In this work, an easy, green, π-π conjugation non-covalent surface modification of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) was carried out by using ultrasonic technology between pristine SWCNT and anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl benzene cyclate (SDBS) and sodium polynaphthalene sulfonate (SPS)), resulting in the formation of modified SWCNT dispersion with good dispersibility and long storage stability in water. Results obtained from transmittance spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, zeta potential analyzer, sedimentation photo, and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that the modified SWCNT dispersion has a high degree of dispersion. The analysis of thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirm that two kinds of dispersants are successfully decorated on pristine SWCNT surface. More importantly, the pristine SWCNT is insoluble, while the modified S2-SWCNT dispersion mixed with 1.25 wt% SDBS and 1.00 wt% SPS correspondingly under the condition of total 3 h ultrasonic time can be easily well-dispersed in water and has good storage stability, and no sedimentation is observed more than 3 months. More importantly, this strategy is green and economical owing to its easy operation in industry.

Graphical Abstract