Published on: 2026-08-20
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
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A new method for creating aqueous dispersions of carbon nanotubes that allows increasing their concentration while avoiding the viscosity of the resulting suspension has been invented and patented by scientists at the NTI Center for New Functional Materials (CNFM) of Novosibirsk State University. Aqueous dispersions containing nanotubes are used in the production of lithium batteries and accumulators, as well as antistatic and anticorrosive coatings. The ability to increase the concentration of nanotubes in these dispersions will enhance their efficiency and be logistically advantageous for manufacturers.
— Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a unique aspect ratio of diameter to length, ranging from 3 to 6 orders of magnitude. This effect allows them to form a continuous network when introduced into final matrices even at very low concentrations. This network can impart electrical conductivity and strengthening properties to materials, since nanotubes are electrical conductors and also possess very high strength—they are stronger than steel. When we break up nanotube agglomerates, the interfacial surface area increases and the viscosity of the suspension rises. Therefore, the better we disperse them, the more the viscosity increases. It is necessary to disperse nanotube agglomerates as much as possible, but we are limited by the sharply increasing viscosity of the resulting suspension, which sometimes even turns into a gel state. High viscosity, in turn, hinders effective dispersion of CNTs and technological incorporation into final materials. However, we have found a way to reduce the viscosity of carbon nanotube dispersions while increasing their concentration., — explained the senior research fellow of the NTI Center for New Functional Materials (CNFM) at NSU Sergey Chupin.
Traditionally, nanotubes are separated using ultrasound. But ultrasound works poorly in dense media. The new invention by NSU removes this limitation: now ultrasound can effectively work even with highly concentrated mixtures. This also solves the logistics problem: transporting a concentrated liquid additive is much cheaper and safer than carrying large volumes of diluted or flammable liquids.
— We found the perfect “recipe”: we used a combination of well-known and thoroughly described dispersants in the literature for breaking up agglomerates of carbon nanotubes—such as polymeric, block copolymeric, and anionic dispersants. The novelty of our method lies not in the use of these components, but in the synergistic combination of chemical agents that effectively separate nanotubes without significantly increasing the viscosity of the resulting suspension, and in some cases even reducing this parameter. With our method, it becomes possible to load much higher concentrations of nanotubes into the suspension, and accordingly, into the final composition, which positively affects the logistics of the finished product. Our invention allows achieving higher concentrations while maintaining low viscosity., — the scientist explained.
The work on the invention was carried out with financial support from the NTI Fund. As the developers themselves note, the technology is ready for implementation. It is primarily offered to Russian manufacturers of batteries and functional coatings who want not only to catch up with global leaders but to get ahead by creating higher-quality materials at lower costs.
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