Structural studies of aromatic surfactants for dispergation of multiwall carbon nanotubes

The stabilizing character of poly(ethylene glycol) linked butylpyrene in multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersion is shown in this work. The separation of the aromatic group from the polar poly(ethylene glycol) by an alkyl unit is a requirement for the effectiveness of the surfactant. The use of this surfactant leads to a stable nanotube dispersion in water. Design rules for the surface active compounds for the distribution of MWCNT without surface pretreatment are given.