Characterization of the electric double layers of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, laponite and nanotube + laponite hybrids in aqueous suspensions

- Electrophoretic mobilities of carbon nanotubes (NTs), laponite and their hybrids are investigated.
- Effects of electrolytes (KCl, CaCl2 and AlCl3) on electrokinetic behaviour are discussed.
- Both of NTs and laponite clay disks are charged negatively.
- Attraction between NTs and laponite reflects heterogeneous distribution of charged groups.
- Electrophoretic mobility of NT + L hybrids decreases with increase of the laponite content.