Enhancing the Interaction of Carbon Nanotubes by Metal-Organic Decomposition with Improved Mechanical Strength and Ultra-Broadband EMI Shielding Performance

The remarkable properties of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)have led to promising applications in the field of electromagnetic inter-ference(EMI)shielding.However,for macroscopic CNT assemblies,such as CNT film,achieving high electrical and mechanical properties remains challenging,which heavily depends on the tube-tube interac-tions of CNTs.Herein,we develop a novel strategy based on metal-organic decomposition(MOD)to fabricate a flexible silver-carbon nanotube(Ag-CNT)film.The Ag particles are introduced in situ into the CNT film through annealing of MOD,leading to enhanced tube-tube interactions.As a result,the electrical conductivity of Ag-CNT film is up to 6.82×10^(5) S m^(-1),and the EMI shielding effectiveness of Ag-CNT film with a thickness of~7.8μm exceeds 66 dB in the ultra-broad frequency range(3-40 GHz).The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of Ag-CNT film increase from 30.09±3.14 to 76.06±6.20 MPa(~253%)and from 1.12±0.33 to 8.90±0.97 GPa(~795%),respectively.Moreover,the Ag-CNT film exhibits excellent near-field shield-ing performance,which can effectively block wireless transmission.This innovative approach provides an effective route to further apply macroscopic CNT assemblies to future portable and wearable electronic devices.

In situ formation of multiple catalysts for enhancing the hydrogen storage of MgH_(2) by adding porous Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)/Ni loaded carbon nanotubes microspheres

MgH_(2) is considered one of the most promising hydrogen storage materials because of its safety,high efficiency,high hydrogen storage quantity and low cost characteristics.But some shortcomings are still existed:high operating temperature and poor hydrogen absorption dynamics,which limit its application.Porous Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)/Ni loaded carbon nanotubes microspheres(NZC/Ni@CNT)is prepared by facile filtration and calcination method.Then the different amount of NZC/Ni@CNT(2.5,5.0 and 7.5 wt%)is added to the MgH_(2) by ball milling.Among the three samples with different amount of NZC/Ni@CNT(2.5,5.0 and 7.5 wt%),the MgH_(2)-5 wt%NZC/Ni@CNT composite exhibits the best hydrogen storage performances.After testing,the MgH_(2)-5 wt%NZC/Ni@CNT begins to release hydrogen at around 110℃ and hydrogen absorption capacity reaches 2.34 wt%H_(2) at 80℃ within 60 min.Moreover,the composite can release about 5.36 wt%H_(2) at 300℃.In addition,hydrogen absorption and desorption activation energies of the MgH_(2)-5 wt%NZC/Ni@CNT composite are reduced to 37.28 and 84.22 KJ/mol H_(2),respectively.The in situ generated Mg_(2)NiH_(4)/Mg_(2)Ni can serve as a"hydrogen pump"that plays the main role in providing more activation sites and hydrogen diffusion channels which promotes H_(2) dissociation during hydrogen absorption process.In addition,the evenly dispersed Zn and MgZn2 in Mg and MgH_(2) could provide sites for Mg/MgH_(2) nucleation and hydrogen diffusion channel.This attempt clearly proved that the bimetallic carbide Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7) is a effective additive for the hydrogen storage performances modification of MgH_(2),and the facile synthesis of the Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)/Ni@CNT can provide directions of better designing high performance carbide catalysts for improving MgH_(2).

Hollow ZIF-67-derived Co@N-doped carbon nanotubes boosting the hydrogenation of phenolic compounds to alcohols

The selective hydrogenation of highly toxic phenolic compounds to generate alcohols with thermal stability,environmental friendliness,and non-toxicity is of great importance.Herein,a series of Co-based catalysts,named Co@NCNTs,were designed and constructed by direct pyrolysis of hollow ZIF-67(HZIF-67)under H_(2)/Ar atmosphere.The evolution of the catalyst surface from the shell layer assembled by ZIF-67-derived particles to the in situ-grown hollow nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes(NCNTs)with certain length and density is achieved by adjusting the pyrolysis atmosphere and temperature.Due to the synergistic effects of in situ-formed hollow NCNTs,well-dispersed Co nanoparticles,and intact carbon matrix,the as-prepared Co@NCNTs-0.10-450 catalyst exhibits superior catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of phenolic compounds to alcohols.The turnover frequency value of Co@NCNTs-0.10-450is 3.52 h^(-1),5.9 times higher than that of Co@NCNTs-0.40-450 and 4.5 times higher than that of Co@NCNTs-0.10-550,exceeding most previously reported non-noble metal catalysts.Our findings provide new insights into the development of non-precious metal,efficient,and cost-effective metal-organic framework-derived catalysts for the hydrogenation of phenolic compounds to alcohols.

