Debundling, Dispersion, and Stability of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Driven by Molecularly Designed Electron Acceptors

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted significant attention because of their outstanding physical and chemical properties, and yet, their high natural tendency to form bundles, ropes, or aggregates, as a consequence of their strong π–π interactions, limits their solvent processing and further applications. Efficient processing solvents, mostly amide-based, that partially compensate for these strong inter-CNT π–π interactions have been widely reported. However, the yield of debundled/dispersed CNTs and the stability of subsequent dispersions in these solvents remain key challenges. Moreover, there are major concerns related to the large-scale use of conventional solvents, as they are fossil fuel based and intrinsically highly toxic, hence the need to identify environmentally friendly and safer alternatives. Herein, we address these challenges by using a ternary system composed of multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs), tailored electron-deficient acceptors, and an organic solvent. Not only do the electron-deficient ac...