ohmic Contact of a Radial Compressed CNT Bundle with High Work Function Metal.

Establishing low-resistance ohmic contact is critical for developing electronic devices based on traditional silicon and new low-dimensional materials. Due to unprecedented electronic and mechanical properties, the one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used as source/drain, gate, or tunnel to fabricate transistors. However, the mechanism causing low-resistance ohmic contact is not clear yet. Here, the hybrid atomic force microscopy-scanning electron microscopy (AFM-SEM) instrument was developed to establish lower-resistance ohmic contact between a radial compressed deformed multiwalled CNT bundle and high work function metal (platinum and gold). The radial compression structure under strong van der Waals attraction was in situ characterized through the SEM image to obtain the diameter and width and through AFM to get height and to perform nanoindentation, indicating that Pt has the smaller radial compression deformation. Molecular dynamics simulations exhibit that compared to Pt, a wider ribbon-like graphene layer formed when the radial compressed CNTs contacted with Au. The bond forming and electron orbital overlapping between C atoms of deformed CNTs and the high work function metal atom is beneficial for good electrical contact.

Structural transformation of Cu-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes subjected to high-energy laser irradiation

The Cu coating on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with low infrared laser absorptivity was applied to provide a protective layer against the structural damage caused by laser irradiation in this paper. The effect of Cu coating on the structural evolution of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) under a ring-shaped high-energy laser beam was studied. As the laser power increases, the morphology of 35 wt.% Cu-coated MWCNTs (35Cu-CNTs) samples transforms from discrete fine powder particles to caking structure with a roughened surface. A 45 wt.% Cu coating effectively provides structural protection for MWCNTs against laser-induced damage at a laser power of 600 W. During laser irradiation, the Cu coating melts, detaches from the surface of MWCNTs, and subsequently solidifies into a mixture of nearly spherical particles. Without the protection of Cu coating, the MWCNTs bundles are fragmented into nanoscale segments in varying sizes. These segments undergo a transformation into amorphous carbon particles as a result of the rapid heating and cooling process induced by the high-energy laser irradiation. The thermal impact of the high-energy laser beam plays a crucial role in determining the structural transformation of MWCNTs. The coalescence and spheroidization of amorphous carbon particles can be induced by the reduction of surface energy.

Buckling and fracture characterization of pristine bundles of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes using quantitative in situ TEM axial compression

This work investigates the mechanical deformation and fracture characteristics of pristine bundles of vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) subjected to axial compression in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM). Accurate measurements of force-displacement data were collected simultaneously with real-time TEM videos of the deformation process. Two distinct regimes were observed in the force-displacement curve: (1) an initial elastic section with a linear slope, followed by (2) a transition to a force plateau at a critical buckling force. Morphological data revealed coordinated buckling of the pristine bundle, indicating strong van der Waals (VdW) forces between the nanotubes. The experimental setup measured an effective modulus of 83.9 GPa for an MWCNT bundle, which was in agreement with finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. FEA also highlighted the significant role of VdW forces in the bundle mechanical reactions. Furthermore, we identified nickel nanoparticles as key players in the fracture behavior of the bundles, acting as nucleation sites for defects. The direct mechanical measurements of MWCNT bundles provide valuable insights into their mechanical deformation and fracture behavior, while correlating it to the morphology of the bundle. Understanding these interactions at the bundle level is crucial for improving the reliability and durability of VACNTs-based components.

Nonlinear multiscale model for interstitial structures of densely ordered multi-walled carbon nanotube bundles

The microscopic structural changes upon mechanical deformation of coiled multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) yarns were investigated through a multiscale constitutive model. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations reveal a strong dependence of the nonlinear mechanical behavior on the diameter of the nanotubes composing the MWCNT bundles. Accordingly, the multiscale modeling is configured to predict the stress and interstitial area change experienced by each nanotube according to the diameter and position distribution of the nanotubes constituting the microstructure. From the proposed multiscale method, representative volume elements (RVEs) of MWCNT bundles with micrometer scale lengths are developed. The RVEs are applied to characterize the deformation of each nanotube due to the longitudinal sway and the stress concentration in the cross-section due to local tightening. The results are in good agreement with those of the all-atom cross-sectional model corresponding to each longitudinal position, which proves the validity of the developed RVEs.

