Dispersion and Performance Properties of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Based Polymer Composites: A Review

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based polymer composites have variety of engineering applications (electromagnetic shielding, antistatic coatings, high-strength low-density corrosion-resistant components, lightweight energy storage and many more);due to their excellent mechanical, electrical, chemical, magnetic, etc. properties. In the polymer nanocomposites CNTs are dispersed in the polymeric matrix. However the dispersion may be uniform or may not be uniform. The biggest challenge is the effective dispersion of individual CNTs in the polymer matrices, as CNTs tends to form clusters and bundles due to strong van der Waals’ forces of attraction. The aggregated structure continue until physical (Mechanical) or chemical modification (Encapsulation/surface modification) of CNTs. Few modification methods such as vigorous mixing of the polymers damages CNTs structure, and may hinder their properties. But these problems can be overcome by mechanical or chemical modification of CNTs surfaces. In the chemical modification, the modifier or the long tail surfactant may encapsulate and/or partially wrap the CNTs surfaces. In this review, recent work on CNTs based polymer nanocomposite is carried out with few modifiers/encapsulating agents. Incorporation of CNTs in polymer matrix changes the performance properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, toughness, Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), etc. The phase morphology of the composite materials throws light on the properties of CNTs based polymer nanocomposite. Moreover phase morphology may be directly correlated with the behavior of the material, hence reviewed here through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore review is also carried out on the non-isothermal crystallization (DSC) and rheology of CNTs polymer nanocomposite.

Study on Low-Temperature Properties of the Asphalt Modified by Carbon Nanotubes(CNTs)and Crumb Rubber(CR)

The effect of adding crumb rubber(CR)and carbon nanotubes(CNTs)on the low-temperature properties of virgin asphalt was studied.Using the force-ductility test and the bending beam rheometer(BBR)test,the deformation resistance and rheological properties of asphalt samples at low temperatures were evaluated,respectively.Based on the result of BBR test,the creep functions of the Burgers model and the Zener model were used to fit the low-temperature creep characteristics of the asphalt samples.Furthermore,the differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)test and the attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(ATR-FTIR)test were utilized to appraise the low-temperature stability and chemical properties of asphalt samples,respectively.The results showed that CR significantly improved the low-temperature properties of virgin asphalt,while CNTs had little effect.Moreover,during the degradation of CR,aromatic and aliphatic components were released.In particular,the aliphatic components of CR-modified asphalt were much higher than those of virgin asphalt,which had a significant effect on improving the low-temperature properties of the asphalt.The DSC test results showed that CR enhanced the low-temperature stability of the asphalt,while the addition of CNTs presented a slightly negative effect.

A review of carbon nanotubes in modern electrochemical energy storage

The quest for sustainable energy storage solutions is more critical than ever,with the rise in global energy demand and the urgency of transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources.Carbon nanotubes(CNTs),with their exceptional electrical conduct-ivity and structural integrity,are at the forefront of this endeavor,offering promising ways for the advance of electrochemical energy storage(EES)devices.This review provides an analysis of the synthesis,properties,and applications of CNTs in the context of EES.We explore the evolution of CNT synthesis methods,including arc discharge,laser ablation,and chemical vapor deposition,and highlight the recent developments in metal-organic framework-derived CNTs and a novel CNT aggregate with a three-dimensional ordered macroporous structure.We also examine the role of CNTs in improving the performance of various EES devices such as lith-ium-ion,lithium-metal,lithium-sulfur,sodium,and flexible batteries as well as supercapacitors.We underscore the challenges that remain,including the scalability of CNT synthesis and the integration of CNTs in electrode materials,and propose potential solu-tions and future research directions.The review presents a forward-looking perspective on the pivotal role of CNTs in shaping the fu-ture of sustainable EES technologies.

Effects of Orientation of Carbon Nanotubes on CNT Bundle Based Silk Composite Using Finite Element Method

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have exceptional mechanical properties. They are the stiffest and strongest material, yet discovered, because of their high length to diameter ratio. In this paper a Representative Volume Element (RVE) model of CNT-silk composite is made. Then the orientations of the CNTs in the composite are varied and the effects of this variation are observed. The change is mainly observed between the interfaces of CNT and silk. Also there is a change in Young’s Modulus. COMSOL Multiphysics 4.2a is used for building model and performing simulations.

