CNT Dispersion Solution Using Mesh Agglomerate Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dispersing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in solutions face challenges due to aggregation and breakage, leading to unstable dispersions and loss of CNT properties, particularly at high concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A CNT dispersion method involving a CNT agglomerate with a mesh body structure, where the agglomerate is dispersed in a medium with controlled pore size and viscosity, maintaining CNT integrity and stability at high concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional dispersion methods are used to disperse CNTs in solutions, then CNTs can be dispersed to some extent, but the CNTs aggregate and clump together due to Van der Waals force, resulting in poor dispersion uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dispersant as an intermediary substance that mediates between CNTs and the dispersion medium. The dispersant adsorbs onto the CNT surface through Van der Waals force, creating a protective layer that prevents CNT aggregation and enables uniform dispersion in the solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes dispersion parameters including dispersant concentration (0.01-10 wt%), CNT concentration (0.001-5 wt%), dispersion time (1-60 minutes), and temperature (20-100°C) to achieve optimal dispersion uniformity while preventing aggregation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If ultrasonic processing is applied to disperse CNT agglomerates, then CNT dispersion is improved, but the CNTs easily break when exposed to ultrasonic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersant acts as a protective intermediary that reduces the mechanical stress on CNTs during ultrasonic processing. By coating the CNT surface, the dispersant prevents direct contact between ultrasonic waves and CNTs, thereby reducing breakage while maintaining dispersion uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic ultrasonic processing with controlled amplitude and pulse duration. The ultrasonic waves are applied in periodic cycles with adjustable intensity to achieve sufficient dispersion while avoiding excessive energy input that would cause CNT breakage.
3Quantity of substance
If high concentration CNT dispersion is attempted, then the amount of CNTs in the liquid increases, but the dispersion becomes unstable and CNTs separate from the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersant serves as a stabilizing intermediary at high concentrations by providing continuous steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion between CNTs. This prevents aggregation and separation even when CNT concentration is high, maintaining dispersion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the ratio of dispersant to CNT concentration, using dispersant concentrations of 0.01-10 wt% and CNT concentrations of 0.001-5 wt%. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient dispersant coverage on CNT surfaces even at high loadings, preventing aggregation and maintaining stability.
4Strength
If conventional dispersion methods are used to maintain CNT integrity, then CNT damage is minimized, but the amount of dispersion is insufficient causing CNTs to aggregate and separate
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersant acts as a protective intermediary that enables gentle dispersion methods. By coating CNTs with dispersant, the method allows for low-intensity mixing and prolonged dispersion time without causing damage, while still achieving uniform dispersion through the stabilizing effect of the dispersant layer.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves stable dispersion of CNTs at high concentrations with minimal damage, maintaining excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, and ensures long-term stability without separation from the medium.
Implementation Method 1
applying shear forces to create a stable dispersion
Implementation Method 2
a CNT agglomerate having a specific pore structure and arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A CNT dispersion liquid of the preset invention includes a CNT agglomerate arranged with a mesh body formed from a plurality of CNTs, the CNT agglomerate being dispersed in a dispersion medium is provided wherein a CNT agglomerate is obtained by extracting from the dispersion liquid and drying the CNT agglomerate the obtained CNT agglomerate has a pore size of 0.02 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less being maximized a differential pore volume in a pore size range of 0.002 μm or more and 10.00 μm or less measured using a mercury intrusion porosimeter.