Microstructure and electrical properties of biocompatible polyether-carbon nanotubes sensor materials

Abstract

The microstructure and electrical properties of biocompatible polyether-carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) materials were studied using the methods of optical microscopy, fractal analysis and impedance spectroscopy. The effect of non-covalent modification of carbon nanotubes using polyethylene glycol (PEG) of different molecular weight on the degree of their distribution in the polymer matrix was studied. It was determined that for systems containing modified MWCNTs, a higher value of the fractal dimension is observed, which indicates the formation of looser MWCNT aggregates, while unmodified MWCNTs show a tendency to form denser aggregates. It was found that the value of the fractal dimension for functionalized MWCNTs is close to 3, which indicates a uniform distribution of MWCNTs. It was established that the modifier based on PEG-10000 exerts the highest stabilizing effect. At the same time, MWCNTs are most evenly distributed throughout the volume of the material. It is found that obtained materials based on modified MWCNTs have relatively high level of electrical conductivity. This value makes such materials perspective for use in electrochemical sources.