Functionalization and Dispersion of Carbon Nanomaterials Using an Environmentally Friendly Ultrasonicated Ozonolysis Process
Date
2017-05-30
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE)
Abstract
Functionalization of carbon nanomaterials is often a critical step that facilitates their integration into larger material systems and devices. In the
as-received form, carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), may contain large agglomerates.
Both agglomerates and impurities will diminish the benefits of the unique electrical and mechanical properties offered when CNTs or GNPs are
incorporated into polymers or composite material systems. Whilst a variety of methods exist to functionalize carbon nanomaterials and to create
stable dispersions, many the processes use harsh chemicals, organic solvents, or surfactants, which are environmentally unfriendly and may
increase the processing burden when isolating the nanomaterials for subsequent use. The current research details the use of an alternative,
environmentally friendly technique for functionalizing CNTs and GNPs. It produces stable, aqueous dispersions free of harmful chemicals.
Both CNTs and GNPs can be added to water at concentrations up to 5 g/L and can be recirculated through a high-powered ultrasonic cell. The
simultaneous injection of ozone into the cell progressively oxidizes the carbon nanomaterials, and the combined ultrasonication breaks down
agglomerates and immediately exposes fresh material for functionalization. The prepared dispersions are ideally suited for the deposition of thin
films onto solid substrates using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). CNTs and GNPs from the aqueous dispersions can be readily used to coat
carbon- and glass-reinforcing fibers using EPD for the preparation of hierarchical composite materials.
Description
Publisher's PDF
Keywords
Citation
Yeo, E.S., Mathys, G.I., Brack, N., Thostenson, E.T., Rider, A.N. Functionalization and Dispersion of Carbon Nanomaterials Using an Environmentally Friendly Ultrasonicated Ozonolysis Process. J. Vis. Exp. (123), e55614, doi:10.3791/55614 (2017).