Preparation and characterization of new photocatalyst combined MWCNTs with TiO_2 nanotubes

A new type of photocatalysts MWCNTs/TiO2-NTs nanocomposites prepared by combining multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNTs) with TiO2-derived nanotubes were synthesized by a modified hydrothermal method. The SEM,XRD,UV-Vis and TG-DTG were used to characterize its property. The produced MWCNTs/TiO2-NTs nanocomposites were used as the catalysts for photo-degradation of aquatic humic substances,Their photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated by the photodegradation of humic acid in an aqueous solution under ultraviolet light irradiation. The results show MWCNTs could enhance the activity of the photocatalysts;the best degradation efficiency was obtained by using MWCNTs/TiO2-NTs nanocomposites containing 20% MWCNTs as the photo-catalyst.

臭氧-CNTs预沉积耦合方法缓解膜污染研究

以腐殖酸(humic acid,HA)和海藻酸钠(sodium alginate,SA)作为模型污染物,考察了臭氧预氧化和碳纳米管(carbon nanotubes,CNTs)预沉积联合技术对膜污染形成过程和形成规律的影响。通过测定HA和SA物化特性的变化,结合膜滤过程中比通量变化,辅以Hermia模型和传统滤饼过滤模型,分析了臭氧预氧化和CNTs预沉积缓解膜污染的机理。结果表明,经臭氧氧化后,HA和SA的电负性和亲水性增强,且由于发生微絮凝作用,粒径增大。臭氧预氧化对于HA造成的膜污染无明显改善作用,当氧化后HA粒径接近基膜孔径时,膜孔被完全堵塞甚至加重膜污染;臭氧破坏了SA的凝胶特性,大幅缓解了膜表面的滤饼层污染。不同孔径的基膜进行CNTs预沉积后,表面CNTs层可以拦截吸附部分HA和SA分子,从而缓解了HA和SA造成的膜污染。0.45μm PVDF基膜孔径与CNTs层的孔径相差最大,经CNTs预沉积后,在膜表面形成一层致密的过滤层,缓解膜污染的幅度最大。臭氧预氧化与CNTs预沉积联用后,在CNTs沉积量较高的情况下能够缓解HA造成的膜污染,对SA造成的膜污染也起到明显缓解作用,在有效降低膜表面滤饼形成的同时,能够延长膜孔堵塞时间或增加膜孔堵塞到滤饼的过渡阶段时间。

锂硫电池中CNTs-CNFs夹层对多硫化物的捕获和加速转化机理

为有效抑制多硫化锂(LiPSs)的穿梭效应,通过静电纺丝、电化学沉积和化学气相生长技术在碳纳米纤维(CNFs)上垂直生长碳纳米管(CNTs),开发了一种超薄、轻质的多功能三维多层交联碳纳米纤维-碳纳米管(CNTs-CNFs)夹层,并研究CNTs-CNFs对锂硫电池(LSBs)电化学性能的影响。研究结果表明:CNTs-CNFs薄膜优异的导电性和丰富的孔隙结构为LSBs提供了均匀的导电网络和LiPSs的吸附过滤屏障,与无夹层相比,含有CNTs-CNFs夹层的电池具有更优异的容量保持率和循环稳定性,在0.2 C电流密度下具有1296.7 mA·h/g的初始放电比容量,在100次循环后仍能提供了864.7 mA·h/g的放电比容量,容量保持率为66.68%。

原位生长的CNTs@MoS_(2)杂化物增强水性膨胀型防火涂料的耐火和隔热性能

目的设计并研制一种耐火和隔热性能突出的水性膨胀型防火涂料。方法以碳纳米管(CNTs)、四水合钼酸铵、十六烷基溴化铵(CTAB)、硫脲为原料,通过简单的一步水热法原位生长出一种新型的CNTs@MoS_(2)杂化物,并采用FT-IR、XRD、拉曼光谱、SEM等手段对复合杂化物进行表征。再将CNTs@MoS_(2)杂化物作为增效剂分散在水性膨胀型防火涂料(CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES)中,通过大板实验和涂层、炭焦层表面分析评价了涂层的耐火和隔热性能。结果与WES(膨胀倍率为3.90)、CNTs/WES涂层(膨胀倍率为6.04)、MoS_(2)/WES涂层(膨胀倍率为4.59)相比,CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES涂层具有最高的膨胀倍率(8.88)。CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES涂层所涂覆的钢板在燃烧40min后背面温度最低(133.3℃),这充分表明该涂层具有优异的隔热性能。结论制备的CNTs@MoS_(2)杂化物表现出稳定的网络交织结构,有效提高了它在涂料中的分散性能。此外,CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES涂层优异的耐火和隔热性能主要归因于:1)CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES涂层及其炭焦层具有更致密和完整的表面,阻隔了热量的传递;2)CNTs的添加增强了炭焦层的致密性,抑制了膨胀过程中产生的气体泄漏,提升了涂层膨胀倍率;3)MoS_(2)提高了膨胀层强度且促进了炭焦层的形成,减少了裂纹和孔隙的产生。

