Enhanced colloidal properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes in α-terpineol and Texanol

The solubility of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in solvents is a critical factor for the potential applications of SWCNTs. Recently, it has been reported that SWCNTs are relatively well-dispersed in organic amide solvents, such as, dimethylformamide (DMF). However, it is still a challenge to disperse and to stabilize SWCNTs in solvents for further chemical reactions. In this research, α-terpineol and Texanol were used as solvents to disperse SWCNTs. The solubility of SWCNTs in solvents was investigated by observing the sedimentation and the aggregation of SWCNTs with a digital camera, a optical microscope (OM), and a UV/vis spectroscope. Experimental results demonstrated the improved solubility of SWCNTs in α-terpineol and Texanol. SWCNTs suspensions were better dispersed and longer stabilized in α-terpineol and Texanol than in DMF after dispersing SWCNTs by 15 min sonification at mild conditions. The enhanced solubility of SWCNTs in α-terpineol and Texanol may be caused by the chemical structures, such as, Lewis basicity, the branch and the ring structure, and the high viscosity.