Self-templating synthesis of biomass-based porous carbon nanotubes for energy storage and catalytic degradation applications

Dwindling energy sources and a worsening environment are huge global problems,and biomass wastes are an under-exploited source of material for both energy and material generation.Herein,self-template decoction dregs of Ganoderma lucidum-derived porous carbon nanotubes(ST-DDLGCs)were synthesized via a facile and scalable strategy in response to these challenges.ST-DDLGCs exhibited a large surface area(1731.51 m^(2)g^(-1))and high pore volume(0.76 cm^(3)g^(-1)),due to the interlacing tubular structures of precursors and extra-hierarchical porous structures on tube walls.In the ST-DDLGC/PMS system,the degradation efficiency of capecitabine(CAP)reached~97.3%within 120 min.Moreover,ST-DDLGCs displayed high catalytic activity over a wide pH range of 3–9,and strong anti-interference to these typical and ubiquitous anions in wastewater and natural water bodies(i.e.,H_(2)PO_(4)^(-),NO_(3)^(-),Cl^(-) and HCO_(3)^(-)),in which a ^(1)O_(2)-dominated oxidation was identified and non-radical mechanisms were deduced.Additionally,ST-DDLGC-based coin-type symmetrical supercapacitors exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance,with specific capacitances of up to 328.1 F g^(-1)at 0.5 A g^(-1),and cycling stability of up to 98.6%after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g^(-1).The superior properties of ST-DDLGCs could be attributed to the unique porous tubular structure,which facilitated mass transfer and presented numerous active sites.The results highlight ST-DDLGCs as a potential candidate for constructing inexpensive and advanced environmentally functional materials and energy storage devices.

Nonlinear phenomena in vibrations of embedded carbon nanotubes conveying viscous fluid

Various nonlinear phenomena such as bifurcations and chaos in the responses of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)are recognized as being major contributors to the inaccuracy and instability of nanoscale mechanical systems.Therefore,the main purpose of this paper is to predict the nonlinear dynamic behavior of a CNT conveying viscousfluid and supported on a nonlinear elastic foundation.The proposed model is based on nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli beam theory.The Galerkin method and perturbation analysis are used to discretize the partial differential equation of motion and obtain the frequency-response equation,respectively.A detailed parametric study is reported into how the nonlocal parameter,foundation coefficients,fluid viscosity,and amplitude and frequency of the external force influence the nonlinear dynamics of the system.Subharmonic,quasi-periodic,and chaotic behaviors and hardening nonlinearity are revealed by means of the vibration time histories,frequency-response curves,bifurcation diagrams,phase portraits,power spectra,and Poincarémaps.Also,the results show that it is possible to eliminate irregular motion in the whole range of external force amplitude by selecting appropriate parameters.

Hollow tubes constructed by carbon nanotubes self-assembly for CO_(2) capture

Carbon nanotubes(CNTs)have garnered significant attention in the fields of science,engineering,and medicine due to their numerous advantages.The initial step towards harnessing the potential of CNTs involves their macroscopic assembly.The present study employed a gentle and direct self-assembly technique,wherein controlled growth of CNT sheaths occurred on the metal wire’s surface,followed by etching of the remaining metal to obtain the hollow tubes composed of CNTs.By controlling the growth time and temperature,it is possible to alter the thickness of the CNTs sheath.After immersing in a solution containing 1 g/L of CNTs at 60℃ for 24 h,the resulting CNTs layer achieved a thickness of up to 60μm.These hollow CNTs tubes with varying inner diameters were prepared through surface reinforcement using polymers and sacrificing metal wires,thereby exhibiting exceptional attributes such as robustness,flexibility,air tightness,and high adsorption capacity that effectively capture CO_(2) from the gas mixture.

