Highly conductive and multifunctional nanocomposites based on sulfated nanocellulose-assisted high dispersion limit of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Sulfated nanocellulose (SNC) with high surface charge density (2362 mmol/g) is prepared and used as an efficient dispersant to non-covalently disperse single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The resulting SWCNT-SNC (CSNC) dispersions are extremely stable and redispersible, with the high dispersion limit of 80 wt% SWCNTs. As conductive inks, CSNC dispersions exhibit good compatibility with various printing processes and adaptability to multiple substrates. Furthermore, based on the good film formation of SNC and high SWCNTs content, ultra-highly conductive (1140 S/cm) nanocomposite films can be directly manufactured from CSNC dispersions. The obtained CSNC nanocomposite films not only have good mechanical and electrical properties, but also display outstanding thermal management performance and highly sensitive characteristic response to human respiration. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.