Weibull multiscale interlaminar fracture analysis of low-weight percentage CNT composites

Delamination due to interlaminar fracture has limited the application of composite materials in highly integrity-sensitive structural systems. The novelty of this experimental and statistical investigation is twofold: (i) the effects of the size of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) bundles and their interphase with the surrounding matrix on the multimodal fracture toughness and crack propagation regime; (ii) the effectiveness of single lamina vs. multiple laminas on fracture toughness in carbon fiber nanocomposites. The Atomic Force Microscopy Peak Force Quantitative Nanomechanics Mapping (AFM PFQNM) technique was utilized to characterize the CNT bundle size and interphase. Weibull analysis of a myriad of 480 CNT bundle sizes and interphases confirmed a high scatter in the data with more occurrences at the larger size. Two different nanocomposite laminates were considered: (i) laminates with 1wt% CNT in all laminas (FCNT); (ii) laminates with 1wt% CNT in the middle layer in front of the pre-crack (CNT). The average size of the CNT bundles and the interphase thickness were 549.7 nm and 22.9 nm in the CNT laminates and 480.1 nm and 22.2 nm in the FCNT laminates. The ratio of interphase thickness to CNT bundle size was higher in FCNT than in CNT, confirming a better stiffening effect due to the nano reinforcement of FCNT laminates. Weibull moduli of mode I initiation and propagation and mode II initiation for laminates with CNT in all laminas, FCNT, are higher than reference and CNT laminates, confirming a higher crack energy consistency. The Mode I initiation and propagation and mode II initiation fracture energies of CNT and FCNT were (15% and 10%), (38% and 44%), and (1.7% and 9.6%) higher than those without CNT. Mixing 1wt% CNT with all laminas expanded the mixed-mode I-II fracture envelope function by 21%. Unlike FCNT laminates, CNT laminates do not considerably improve the mixed-mode I-II fracture toughness. Crack deflection and a more arduous crack path due to the rigid CNT bundles increased the crack energy and delayed the crack propagation.

Neural Network-based Fast and Intelligent Signal Integrity Assessment Model for Emerging MWCNT Bundle On-Chip Interconnects in Integrated Circuit

At nanometer technology nodes, the efficient signal integrity and performance assessment of vast on-chip interconnects are crucial and challenging. For a long time, copper (Cu) has been used as an interconnect material in integrated circuits (ICs). However, as heading towards lower technology nodes, Cu is becoming inadequate to satisfy the requirements for high-speed applications due to its physical limitations. To mitigate this issue, a multiwall carbon nanotube bundle (MWCNTB) is proven to be a better replacement for Cu. Hence, the current work innovatively focuses on modeling, analysis, and performance evaluation of MWCNTB interconnects at 32 nm technology nodes using various machine learning (ML) and neural network (NN) based techniques for signal integrity assessment and fast computation of on-chip interconnect design. Based on the results obtained by comparing the different performance parameters, it is envisaged that NN-based ADAM technique leads to the best-suited model. The developed model is fruitful in evaluating the output performance of the system, such as power-delay-product (PDP), performing parametric analysis, and predicting optimum input design parameters of the driver-interconnect-load (DIL) system. This work utilizes HSPICE and Python electronic design automation tools for its implementation.

Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes for Solid Lubrication of Highly Loaded Contacts

When lubrication of rolling bearings with oil or grease is not possible, for example because the lubricant evaporates in vacuum, solid lubrication by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is a viable alternative. To understand the mechanisms underlying MWCNT lubrication of highly loaded contacts, we combine an experimental approach with large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Tribometry is performed on ground iron plates coated with two different types of MWCNTs by electrophoretic deposition. Although structural differences in the MWCNT materials result in slightly different running-in behavior, most of the tests converge to a steady-state coefficient of friction of 0.18. The resulting wear tracks and tribolayers are subjected to structural and chemical characterization and suggest a tribo-induced phase transformation resulting in tribolayers that consist of MWCNT fragments, iron oxide, and iron carbide nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous carbon matrix. Covalent bonding of the tribolayer to the iron surface and low carbon transfer to the alumina counter body indicate sliding at the tribolayer/ball interface as the dominant mechanism underlying MWCNT solid lubrication. MD simulations of nascent a-C tribofilms lubricated by MWCNT bundles and stacks of crossed MWCNTs reveal two different sliding regimes: a low-load regime that leaves the MWCNTs intact and a high-load regime with partial collapse of the tube structure and formation of a-C regions. The critical load for this transition increases with the filling ratio of the MWCNT and the packing density of the stacks. The former determines the stability of the MWCNT, while the latter controls the local stresses at the MWCNT crossings. For both MWCNT materials, the high-load regime is predicted for the experimental loads. This is confirmed by a remarkable agreement between transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomistic simulation images. Based on the findings of this work, a multistep lubrication mechanism is formulated for MWCNT coatings rubbing against alumina on an iron substrate.

Surface Diffusion of C1–C3 Alcohols on Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

The diffusion of methanol, ethanol, and 2-propanol using individual multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and MWCNT bundles was investigated for the first time via application of the quartz crystal microbalance. At small times, the release of alcohol obeys the advective mechanism. In contrast, no deviations from Fick’s law were justified at large times. This situation holds for either individual MWCNTs or MWCNT bundles. The utilized MWCNTs are mainly closed from both ends. Therefore, the alcohol release is controlled by surface diffusion. The measured surface diffusivity is in the order of 10-13 m2/s. The obtained diffusivities are in close proximity with the known surface diffusion coefficients on carbon materials.

High-Performance Ionanofluids from Subzipped Carbon Nanotube Networks

Investments in the transfer and storage of thermal energy along with renewable energy sources strengthen health and economic infrastructure. These factors intensify energy diversification and the more rapid post-COVID recovery of economies. Ionanofluids (INFs) composed of long multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) rich in sp2-hybridized atoms and ionic liquids (ILs) display excellent thermal conductivity enhancement with respect to the pure IL, high thermal stability, and attractive rheology. However, the influence of the morphology, physicochemistry of nanoparticles and the IL-nanostructure interactions on the mechanism of heat transfer and rheological properties of INFs remain unidentified. Here, we show that intertube nanolayer coalescence, supported by 1D geometry assembly, leads to the subzipping of MWCNT bundles and formation of thermal bridges toward 3D networks in the whole INF volume. We identified stable networks of straight and bent MWCNTs separated by a layer of ions at the junctions. We found that the interactions between the ultrasonication-induced breaking nanotubes and the cations were covalent in nature. Furthermore, we found that the ionic layer imposed by close MWCNT surfaces favored enrichment of the cis conformer of the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion. Our results demonstrate how the molecular perfection of the MWCNT structure with its supramolecular arrangement affects the extraordinary thermal conductivity enhancement of INFs. Thus, we gave the realistic description of the interactions at the IL-CNT interface with its (super)structure and chemistry as well as the molecular structure of the continuous phase. We anticipate our results to be a starting point for more complex studies on the supramolecular zipping mechanism. For example, ionically functionalized MWCNTs toward polyionic systems─of projected and controlled nanolayers─could enable the design of even more efficient heat-transfer fluids and miniaturization of flexible electronics.

Frequency response analysis of CNT bundle interconnects

ABSTRACT When carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used in interconnects, their electrical properties are appealing as they are not affected by surface scattering when the feature size decreases. After almost two decades of research on CNT-based interconnects, it is still a question which type of CNT bundle performs better than the other. There are many contradictory reports in this regard. So, it is very important to study the frequency response of these interconnects to ascertain their actual performance and compare them. HSPICE-based circuit simulations at 20 nm and 14 nm technology nodes are carried out. Furthermore, the analysis for local, semi-global and global interconnect lengths is carried out. Results show that single-walled CNT (SWCNT) bundles have higher voltage gain and higher current gain for all lengths at both the technology nodes. These results are significant in understanding the best choice of interconnects among SWCNT bundle, MWCNT bundle and mixed CNT bundle interconnects.

