Hydrophilic surface modification of carbon black through a mussel-inspired reaction of tannic acid and diethlyenetriamine

We report a simple strategy for improving the hydrophilicity of carbon black. Tannic acid (TA) and diethlyenetriamine (DETA) were employed to co-deposit on the surface of CB via immersing the CB in an alkaline TA and DETA solution with gently stirring at room temperature. The surface chemistry characteristics and hydrophilic of CB are investigated. The results suggest that a poly (tannic acid/diethlyenetriamine) (TA/DETA) layer with abundant hydrophilic groups such as hydroxyl and amino groups was successfully deposited on the surface of CB. Results of static contact angle indicate that the water contact angle is as low as 32°, which presents the excellent hydrophilicity of the modified CB. Graphical abstract: The deposition process of TA and DETA on the surface of carbon black. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].