Abstract Obstacles to the commercialization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in alternative energy and clean water applications include high production costs, aggregation problems, and poor water solubility. We report the use of Laponite nanoparticles to improve the aqueous phase fabrication of single-walled CNT (SWCNT) percolating networks. SWCNT/Laponite films were cast at varied Laponite and CNT ink concentrations to optimize polydispersity. Structural and morphological characterization identified isolated aggregates, coalesced aggregates, and interconnected networks. Conductive atomic force microscopy studies confirmed that the nanocomposite films maintained their electrical transport properties after heteromixing. Incorporating Laponite improved CNT aqueous dispersibility, prevented aggregation, and promoted continuous, homogenous film formation.

中文翻译：

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通过包含合成锂皂石纳米颗粒提高碳纳米管渗透网络的导电性

摘要 碳纳米管 (CNT) 在替代能源和清洁水应用中的商业化障碍包括高生产成本、聚集问题和水溶性差。我们报告了使用 Laponite 纳米颗粒来改善单壁碳纳米管 (SWCNT) 渗透网络的水相制造。SWCNT/Laponite 薄膜以不同的 Laponite 和 CNT 油墨浓度浇铸，以优化多分散性。结构和形态特征鉴定了孤立的聚集体、合并的聚集体和互连的网络。导电原子力显微镜研究证实，纳米复合薄膜在异质混合后仍保持其电传输特性。掺入 Laponite 可改善 CNT 的水分散性，防止聚集，并促进连续、均匀的成膜。