Effects of surface modification on the dispersion and electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube/polyaniline composites

The effects of the surface modification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the dispersion stability and electrical conductivity of CNT/polyaniline (PAni) composites were investigated. The surface of the CNTs was modified with acid mixtures, potassium persulfate (KPS) and sodium dodecylsulfate. UV–visible spectral data indicate that the CNTs treated first with the acid mixture and then with KPS show the best dispersion stability. The acid mixture-treated CNT/PAni composite showed the highest conductivity of 16.5 S cm−1.