Dispersibility study of carbon nanotubes using multiple light scattering: A mini-review

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used as conduction materials for cathodes or anodes of secondary batteries. The dispersibility of CNTs in a solvent is a crucial property for producing high-efficiency CNT-based batteries because the battery performance depends on the CNT density in the electrodes. Measuring small changes in the dispersion state of CNTs in solution, depending on the dispersion method, is essential to obtain highly stable CNT dispersions. The multiple light scattering can effectively characterize the CNT dispersibility, taking advantage of its ultrahigh-resolution light detection and time-dependent measurement abilities. Although some studies of CNT dispersibility using the multiple light scattering have been reported, a comprehensive review of these results is still lacking. This mini-review introduces the fundamental principles of the multiple light scattering. We summarize research trends on measuring CNT dispersibility using this method, focusing on the strategies used for preparing stable CNT dispersions. [Display omitted] •Recent strategies to enhance the dispersion stability of CNTs are reviewed.•The fundamentals of transmitted/backscattered light detection method are summarized.•Perspective for future research for CNT dispersion is discussed.