A novel, unique, and effective method for carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion by the free arc stimulation is proposed. CNTs are introduced as an aerogel into the air space via the dispersion method and can be utilized as a solution by adding it to solvents. The volume of the original generated CNT aerogel with a high-volume expansion ratio displays a performance two orders of magnitudes better than that of raw CNTs, which is considered a powerful characterization of the dispersion effect. The CNT aerogel, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy also showed a satisfactory dispersion morphology. Its structure and properties were tested before and after dispersion by Raman spectroscopy and great consistency was observed, which proved that the CNTs were undamaged. This approach may greatly promote the large-scale application of CNTs.

Abstract
 1. Introduction
 2. Experimental
  2.1. Materials
  2.2. Equipment for dispersion
  2.3. Preparation of CNT aerogel
  2.4. Characterization of CNT aerogel
 3. Results and Discussion
  3.1. Influence of free arcs on the structure of CNTs and dispersion results evaluation
  3.2. Influence rule of the energy flux density on the macro-aerogel
  3.3. Influence rule of the working medium content on the macro-aerogel
  3.4. Micro-characterization of the free arc for CNT dispersion
 4. Conclusions
 References

• Li Shaolong(Qingdao University of Science and Technology)
• He Yan(Qingdao University of Science and Technology) Corresponding Author
• Jing Chengwei(Qingdao University of Science and Technology)
• Gong Xiubin(Qingdao University of Science and Technology)
• Cui Lianlei(Qingdao University of Science and Technology)
• Cheng Zhongyue(Qingdao University of Science and Technology)
• Zhang Chuanqi(Qingdao University of Science and Technology)
• Nan Fei(Qingdao University of Science and Technology)