Carbon nanotubes:Evaluation of toxicity at biointerfaces

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a class of carbon allotropes with interesting properties that make them productive materials for usage in various disciplines of nanotechnology such as in electronics equipments, optics and therapeutics. They exhibit distinguished properties viz., strength, and high electrical and heat conductivity. Their uniqueness can be attributed due to the bonding pattern present between the atoms which are very strong and also exhibit high extreme aspect ratios. CNTs are classified as singlewalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the basis of number of sidewalls present and the way they are arranged spatially. Application of CNTs to improve the performance of many products, especially in healthcare, has led to an occupational and public exposure to these nanomaterials. Hence, it becomes a major concern to analyze the issues pertaining to the toxicity of CNTs and find the best suitable ways to counter those challenges. This review summarizes the toxicity issues of CNTs in vitro and in vivo in different organ systems (bio interphases) of the body that result in cellular toxicity.

An Overview of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene for Biosensing Applications

With the development of carbon nanomaterials in recent years, there has been an explosion of interests in using carbon nanotubes(CNTs) and graphene for developing new biosensors. It is believed that employing CNTs and graphene as sensor components can make sensors more reliable, accurate, and fast due to their remarkable properties. Depending on the types of target molecular, different strategies can be applied to design sensor device. This review article summarized the important progress in developing CNT-and graphene-based electrochemical biosensors, field-effect transistor biosensors, and optical biosensors. Although CNTs and graphene have led to some groundbreaking discoveries, challenges are still remained and the state-of-the-art sensors are far from a practical application. As a conclusion, future effort has to be made through an interdisciplinary platform, including materials science, biology, and electric engineering.

Dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in aluminum powders

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were treated with the reflux within the concentrated nitric acid for 0-25 h to purify and disperse the tangled MWNTs. The effect of reflux time on the morphology and the weight loss of MWNTs were investigated. Meanwhile,the dispersion of MWNTs with 0-2.0 wt.% in 2024Al powders using mechanical stirring with an assisting ultrasonic shaker in ethanol was also studied. The results show that the reflux time markedly affects the morphology of MWNTs. The weight loss of MWNTs i...

Study on the Carbon Nanotube Separative Structure for the Extended Gate H^+-Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor

We use the carbon nanotube (CNT) as the material of the pH sensing layer of the separative structure for the extended gate H^+-ion sensitive field effect transistor (EGFET) device.The CNT paste was prepared with CNT powder,Ag powder,silicagel,the di-n-butyl phthalate and the toluene solvents by appropriate ratio,then immobilized on the silicon substrate to form the carbon nanotube sensing layer.We measured theⅠ_(DS)-Ⅴ_G curves of the carbon nanotube separative structure EGFET device in the different pH buffer solutions by the Keithley 236Ⅰ-Ⅴmeasurement system.According to the experimental results,we can obtain the pH sensitivities of the carbon nanotube separative structure EGFET device,which is 62.54mV/pH from pH1 to pH13.

Electroless plating Ni-P matrix composite coating reinforced by carbon nanotubes

Ni-P matrix composite coating reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was deposit ed by electroless plating. The most important factors that influence the content of carbon nanotubes in deposits,such as agitation,surfactant and carbon nanot ubes concentration in the plating bath were investigated. The surface morphology,structure and properties of the Ni-P-CNTs coating were examined. It is found that the maximum content of carbon nanotubes in the deposits is independent of carbon nanotubes concentration in the plating bath when it is up to 5 mg/L. The test results show that the carbon nanotubes co-deposited do not change the str ucture of the Ni-P matrix of the composite coating,but greatly increase the ha rdness and wear resistance and decrease the friction coefficient of the Ni-P-C NTs composite coating with increasing content of carbon nanotubes in deposits.

IR study on surface chemical properties of catalytic grown carbon nanotubes and nanofibers

In this study, the surface chemical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) grown by catalytic decomposition of methane on nickel and cobalt based catalysts were studied by DRIFT (Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform) and transmission Infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results show that the surface exists not only carbon-hydrogen groups, but also carboxyl, ketene or quinone (carbonyl) oxygen-containing groups. These functional groups were formed in the process of the material growth, which result in large amount of chemical defect sites on the walls.