Superior Anodic Lithium Storage in Core–Shell Heterostructures Composed of Carbon Nanotubes and Schiff-Base Covalent Organic Frameworks

Covalent organic frameworks(COFs)after undergoing the superlithiation process promise high-capacity anodes while suffering from sluggish reaction kinetics and low electrochemical utilization of redox-active sites.Herein,integrating carbon nanotubes(CNTs)with imine-linked covalent organic frameworks(COFs)was rationally executed by in-situ Schiff-base condensation between 1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′,5,5′-tetracarbaldehyde and 1,4-diaminobenzene in the presence of CNTs to produce core–shell heterostructured composites(CNT@COF).Accordingly,the redox-active shell of COF nanoparticles around one-dimensional conductive CNTs synergistically creates robust three-dimensional hybrid architectures with high specific surface area,thus promoting electron transport and affording abundant active functional groups accessible for electrochemical utilization throughout the whole electrode.Remarkably,upon the full activation with a superlithiation process,the as-fabricated CNT@COF anode achieves a specific capacity of 2324 mAh g^(−1),which is the highest specific capacity among organic electrode materials reported so far.Meanwhile,the superior rate capability and excellent cycling stability are also obtained.The redox reaction mechanisms for the COF moiety were further revealed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,involving the reversible redox reactions between lithium ions and C=N groups and gradual electrochemical activation of the unsaturated C=C bonds within COFs.

Electronic Communication Between Co and Ru Sites Decorated on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes Boosting the Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Designing highly efficient Pt-free electrocatalysts with low overpotential for an alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)remains a significant challenge.Here,a novel and efficient cobalt(Co),ruthenium(Ru)bimetallic electrocatalyst composed of CoRu nanoalloy decorated on the N-doped carbon nanotubes(CoRu@N-CNTs),was prepared by reacting fullerenol with melamine via hydrothermal treatment and followed by pyrolysis.Benefiting from the electronic communication between Co and Ru sites,the as-obtained CoRu@N-CNTs catalyst exhibited superior electrocatalytic HER activity.To deliver a current density of 10 mA·cm^(-2),it required an overpotential of merely 19 mV along with a Tafel slope of 26.19 mV·dec^(-1)in 1 mol·L^(-1)potassium hydroxide(KOH)solution,outperforming the benchmark Pt/C catalyst.The present work would pave a new way towards the design and construction of an efficient electrocatalyst for energy storage and conversion.

The Influence of Carbon Nanotubes and Nano-Silica Fume on Enhancing the Damping and Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Materials

This paper conducted experimental studies on the damping and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube-nanosilica-cement composite materials with different carbon nanotube contents. The damping and mechanical properties enhancement mechanisms were analyzed and compared through the porosity structure test, XRD analysis, and scanning electron microscope observation. The results show that the introduction of nanosilica significantly improves the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in the cement matrix. At the same time, the addition of nanosilica not only effectively reduces the critical pore size and average pore size of the cement composite material, but also exhibits good synergistic effects with carbon nanotubes, which can significantly optimize the pore structure. Finally, a rationalization suggestion for the co-doping of nanosilica and carbon nanotubes was given to achieve a significant increase in the flexural strength, compressive strength and loss factor of cement-based materials.

Study of the Diffusion Behavior of Seawater Absorption in Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Halloysite Nanotubes Hybrid Nanofillers Modified Epoxy-Based Glass/Carbon Fiber Composites

In the maritime industry, cost-effective and lightweight Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites offer excellent mechanical properties, design flexibility, and corrosion resistance. However, their reliability in harsh seawater conditions is a concern. Researchers address this by exploring three approaches: coating fiber surfaces, hybridizing fibers and matrices with or without nanofillers, and interply rearrangement. This study focuses on evaluating the synergistic effects of interply rearrangement of glass/carbon fibers and hybrid nanofillers, specifically Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and Halloysite nanotubes (HNT). The aim is to enhance impact properties by minimizing moisture absorption. Hybrid nanocomposites with equal-weight proportions of two nanofillers: 0 wt.%, 1 wt.%, and 2 wt.% were exposed to seawater for 90 days. Experimental data was subjected to modelling through the application of Predictive Fick’s Law. The study found that the hybrid composite containing 2 wt.% hybrid nanofillers exhibited a 22.10% increase in impact performance compared to non-modified counterparts. After 90 days of seawater aging, the material exhibited enhanced resistance to moisture absorption (15.74%) and minimal reduction in impact strength (8.52%) compared to its dry strength, with lower diffusion coefficients.

