Solubilization of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene

Abstract

Processing of novel carbon forms, i.e. fullerenes, nanotubes and graphene, in solution is described. C60 and higher fullerenes appear to be the only truly soluble forms of pure carbon. Ways to disperse carbon nanotubes and graphene are reviewed. True solutions of carbon nanotubes and graphene can be obtained by reductive dissolution, leading to solution of polyelectrolyte nanocarbons of high concentrations without damaging the nanocarbon. Finally it is shown that these solutions allow to obtain high performing materials such as highly conducting transparent electrodes.