title: A new analytical approach based on asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation coupled to ultraviolet spectrometry and light scattering detection for SWCNT aqueous dispersion studies.
abstract: This work demonstrates the potential of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (A4F) coupled to Ultraviolet spectrometry (UV) and multi-angle light scattering (MALS) for the study of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dispersion in aqueous solutions containing a surfactant. The results indicate that this technique is a powerful analytical tool that is able to evaluate SWCNT dispersion states in aqueous media and, more importantly, determine the presence or absence of aggregates, the numbers and sizes of different SWCNT populations and the SWCNT size distribution. Dynamic light scattering was employed to complete and demonstrate the relevance of the data that were obtained via A4F-UV-MALS. Two different anionic surfactants that are used to disperse SWCNTs were then studied. The dispersing powers of the surfactants were experimentally evaluated based on their structural organizations. This study demonstrates that surfactant concentration and sonication energy are key parameters that control the SWCNT dispersion state and SWCNT structural integrity therein.
authors.affiliation: Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour/CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie analytique Bio-Inorganique et Environnement, UMR IPREM 5254-Technopôle Hélioparc, Av. du Président Angot. 64053, Pau Cedex. France.
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gigault
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Grassl
authors.forename: Gaëtane
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lespes
mesh_terms: D031521:Fractionation, Field Flow / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008027:Light; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D012996:Solutions; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D014867:Water