Effect of electric field variation in alignment of SWNT/PC nanocomposites

The nanocomposite membranes have been fabricated by dispersing a 0.1% weight fraction of SWNT in polycarbonate matrix using benzene as a solvent. Alignment of SWNT in PC matrix has been performed by inducing a DC electric field of 500 V/cm and 1250 V/cm respectively. We are reporting here significantly different behaviour between aligned and randomly oriented SWNT/PC nanocomposite membranes. FTIR spectrum gives the evidences to confirm the formation of linkage between the CNTs and PC. Gas permeability of these nanocomposites is found to be increased dramatically after alignment. Therefore experimental results exhibit here that SWNT dispersed polymeric membranes can be used as a good hydrogen separating media. I–V characteristics also indicate that aligned SWNT/PC nanocomposites exhibits electron tunnelling conductivity.