Dispersion of SWNTs by an Oligothiophene-based Organogelator

Abstract

We prepared organogels of an oligothiophene-based organogelator and their composites with SWNTs. As CNTs have high aspect ratios and extraordinary electrical, chemical and mechanical properties, they have diverse potential applications. However, their practical applications remain limited because CNTs predominantly exist in an aggregated state due to the van der Waals force between themselves. In this work, SWNTs were dispersed in an organogel using an oligothiophene-based organogelator as a dispersant. The organogelator was prepared by imine condensation between the oligothiophene unit having aldehyde end groups and benzamide derivatives having long alkyl chains. A SWNTs/Gel composite was prepared by mixing SWNTs in a gelator solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies confirmed that SWNTs were well dispersed in organogel due to strong π-π interaction between oligothiophenes and SWNTs. In the rheological study, SWNTs/Gel composite showed enhanced dynamic mechanical properties, conductivity compared with the organogel