Evaluations of graphene nanoplatelets stability using non-ionic polymeric dispersants: processing and characterizations

The effectiveness of non-ionic polymeric dispersants having benzene rings to disperse graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) is reported in this study. Stable dispersions were prepared using Lugalvan BNO12 and Triton Series (Triton X100 and Triton X405) at different concentrations, ranging from 1% to 5% by volume of graphene. Several techniques were employed to find the performance of GNPs dispersions such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), rheology and conductivity measurements respectively. The non-ionic polymeric dispersant BNO12 was found to be the most effective stabilizer for GNP dispersions, outperforming X100 and X405, due to its two benzene rings. FTIR analysis revealed that polymer deposition has been found on the surface of graphene. XRD peaks shifted toward larger angles due to the adsorption of dispersants on the graphene surface. BNO12 demonstrated the greatest shift compared to X100 and X405, accompanied by a decrease in intensity owing to the higher amount adsorbed on the graphene surface. Rheological measurements indicated the lowest viscosity for BNO12. Aqueous dispersions with BNO12 exhibited lower conductivity when compared to X405 and X100. The homogeneous dispersions of GNPs in an aqueous medium using non-ionic polymeric dispersants present a straightforward approach for potential use in scientific applications.