Towards total dissolution of full length unmodified carbon nanotubes (CNT) and its application to fabrication of ultra-thin CNT films at the water/air interface

Journal of Materials Chemistry Pub Date: 2003-04-15 DOI: 10.1039/B302977H

Abstract

In this study, we report the observation of dissolution of unmodified full-length CNTs using liquid state alkane at elevated temperatures. The dissolved CNTs were examined by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and SEM methods. The results obtained support the existence of the CNT component in the solution. Furthermore, a condensed ultra-thin film of carbon nanotubes, which were not treated by ultrasonic agitation and acid to avoid damaging the nanotubes, was fabricated on a pure water subphase. The film is stable at least up to 60 mN m?1. The TEM images on the film show that individual carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube bundles are indeed present in the film.

Graphical abstract: Towards total dissolution of full length unmodified carbon nanotubes (CNT) and its application to fabrication of ultra-thin CNT films at the water/air interface
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