Debundling of SWCNTs Using a Non-Toxic, Low Carbon Footprint Dispersant.
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| Title: | Debundling of SWCNTs Using a Non-Toxic, Low Carbon Footprint Dispersant. |
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| Authors: | Salas-Bringas, Carlos1 (AUTHOR) carlos.salas.bringas@borregaard.com, Gastony, Maria2 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Polymers (20734360). Nov2025, Vol. 17 Issue 22, p3007. 11p. |
| Subjects: | Dispersion (Chemistry), Dispersing agents, Sustainability, Rheology, Carbon nanofibers, Ecological impact, Sonication |
| Abstract: | A fully aqueous, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone–free strategy for debundling single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is reported using the renewable dispersant Vanisperse® LI. Dispersions at 2 mg mL−1 were subjected to probe ultrasonication at 0.3 W mL−1 and evaluated using oscillatory rheology. Complex viscosity (η*) exhibited a transient maximum (~75 min) consistent with the formation of a percolated fibrous network, followed by a decline as debundling progressed. An optimum dispersant coverage of ~1.5 mg m−2 minimized η*, while overdosing likely induced multilayer adsorption and bridging seen by a rapid increase in η*. A two-stage centrifugation at 10,000× g yielded storage-stable suspensions of debundled SWCNTs without ultracentrifugation. SEM confirmed substantial debundling into thin fiber-like bundles. By formulating a dispersion with a dispersant that has a significantly lower cradle-to-gate carbon footprint than both fossil-based and bio-based alternatives such as CMC, this work presents a more sustainable approach to producing debundled SWCNT dispersions for advanced material applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | A fully aqueous, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone–free strategy for debundling single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is reported using the renewable dispersant Vanisperse® LI. Dispersions at 2 mg mL−1 were subjected to probe ultrasonication at 0.3 W mL−1 and evaluated using oscillatory rheology. Complex viscosity (η*) exhibited a transient maximum (~75 min) consistent with the formation of a percolated fibrous network, followed by a decline as debundling progressed. An optimum dispersant coverage of ~1.5 mg m−2 minimized η*, while overdosing likely induced multilayer adsorption and bridging seen by a rapid increase in η*. A two-stage centrifugation at 10,000× g yielded storage-stable suspensions of debundled SWCNTs without ultracentrifugation. SEM confirmed substantial debundling into thin fiber-like bundles. By formulating a dispersion with a dispersant that has a significantly lower cradle-to-gate carbon footprint than both fossil-based and bio-based alternatives such as CMC, this work presents a more sustainable approach to producing debundled SWCNT dispersions for advanced material applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 20734360 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/polym17223007 |