Performance Analysis of CNT Bundle Interconnects in Various Low-k Dielectric Media

The capacitance of the interconnect, which contributes to RC delay, power, and crosstalk, is increasingly limiting the performance of ULSI chips as IC technology advances. Different dielectric materials are employed as electrical shielding between interconnects (also called as inter-wire dielectrics) to minimise the coupling capacitance of closely spaced interconnects, and they are compared in terms of their performance. For SWCNT and MWCNT interconnects at various global interconnect lengths for 20 nm and 14 nm technology nodes, performance parameters such as crosstalk delay, power dissipation, power crosstalk delay product (PCDP) and crosstalk noise are calculated and compared. It is observed that, upon using different dielectric materials in CNT bundle interconnect, MWCNT bundle interconnects is performing better compared to SWCNT bundle interconnects at 20 nm and 14 nm technology nodes for all global interconnect lengths.

The role of the electrode geometry on the dielectrophoretic assembly of multi-walled carbon nanotube bundles from aqueous solution

This paper investigates the influences of the electrode geometry in terms of shape, configuration, dimensions, overlapping, and extensions on the dielectrophoretic (DEP) assembly of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) bundles. A computational model was employed to predict the motion, trajectory, and assembly location of MWCNT bundles. The density and shape of the assembled bundles were precisely controlled by optimizing the electrode dimensions and adjusting the AC signal parameters. Experimental work was conducted to validate the simulation results. MWCNT bundles were assembled and aligned across indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes using an AC signal of 10 V and 1 kHz.

Optimization of Surfactant Concentration in Carbon Nanotube Solutions for Dielectrophoretic Ceiling Assembly and Alignment: Implications for Transparent Electronics.

Surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are used to improve the dispersity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in aqueous solutions. The surfactant concentration in CNT solutions is a critical factor in the dielectrophoretic (DEP) manipulation of CNTs. A high surfactant concentration causes a rapid increase in the solution conductivity, while a low concentration results in undesirably large CNT bundles within the solution. The increase in the solution conductivity causes drag velocity that obstructs the CNT manipulation process due to the electrothermal forces induced by the electric field. The presence of large CNT bundles is undesirable since they degrade the device performance. In this work, mathematical modeling and experimental work were used to optimize the concentration of the SDS surfactant in multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) solutions. The solutions were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) analysis. We found that the optimum SDS concentration in MWCNT solutions for the successful DEP manipulation of MWCNTs was between 0.1 and 0.01 wt %. A novel DEP configuration was then used to assemble MWCNTs across transparent electrodes. The configuration was based on ceiling deposition, where the electrodes were on top of a droplet. The newly proposed configuration reduced the drag velocity and prevented the assembly of large MWCNT bundles. MWCNTs were successfully assembled and aligned across interdigitated electrodes (IDEs). The assembly of MWCNTs from aqueous solutions across transparent electrodes has potential use in future transparent electronics and sensor devices.

Performance Analysis of Bump in Tapered TSV: Impact on Crosstalk and Power Loss

This study addresses the first feasible, and comprehensive approach to demonstrate a compact resistance-inductance-capacitance-conductance ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">RLCG</i> ) model for a multi-walled carbon nanotube bundle (MWB) and multilayered graphene nanoribbon (MLGNR) based tapered through silicon via ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">T</i> -TSV) along with the different shaped bumps. The physical structures of bumps accurately considered the effect of the high frequency resistive impact and the inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer. A mathematical framework has been designed for the parasitics of the cylindrical, barrel, hourglass and the tapered bump structures. The bump and via parasitics have been computed by utilizing the current continuity expression, partial inductance method, splitting infinitesimally thin slices of bump and triangular arrangement of tube assemblage. In order to validate the proposed model, the EM simulation is performed and compared against the analytical results. A remarkable consistency of the analytical and EM simulation-based results supports the proposed model accuracy. Furthermore, when compared to the MWB based structures, the MLGNR -based tapered TSV shows a substantial improvement in power loss and crosstalk. Furthermore, regardless of via height, the TSV with tapered bump structure reduces the overall crosstalk induced delay by 33.22%, 28.90%, and 21.61%, respectively, when compared to the barrel, cylindrical and the hourglass structure.

