Dispersion of non-covalently functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes with high aspect ratios using poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-styrene)

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with high aspect ratios were well dispersed in organic solvents to form stable suspensions using poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-styrene) (poly(DMAEMA-co-St)). The polymeric dispersant poly(DMAEMA-co-St) was synthesized in various compositions by atom transfer radical polymerization. The structures and the compositions of the poly(DMAEMA-co-St) were confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The stability and dispersion of the functionalized SWCNTs with high aspect ratios in suspension were observed by dispersion stability analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The existence of unbundled SWCNTs was confirmed by Raman and ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared spectroscopy. Finally, SWCNT transparent conductive films with high transmittances and low sheet resistances were prepared on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate using a spin-coating method.