Synergistic effects of periodic weak spark and spatial electric field for one-step dispersion of carbon-based micro/nanomaterial agglomerates

Agglomeration and entanglement pose significant challenges in carbon-based micro/nanomaterials application, hindering the complete expression and fine-tuning of individual properties. A universal spatiotemporal electrified (STE) approach is proposed, which enables the efficient separation of individual constituents from agglomerates, achieving one-step dispersion in the gas phase. This process operates through two features: (1) periodic weak spark loosening and (2) spatial electric field attraction. The periodic weak spark, self-induced and automatically triggered by the material, generates induced electromagnetic fields and shock waves that facilitate repulsion, propulsion, and loosening of the agglomerate structure, endowing the material with capability to overcome the high frictional barriers. Simultaneously, the constructed spatial electric field continuously attracts, selectively separating and outputting individual micro/nanomaterials in real-time. This results in a one-step, concise dispersion process with additional benefits like alignment and blending. Overall, the STE approach has broad applicability and potential to unlock the full capabilities of micro/nanomaterials in various applications.