In order to extend the business viability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), research on CNT dispersion in a solvent as well as in polymer matrix should be established. Herein, three kinds of dispersing agents, sodium deoxycholate (DOC), sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (NaDDBS), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), are selected and applied to quantify the dispersibility and dispersion stability of CNT aqueous dispersion. The dispersibility of CNT dispersion with the PVP, evaluated via viscosity and particle size analyses, are superior to those with the DOC and NaDDBS dispersing agents. CNT aqueous solution dispersed with PVP showed slightly higher viscosity and narrower particle size distribution than those with DOC and NaDDBS dispersing agents. In addition, the dispersion stability of CNT dispersion with the PVP, measured via lumisizer analyses, are superior to those with the DOC and NaDDBS dispersing agents. HR-TEM analysis verifies that the outstanding dispersibility and dispersion stability of CNTs in aqueous solution are due to the effect of the robust polymer wrapping of the PVP dispersing agent on the CNT surface. From the results of this study, the guidelines for the selection of the suitable dispersing agents and the systematic evaluation of dispersibility and dispersion stability of CNT dispersions can be suggested.

    Abstract
    1 Introduction
    2 Experimental
        2.1 Materials
        2.2 Preparation of CNT aqueous dispersion with dispersing agents
        2.3 Characterization
    3 Results and discussion
    4 Conclusion
    Acknowledgements 
    References

• Youn Kim(Carbon Industry Frontier Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT))
• Ji Soo Hong(Carbon Industry Frontier Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT))
• Su Young Moon(Carbon Industry Frontier Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT))
• Jin‑Yong Hong(Carbon Industry Frontier Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT))
• Jea Uk Lee(Department of Advanced Materials Engineering for Information and Electronics, Kyung Hee University)