Reversible solubilisation and precipitation of carbon nanotubes by temperature and pH control in water?

Journal of Materials Chemistry Pub Date: 2009-06-23 DOI: 10.1039/B905387E

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were dissolved in a basic aqueous (NaOH) solution through the formation of a complex with folic acid. Water-solubilisation of SWNTs by folic acid is superior to that by guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP). The addition of diluted hydrochloric acid to the folic acid–SWNT mixture resulted in the precipitation of SWNTs from the basic solution. The precipitate was then redissolved by the addition of the basic solution without the need for sonication. Although the solubilisation of SWNTs was also controllable by changing temperature, sonication for 2 h was required to redissolve the SWNTs.

Graphical abstract: Reversible solubilisation and precipitation of carbon nanotubes by temperature and pH control in water
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