Nanomaterials, due to their extremely high specific surface area and unique quantum effects, exhibit remarkable potential in multiple fields. However, their strong surface energy makes them prone to aggregation, leading to a loss of nanoscale properties. Therefore, nanomaterial dispersion technology is crucial for unlocking their application value and directly determines material performance and product quality.
Nanomaterial dispersion faces multiple challenges. The surface energy of nanoparticles increases dramatically with decreasing particle size; the surface area of one gram of nanomaterial can reach hundreds of square meters. Strong van der Waals forces and electrostatic forces between particles promote aggregation. Simultaneously, the surface chemical properties of different materials vary significantly, and the differentiation between hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties further increases the difficulty of dispersion, requiring targeted solutions. Aggregation not only reduces the mechanical and electrical properties of materials but also leads to batch-to-batch product variations and increases production costs.
Effective dispersion requires adherence to three core principles: first, wetting the particle surface with a dispersion medium to replace adsorbed gas and form a liquid-solid interface; second, separating the aggregates through energy input; and finally, maintaining stability through electrostatic repulsion or steric hindrance. Commonly used techniques include ultrasonic dispersion, which utilizes cavitation to generate shock waves that break up agglomerates, suitable for fine dispersion applications; and high-pressure homogenization, which achieves efficient and uniform dispersion through high-intensity pressure while protecting material properties. High-shear dispersers, with their combined forces generated by the stator and rotor structure, excel in efficiency and energy consumption balance, making them a common choice in industry.
Dispersion effectiveness needs to be evaluated from multiple dimensions: dispersion degree reflects particle size distribution and agglomeration state, which can be characterized through electron microscopy and particle size analysis; stability determines the long-term usability of the system and requires sedimentation tests and accelerated aging verification; redispersibility ensures the ability to recover performance after storage. These indicators provide a scientific basis for optimizing dispersion processes.
In practical applications, dispersion quality directly determines material performance: homogenization of ceramic nanomaterials can improve the hardness and dielectric properties of composite materials; uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes in polymers can enhance conductivity and thermal stability; and the dispersion state of nanomedicine carriers affects targeting efficiency and bioavailability.
Breakthroughs in nanomaterial dispersion technology serve as a bridge connecting fundamental research and industrial applications of nanomaterials. With in-depth exploration of dispersion mechanisms and equipment iteration, nanotechnology will inevitably achieve broader value transformation in fields such as materials, medicine, and electronics.
