Pyrene-POSS nanohybrid as a dispersant for carbon nanotubes in solvents of various polarities: its synthesis and application in the preparation of a composite membrane

ABSTRACT: In this study we report the preparation of nanohybrid dispersant molecules based on pyrene and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes for non-covalent functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The prepared dispersant improves the dispersion of MWCNTs in organic solvents with very different polarities such as tetrahydrofuran, toluene, and n-hexane. The functionalized MWCNTs were used to introduce conductivity into polydimethylsiloxane membranes which can be used for electrostatic discharge applications.