Influence of soldium lignosulfonate with different molecular weights on the dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The influence of sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) fractions with different molecular weights on the adsorption characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and their dispersion performance was studied using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV-Vis spectroscopy, elementary analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that SLS with higher molecular weight disperse MWCNTs better and that dispersed MWCNTs exhibit lower specific resistance and increased conductivity. It is supposed that SLS fraction with higher molecular weight has more aromatic rings, thus accounting for stronger π–π interactions with MWCNTs and increased adsorption amount.