Dispersion of multi-wall carbon nanotubes by an ionic liquid-based polyether in aqueous solution

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be effectively dispersed by an ionic liquid-based polyether, poly(1-glycidyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) (PGMIC) in aqueous solution. The amount of dispersed MWCNTs increases with the increasing of PGMIC concentration, and then decreases. Reaggregation of MWCNTs is observed when PGMIC exceeded the optimal concentration, which may be due to the conformational change of PGMIC molecules around MWCNT. The ultrasonic dispersion method is better than stirring method in the PGMIC solution. Furthermore, the acidic solution is convenient to prepare stable MWCNTs suspensions. Through the characterizations of ultraviolet–visible–near infrared, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared, it can be concluded that electrostatic repulsions, hydrophobic effect, n–π, and cation–π interactions played important roles in the dispersion of MWCNTs.