Electrically Conductive Polymeric Membranes by Incorporation of Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Electrically conductive polymeric membranes were prepared by incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) onto microbial cellulose membranes cultured by Acetobacter xylinum. To minimize the damage to the inherent properties of the individual MWNTs induced by the chemical modification, we chose to use a surfactant for the purpose of dispersing MWNTs in water. Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate was selected for the process of dispersing MWNTs in water. Using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, the individual MWNTs were found to strongly adhere to the surface and the inside of the cellulose membrane. We also investigated electrical conductivity of the cellulose membranes containing well-dispersed MWNTs.