Stability- and Crosstalk-Based Performance of Multi- and Double-walled Mixed CNT Bundles as Interconnect for Next-Generation Technology Nodes

The temperature-dependent modeling technique (in the temperature range of 200–500[Formula: see text]K) for a mixed class of carbon nanotube (CNT) bundle interconnects is proposed. The equivalent single conductor (ESC) transmission line models of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) are combined to develop multiple single conductor (MSC) model of mixed CNT interconnects. Various possible arrangements of densely packed MWCNT and DWCNT bundles (MDCB) are considered to form different types of mixed CNT bundle structures (MDCB-1, MDCB-2, MDCB-3 and MDCB-4). The integrated circuit emphasis simulation is performed and the performances of these mixed CNT bundle interconnects are investigated in terms of propagation delay (with and without crosstalk), power dissipation, power-delay product (PDP). Switching times, overshoot voltages and Nyquist plots are analyzed to check the stability of these mixed CNT structures for global interconnect length for 32-nm, 22-nm and 16-nm technology nodes. It is observed that the MDCB-1 structure yields the most promising result in all aspects for interconnect applications in the near future.

An analysis of the eddy effect in through-silicon vias based on Cu and CNT bundles: the impact on crosstalk and power

The performance of three-dimensional integrated circuits primarily depends on the filler material used in the through-silicon vias (TSVs). The most widely used filler material is Cu, but it faces severe reliability issues due to the skin effect and problems related to electromigration at high frequencies. Therefore, single- and multiwalled carbon nanotube (SWCNT and MWCNT) bundles have recently emerged as suitable filler materials for TSVs. Additionally, at high frequencies, electromagnetic forces induce eddy currents that adversely affect the overall performance of TSVs. This paper demonstrates for the first time the impact of eddy currents on TSVs based on Cu as well as SWCNT and MWCNT bundles. An accurate RLGC circuit model is proposed by considering the eddy effect at the depletion layer, neighboring TSVs and in the silicon substrate region. The resulting closed-form expressions for the TSV parasitic parameters are verified against previous experimental data obtained at an operating frequency of 2 GHz. Good agreement between the experimental and analytical data for the resistance and inductance is observed, revealing a difference of approximately 8.02% and 4.95%, respectively. The equivalent circuit parameters are modeled at the 7-nm technology node using a three-line driver-via-load setup. For the proposed setup, the crosstalk-induced delay, the peak noise voltage, and the power dissipation are analyzed with and without consideration of the eddy effect. Irrespective of the TSV height, the MWCNT bundle design demonstrates substantially lower crosstalk delay, peak noise, and power dissipation in comparison with the TSVs based on Cu or SWCNT bundles. The overall difference when including the eddy effect is approximately 16.55%, 2.45%, and 0.27% for the crosstalk delay, noise voltage, and power dissipation, respectively. Furthermore, to demonstrate the complexity of the model at smaller technology nodes, a comprehensive study is performed at the 5-nm and 7-nm technology nodes. It is observed that the delay without the eddy effect at the 5-nm technology node is higher on average by 3.4-fold for Cu, whereas for the TSVs based on MWCNT bundles it is only 2.6-fold higher.

