Carbon nanotubes: are they dispersed or dissolved in liquids?

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) constitute a novel class of nanomaterials with remarkable applications in diverse domains. However, the main intrincsic problem of CNTs is their insolubility or very poor solubility in most of the common solvents. The basic key question here is: are carbon nanotubes dissolved or dispersed in liquids, specifically in water? When analyzing the scientific research articles published in various leading journals, we found that many researchers confused between "dispersion" and "solubilization" and use the terms interchangeably, particularly when stating the interaction of CNTs with liquids. In this article, we address this fundamental issue to give basic insight specifically to the researchers who are working with CNTs as well asgenerally to scientists who deal with nano-related research domains

ALEMI: A Ten-Year History of Discussions of Alloying-Element Interactions with Migrating Intefaces.

International audienceALEMI is concerned with the interactions between Alloying Elements and Migrating Interfaces. A first meeting was held in conjunction with the 2000 TMS Fall Meeting in St. Louis, MO. About 22 attendees endorsed the principles contained in the invitation, which envisaged a more collaborative approach to the study of alloying element interactions with transformation interfaces, especially in alloy steels. The meetings were intended to be informal workshops emphasizing the sharing of ideas and plans for research. The development of a shared stock of alloys for research was planned, as well as the publication of summaries of discussions in an open, preferably archival, forum. Eight further meetings were held, often in conjunction with major conferences. An approximate equilibrium developed between discussions of theoretical matters and experimental results and methods. A remarkable number of those who attended the first meeting in St. Louis continued to participate. Research ideas were put forward, issues debated, collaborations fostered, and the science of transformation interfaces advanced