刮涂法制备GR/CNTs/PDMS柔性应变传感器

针对柔性应变传感器的稳定性差、灵敏度低等问题,课题组研究采用石墨烯(graphene, GR)和碳纳米管(carbon nanotubes, CNTs)作为导电层,聚二甲基硅氧烷(polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS)作为基底,利用刮涂法制备了一种三明治型的柔性应变传感器。研究过程中,在导电材料质量分数为4%,石墨烯与碳纳米管质量比为3∶2的条件下,通过拉伸试验机对柔性应变传感器的力学性能、灵敏度和稳定性进行了测试。结果表明:在0~20%应变范围内,传感器具有良好的线性度,应力-应变线性相关系数为0.997 03;在0~20%应变范围内,随着应变的增加,灵敏度保持不变;此外,经过200次拉伸、放缩实验后,传感器仍保持良好的稳定性。

定位夹具对CNTs/6061Al复合材料超声波焊接接头质量影响研究

采用超声波焊接制备CNTs增强铝基复合材料,针对超声波焊接定位不准,接头搭接面不贴合等问题,基于定位夹具以保证焊接过程质量,在工艺参数组合焊接能量500J,焊接压力0.45MPa,焊接振幅35μm下进行焊接试验。利用扫描电镜(SEM)、能谱仪(EDS)等对接头界面组织和成分进行了研究,并对焊接接头进行了剪切力和硬度测试。结果表明:在定位夹具下焊接的接头界面发生明显塑性且CNTs在铝基体扩散较好,接头强度显著提升,剪切力平均值达到786.55N、硬度为72HV,本研究对现有的有色金属超声波焊接制造工艺提出一种新的解决思路和方案,具有一定的工程应用价值和经济效益。

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum composites synthesized by hot press sintering and squeeze casting

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have high mechanical properties and are considered a kind of realistic reinforcement for polymers, ceramics and metals. The hot press sintering and squeeze casting were adopted to synthesize MWNTs reinforced aluminum composites. In hot press sintered MWNTs/Al composites, MWNTs agglomerates distribute along aluminum powders and have low bonding strength with aluminum. But MWNTs agglomerates distribute evenly in the squeeze cast MWNTs/Al composites. Some dispersed nanotubes bond well with aluminum matrix and few dislocations can be found in the nanotube areas, which implies little thermal residual stress in squeeze cast MWNTs/Al composites. This indicates that the strengthen mechanisms in nanometer sized MWNTs/Al composites may be different from that in micrometer sized whisker composites.

Flow Field Induced Steady Alignment of Oxidized Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes

The steady ordered micro-ribbons of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were obtained through micro-aperture PTFE membrane by vacuum filtration. After treatment by mixture of concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid, the surface functional groups modified MWNTs can be easily dispersed to form a homogeneous suspension. It is found that the steady micro-ribbons existed in the films obtained by vacuum filtration of the suspension. The filtration formed steady flow field and induced steady alignment of oxidized MWNTs. The chemical treatment of MWNTs forming strong interaction between MWNTs is necessity to keep steady of the micro-ribbons microstructure.

Experimental and theoretical study on field emission properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles decorated carbon nanotubes

Field emission properties of zinc oxide （ZnO） nanoparticles （NPs） decorated carbon nanotubes （CNTs） are investigated experimentally and theoretically. CNTs are in situ decorated with ZnO NPs during the growth process by chemical vapor deposition using a carbon source from the iron phthalocyanine pyrolysis. The experimental field emission test shows that the ZnO NP decoration significantly improves the emission current from 50 μA to 275 μA at 550 V and the reduced threshold voltage from 450 V to 350 V. The field emission mechanism of ZnO NPs on CNTs is theoretically studied by the density functional theory （DFT） combined with the Penn-Plummer method. The ZnO NPs reconstruct the ZnO-CNT structure and pull down the surface barrier of the entire emitter system to 0.49 eV so as to reduce the threshold electric field. The simulation results suggest that the presence of ZnO NPs would increase the LDOS near the Fermi level and increase the emission current. The calculation results are consistent with the experiment results.

Carbon nanotubes on unsteady MHD non-Darcy flow over porous wedge in presence of thermal radiation energy

The thermal radiation energy is the clean energy with a much lower environmental impact than the conventional energy. The objective of the present work is to investigate theoretically the effect of copper nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes （CNTs） in the presence of base fluid （water） with the variable stream condition due to the thermal radiation energy. Single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWCNTs） in the presence of base fluid flow over a porous wedge play a significant role compared to those of copper nanoparticles on absorbing the incident solar radiation and transiting it to the working fluid by convection.