Heat transfer enhanced inorganic phase change material compositing carbon nanotubes for battery thermal management and thermal runaway propagation mitigation

Developing technologies that can be applied simultaneously in battery thermal management(BTM)and thermal runaway(TR)mitigation is significant to improving the safety of lithium-ion battery systems.Inorganic phase change material(PCM)with nonflammability has the potential to achieve this dual function.This study proposed an encapsulated inorganic phase change material(EPCM)with a heat transfer enhancement for battery systems,where Na_(2)HPO_(4)·12H_(2)O was used as the core PCM encapsulated by silica and the additive of carbon nanotube(CNT)was applied to enhance the thermal conductivity.The microstructure and thermal properties of the EPCM/CNT were analyzed by a series of characterization tests.Two different incorporating methods of CNT were compared and the proper CNT adding amount was also studied.After preparation,the battery thermal management performance and TR propagation mitigation effects of EPCM/CNT were further investigated on the battery modules.The experimental results of thermal management tests showed that EPCM/CNT not only slowed down the temperature rising of the module but also improved the temperature uniformity during normal operation.The peak battery temperature decreased from 76℃to 61.2℃at 2 C discharge rate and the temperature difference was controlled below 3℃.Moreover,the results of TR propagation tests demonstrated that nonflammable EPCM/CNT with good heat absorption could work as a TR barrier,which exhibited effective mitigation on TR and TR propagation.The trigger time of three cells was successfully delayed by 129,474 and 551 s,respectively and the propagation intervals were greatly extended as well.

Preparation and tribological performances of Ni-P-multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite coatings

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） were wet-milled in the presence of ammonia and cationic surfactant and then used as reinforcements to prepare Ni-P-MWNTs composite coatings by electroless plating. The tribological performances of the composite coatings under dry condition were investigated in comparison with 45 steel and conventional Ni-P coating, Micrographs show that short MWNTs with uniform length and open tips were obtained through the wet-milling process. The results of wear test reveal that the Ni-P-MWNTs composite coatings posses much better friction reduction and anti-wear performances when compared with 45 steel and Ni-P coating. Within the MWNTs content range of 0.74%-1.97%, the friction coefficient and the volume wear rate of the composite coatings decrease gradually and reach the minimum values of 0.08 and 6.22x10-15 m3/（N.m）, respectively. The excellent tribological performances of the composite coatings can be attributed to the introduction of MWNTs, which play both roles of reinforcements and solid lubricant during the wear process.

Enhanced thermal and electrical properties of poly (D,L-lactide)/ multi-walled carbon nanotubes composites by in-situ polymerization

Biodegradable poly （D,L-lactide） （PLA）/carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes （c-MWCNTs） composites were achieved via in-situ polymerization. These as-prepared composite materials were characterized with FT-IR, XRD, TG, DSC, SEM, and high insulation resistance meter. The results demonstrate that the multi-walled carbon nanotube was carboxyl functionalized, which improved the collection between c-MWCNTs and PLA, and further realized the graft copolymerization of c-MWCNTs and PLA. There is a higher glass transition temperature and a lower pyrolysis temperature of PLA/c-MWCNTs composites than pure PLA. The c-MWCNTs gave a better dispersion than unmodified MWCNTs in the PLA matrix, and an even coating of PLA on the surface of c-MWCNTs was obtained, which increased the interfacial interaction. High insulation resistance analysis showed that the addition of c-MWCNTs increased the electric conductivity, and c-MWCNTs performed against the large dielectric coefficient and electrostatic state of PLA. These results demonstrated that c-MWCNTs modified PLA composites were beneficial for potential application in the development of heat-resisting and conductivity plastic engineering.

Fabrication of superaligned carbon nanotubes reinforced copper matrix laminar composite by electrodeposition

A new kind of laminar metal matrix nanocomposite（MMC） was fabricated by an electrodeposition process with copper and superaligned carbon nanotubes film（SACNT film）.The SACNT film was put on a titanium plate and then a layer of copper was electrodeposited on it.By repeating the above process,the laminar Cu/SACNT composite which contains dozens or hundreds of layers of copper and SACNT films was obtained.The thickness of a single copper layer was controlled by adjusting the process parameter easily and the thinnest layer is less than 2 μm.The microscopic observation shows that the directional alignment structure of SACNT is retained in the composite perfectly.The mechanical and electrical properties testing results show that the tensile and yield strengths of composites are improved obviously compared with those of pure copper,and the high conductivity is retained.This technology is a potential method to make applicable MMC which characterizes high volume fraction and directional alignment of carbon nanotubes.

