Carbon Nanotube Dispersion for Low-Viscosity Electrode Slurries

The patent introduces a dispersant as an intermediary substance between carbon nanotubes and the dispersion medium. The dispersant molecules adsorb onto the carbon nanotube surface through van der Waals forces and π-π interactions, creating a steric barrier that prevents aggregation. This mediator maintains stable dispersion and controls viscosity over time without requiring continuous mechanical energy input.

The patent optimizes the molecular weight and chemical structure parameters of the dispersant to achieve optimal performance. By selecting dispersants with specific molecular weight ranges and functional groups, the system achieves balanced dispersibility and viscosity stability, transforming the physical-chemical parameters of the dispersion system to resolve the contradiction between initial dispersion quality and long-term stability.

The dispersant acts as a mediator that bridges carbon nanotubes and the dispersion medium. It adsorbs onto the nanotube surface through van der Waals forces and π-π interactions between the dispersant's aromatic rings and the carbon nanotube graphitic structure, providing steric stabilization while maintaining the electrical conductivity of the nanotubes. This allows simultaneous achievement of good dispersibility and electrical conductivity.

The patent creates a composite system consisting of carbon nanotubes, dispersant, and dispersion medium. The dispersant forms a composite structure around the nanotubes, creating a stable colloidal system that combines the high conductivity of pure carbon nanotubes with the dispersibility provided by the dispersant molecules, thus achieving both properties simultaneously.