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Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are one-dimensional carbon-based materials used for conductive, reinforcing, thermal, and functional applications across research and formulation workflows. Depending on wall structure, surface chemistry, and supplied form, they can support everything from basic laboratory studies to advanced composite and device development.

This category brings together single-walled, double-walled, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, along with functionalized, doped, coated, graphitized, dispersed, and formed CNT materials. Buyers can compare products by nanotube type, diameter, length, purity, surface treatment, solvent system, and end-use format before selecting the right material path.

For many applications, the most important choice is not only the nanotube itself, but how it is supplied. Dry powder, dispersion, slurry, paste, film, paper, fiber, sponge, and masterbatch formats each support different processing routes and downstream performance needs.

How to Select Carbon Nanotubes

Start with the nanotube architecture. Single-walled carbon nanotubes are often chosen for high-performance conductive networks, thin films, sensors, and advanced research. Double-walled carbon nanotubes provide a middle path between structural stability and nanoscale performance. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes are widely used as conductive fillers, reinforcement additives, and general-purpose nanotube materials.

Then compare diameter, length, purity, and surface chemistry. Short CNTs are often easier to disperse and can help control viscosity. Longer CNTs may better support network formation and reinforcement. Functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, and other modifications can improve compatibility with water, solvents, polymers, and resins.

If your process is formulation-driven, the supplied form matters as much as the nanotube type. Dry powders, dispersions, slurries, pastes, coatings, films, papers, fibers, and masterbatches each fit different preparation and application paths.

Carbon Nanotube Families

Product family	Selection focus	Typical use path
Single-walled CNT	Diameter, purity, length, functionalization	Thin films, sensors, advanced conductive networks
Double-walled CNT	Diameter range, length, surface group	Dispersion studies, composites, electrode materials
Multi-walled CNT	Diameter, length, purity, graphitization, treatment	Conductive fillers, coatings, plastics, batteries
Functionalized CNT	COOH, OH, NH2, PEG, and other surface chemistry	Water compatibility, resin bonding, interfacial control
Graphitized or coated CNT	Carbon purity, coating type, conductivity target	Conductive systems, specialty research, interface studies

Supplied Forms and Processing Routes

Form	Best suited for
Dry powder	Custom dispersion, mixing, compounding, and flexible formulation work
Water-based dispersion	Aqueous coatings, waterborne systems, and process-friendly formulations
NMP or organic dispersion	Electrode coatings, solvent-based processing, and conductive slurries
Paste or slurry	Direct coating, printing, electrode preparation, and controlled solids loading
Film, paper, fiber, sponge	Free-standing conductive structures, membranes, and device-oriented formats
Masterbatch or compound	Polymer processing, plastics, rubber, and scalable composite manufacturing

Application-Oriented Selection

Application need	First products to review
Conductive additive	MWCNT powder, dispersion, slurry, or conductive paste
Polymer reinforcement	MWCNT powder, functionalized CNT, masterbatch, or compound
Transparent or thin conductive layer	SWCNT dispersion, conductive film, or CNT coating
Water-compatible formulation	Carboxylated CNT, hydroxylated CNT, or aqueous dispersion
Free-standing structure	CNT film, paper, fiber, sponge, or array material

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SWCNT, DWCNT, and MWCNT?

SWCNT has a single wall and is often chosen for higher-performance conductive and device-oriented uses. DWCNT offers a balanced middle option. MWCNT is widely used for conductive fillers, coatings, and reinforcement applications.

Should I choose powder or dispersion?

Choose powder if you want more flexibility in your own process. Choose dispersion, slurry, or paste if you want a more ready-to-use form for coating, printing, or formulation work.

Why are some CNTs functionalized?

Functional groups can improve compatibility with water, solvents, polymers, or resins. They also help with dispersion stability and interfacial interaction in many formulations.

What should I compare before choosing a CNT product?

Compare nanotube type, diameter, length, purity, surface treatment, supplied form, solvent system, and target application. These factors usually determine how well the material fits your process.

Are CNT dispersions suitable for coating and electrode work?

Yes. CNT dispersions, slurries, and pastes are commonly used when the solvent system, solids content, and viscosity match the intended coating or electrode process.

What if I need better compatibility with a specific matrix?

Functionalized CNTs, coated CNTs, or a different supplied form may be more suitable. The best choice depends on whether your system is water-based, solvent-based, polymer-based, or structure-driven.