Amphiphobic carbon nanotubes as macroemulsion surfactants
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-15-2003
Abstract
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are insoluble in either water or oil. When mixtures of SWNTs, water, and toluene are sheared vigorously, a macroscopic emulsion of water droplets forms in toluene, with the SWNTs residing at the interface between the immiscible fluids, acting as a natural "surfactant" or interphase material. The average droplet dimension decreases as the SWNT/water mass ratio increases, implying a coarsening-and-pinning mechanism. The concept of emulsification via amphiphobicity will find applications in processing nanotubes, compatibilizing immiscible fluids, and creating new macroscopic emulsion materials with unique interfacial and structural properties.
Publication Title
Langmuir
Recommended Citation
Wang, H.,
&
Hobbie, E.
(2003).
Amphiphobic carbon nanotubes as macroemulsion surfactants.
Langmuir,
19(8), 3091-3093.
http://doi.org/10.1021/la026883k
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/8156