Mo/MgO as an efficient catalyst for methane decomposition into COx-free hydrogen and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The development of high-efficient, low-cost, and eco-friendly catalysts for the conversion of methane into COx-free hydrogen and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) remains a significant research topic. In this study, a set of inexpensive Mo/MgO catalysts with varying Mo loadings (20–50 wt%) were prepared by the conventional impregnation procedure and evaluated in this reaction. The impact of Mo content on the activity and stability as well as the nature and the yield of as-deposited carbon were investigated. The principal characterization tools such as XRD, BET, TPR, and FTIR were employed for studying the physicochemical properties of the prepared catalysts. Meanwhile, the XRD, TEM, and Raman spectra were used for the characterization of as-deposited carbon materials. The XRD and TPR results revealed that the magnesium molybdate (MgMoO4) phase was the major component in the composition of 20–40%Mo/MgO catalysts, while the 50%Mo/MgO catalyst comprised a mixture of non-interacted MoO3 species and the MgMoO4 phase. The catalytic activity results showed that the MgMoO4 phase acts as active site in the current reaction. Therefore, the 30%Mo and 40%Mo/MgO catalysts afforded superior activity and longevity in terms of H2 yield and carbon accumulation as compared with the 50%Mo/MgO catalyst. TEM images of as-deposited carbon showed that all Mo/MgO catalysts produced multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) bundles with very uniform and narrow diameters. The presence of highly dispersed and stabilized Mo nanoparticles in the MgMoO4 matrix was the primary reason for the high activity, particularly stability, and growth of the MWCNTs bundles.

Electrical Conductivity of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Bundles Contacting with Metal Electrodes by Nano Manipulators inside SEM.

Determining the metallicity and semiconductivity of a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) bundle plays a particularly vital role in its interconnection with the metal electrode of an integrated circuit. In this paper, an effective method is proposed to determine the electrical transport properties of an MWCNT bundle using a current–voltage characteristic curve during its electrical breakdown. We established the reliable electrical nanoscale contact between the MWCNT bundle and metal electrode using a robotic manipulation system under scanning electron microscope (SEM) vacuum conditions. The experimental results show that the current–voltage curve appears as saw-tooth-like current changes including up and down steps, which signify the conductance and breakdown of carbon shells in the MWCNT bundle, respectively. Additionally, the power law nonlinear behavior of the current–voltage curve indicates that the MWCNT bundle is semiconducting. The molecular dynamics simulation explains that the electron transport between the inner carbon shells, between the outermost carbon shells and gold metal electrode and between the outermost carbons shells of two adjacent individual three-walled carbon nanotubes (TWCNTs) is through their radial deformation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate the electron transport mechanism between the gold surface and double-wall carbon nanotube (DWCNT) and between the inner and outermost carbon shells of DWCNT using the charge density difference, electrostatic potential and partial density of states.

Comparative trends and molecular analysis on the surfactant-assisted dispersibility of 1D and 2D carbon materials: Multiwalled nanotubes vs graphene nanoplatelets

Most applications of nanocarbons, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, require that they are well-separated and well-dispersed in a liquid phase. Intensive efforts have been put on exfoliating and dispersing nanocarbons in aqueous solvents, typically using amphiphilic dispersants and sonication/centrifugation procedures, alongside a drive to fundamentally understand and rationally optimize these processes. Herein, we employed a robust method to separate and disperse multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) either from bulk graphite or from pre-formed GnP powders, using rigorously controlled processing conditions. An ionic (sodium cholate) and a nonionic (Triton X-100) surfactant were used as dispersants. Our aim was to determine high-precision dispersibility curves (concentration of dispersed nanomaterial versus initial surfactant concentration) for the different nanocarbon/dispersant systems, characterize morphologically the dispersed particles and compare the mechanisms of exfoliation of 1D and 2D nanocarbons at molecular level. Typically bell-shaped dispersibility curves with a plateau were obtained, and from the latter several quantitative metrics were extracted that permitted reliable comparisons between nanocarbon/surfactant systems. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopies allowed to characterize the suspended particles in the as-obtained dispersions, namely the MWNT bundle width and GnP dimensions (mean lateral size and layer number). Under fixed conditions (in particular, delivered energy per carbon mass), MWNTs are dispersed in much higher yields, by two orders of magnitude, than GnPs. However, and significantly, a master curve for the dispersibility was obtained, implying that common fundamental features underpin the dispersing process, irrespective of nanocarbon (1D or 2D) or surfactant (ionic or nonionic) types.