CONTEXT

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have generated a lot of research activities due to their outstanding properties. Production methods generally induce different kinds of pollution or entangled nanotubes; so they can not be used directly. So various treatments have been developed such as adding dispersing polymers or surfactants and/ or ultra sound exposition or functionalization. Solutions of nanotubes interest industrials who want to integrate them in high added value products such as composites, films or aerogels.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The Invention relates to a method for dissolving carbon nanotubes consisting in reducing the nanotubes in such a way that negatively charged CNTs with positive counter-ions are obtained.

We do not focus on dispersing nanotubes but actually dissolving them avoiding the drawbacks of the above mentioned methods (cutting nanotubes, remaining of polymer or dissolving agent on nanotubes…).

BENEFITS

• No surfactant, no ultra sound (CNT damages), no surface functionalization.
  – Less nanotubes are needed as their integrity has been preserved;
  – Mr. Penicaud patent has been considered as relevant by examiners for the following invention: WO2007 098578 National Research Council Canada.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

• CNT purification, preparation of compounds, films,
  – nanotube mesophases, bucky paper,
  – exploitation of electrical or optical properties of pure  CNT.

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

Solutions are available.