Binding tendency with oligonucleotides and cell toxicity of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide-coated single-walled carbon nanotubes

Functionalized carbon nanotubes （CNTs） were made for the delivery of genes and drugs and CNT-based biosensors. The basis of CNTs is for binding with biomolecules in biomedical applications. The binding tendency with small interfering RNA oligonucleotides and cytotoxicity of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide （CTAB）-coated single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWNTs） were studied. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results show that a SWNT suspension in CTAB solution was well-dispersed and stable. CTAB is the cross-linker between SWNTs and oligonucleotides. The CTAB-coated SWNTs have less cytotoxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells than single SWNTs and the cytotoxicity of CTAB-coated SWNTs depended on the concentration of CTAB-coated SWNTs.

In-situ homogeneous synthesis of carbon nanotubes on aluminum matrix and properties of their composites

Using nickel catalyst supported on aluminum powders, carbon nanotubes （CNTs） were successfully synthesized in aluminum powders by in-situ chemical vapor deposition at 650 ℃. Structural characterization revealed that the as-grown CNTs possessed higher graphitization degree and straight graphite shell. By this approach, more homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in aluminum powders was achieved compared with the traditional mechanical mixture methods. Using the in-situ synthesized CNTs/Al composite powders and powder metallurgy process, CNTs/Al bulk composites were prepared. Performance testing showed that the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the composites were improved obviously, which was attributed to the superior dispersion of CNTs in aluminum matrix and the strong interfacial bonding between CNTs and matrix.

Pseudo-capacitive Behavior of Cobalt Hydroxide/Carbon Nanotubes Composite Prepared by Cathodic Deposition

A novel type of composite electrode based on nmltiwalled carbon nanotubes coated with sheet-like cobalt hydroxide particles was used in supercapacitors. Cobalt hydroxide cathodlcally deposited fiom Co（NO3）O2 solution with carbon nanotubes as matrix exhibited large pseudo-capacitance of 322 F/g in 1 mol/L KOH. To characterize the cobalt hydroxide nanocomposite electrode, a charge-discharge cycling test, cyclic voltammetry, and an impedance test were done. This cobalt hydroxide composite exhibiting excellent pseudo-capacitive behavior （i.c. high reversibility, high specific capacitance, low impedance）, was demonstrated to be a candidate for the application of electrochemical supercapacitors. A combined capacitor consisting of cobalt hydroxide composite as a cathode and activated carbon fiber as an anode was reported. The electrochemical pcrformance of the combined capacitor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and a dc charge/discharge test. The combined capacitor showed ideal capacitor behavior with an extended operating voltage of 1.4 V. According to the extended operating voltage, the energy density of the combined capacitor at a current density of 100 mA/cm^2 was found to be 11 Wh/kg. The combined capacitor exhibited high-energy density and stable power characteristics,

Field Emission from a Mixture of Amorphous Carbon and Carbon Nanotubes Films

A mixture of amorphous carbon and carbon nanotubes films was synthesized on stainless steel plates by a micro- wave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system. The source gases were hydrogen and methane with flow rates of 100 and 16sccm,respectively,with a total pressure of 5.0kPa. The surface morphology and the structure of the films were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and Raman scattering spectroscopy. Field emission properties of as-deposited film were measured in a vacuum room below 5 ×10^ 5 Pa. The experimental results show that the initial turn-on field is 0. 9V/μm; The current density is 4.0mA/cm2 and the emission sites are dense and uniform at an electric field of 3.7V/μm. These results indicate that such a mixture of amorphous carbon and carbon nanotubes films is a promising material for field emission applications.

Facile filling of metal particles in small carbon nanotubes for catalysis

A versatile wet chemistry method is developed for filling of subnanometer sized metal particles in carbon nanotubes with a diameter smaller than 1.5 nm. As an example, we showed that a confined bi-component Pd-V catalyst exhibit a higher benzene hydroxylation activity compared with that within multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Synthesis and Evaluation on Performance of Hydrogen Storage of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Platinum

By means of chemical reduction,nanoparticles of platinum were deposited on the surface of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).The performance of hydrogen storage of as prepared MWCNTs decorated with platinum was investigated.The results indicate that:(1) Hydrogen uptake is more quick and intense for decorated MWCNTs than that for not decorated ones at 10.931MPa and room temperature.The saturation of hydrogen uptake of the former only lasts about 30min,while the latter needs about 150 min;(2) The amount of hydrogen uptake of decorated MWCNTs is about 1.13wt%, which is larger than that of not decorated ones(about 0.54wt%);(3) However,more than 37% hydrogen absorbed by decorated MWCNTs is chemisorbed.