A facile gemini surfactant-improved dispersion of carbon nanotubes in polystyrene

Debundling and dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are very important for preparation of polymer/CNT nanocomposites. In the present study, a self-prepared gemini surfactant, 6,6′-(butane-1,4-diylbis(oxy))bis(3-nonylbenzenesulfonic acid), is employed to achieve homogeneous and stable dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in organic solvent and subsequent polystyrene (PS)/MWNT nanocomposite. Sedimentation, optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies demonstrate that the gemini surfactant can greatly improve the dispersion and stabilization of MWNTs in toluene. Scanning electron microscopic images clearly confirm the homogenous dispersion of individual MWNTs in PS. In addition, desired enhanced electrical conductivity and thermal stability of the nanocomposite relative to those of the neat PS are obtained.