Concentrated solutions of individualized single walled carbon nanotubes

Solutions of alkali metal salts of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) show individualization of the nanotubes without sonication-induced shortening. Bundles are fully exfoliated and length measurements show mean length over one micron, a rare case for liquid formulation of SWNTs. These concentrated solutions of individualized nanotubes in organic solvents can be freeze dried leading to ultralight, highly porous, conducting and mechanically stable carbon nanotube cryogels.