Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate systems and methods for the separation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in solution and continuously fabrication of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In certain embodiments, the CNTs are isolated by sonication and chemical modification of the CNTs using functionalization reactions, including thermo-initiated or sono-initiated free radical polymerization and esterification. Beneficially, sonication facilitates mechanical separation of the CNTs, while the chemical modification of the CNTs results in more favorable interactions between the CNTs and their surrounding media which enables the separated CNTs to remain isolated. Embodiments of the isolated CNTs may also be employed into coating systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate systems and methods for the separation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in solution. In certain embodiments, the CNTs are isolated by sonication and chemical modification of the CNTs using functionalization reactions, including thermo-initiated free radical polymerization and esterification. Beneficially, sonication facilitates mechanical separation of the CNTs, while the chemical modification of the CNTs results in more favorable interactions between the CNTs and their surrounding media which enables the separated CNTs to remain isolated. Embodiments of the isolated CNTs may also be employed into coating systems.