An Efficient Boron Source Activation Strategy for the Low‑Temperature Synthesis of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

Lowering the synthesis temperature of boron nitride nanotubes(BNNTs)is crucial for their development.The primary reason for adopting a high temperature is to enable the effective activation of highmelting-point solid boron.In this study,we developed a novel approach for efficiently activating boron by introducing alkali metal compounds into the conventional MgO–B system.This approach can be adopted to form various low-melting-point AM–Mg–B–O growth systems.These growth systems have improved catalytic capability and reactivity even under low-temperature conditions,facilitating the synthesis of BNNTs at temperatures as low as 850℃.In addition,molecular dynamics simulations based on density functional theory theoretically demonstrate that the systems maintain a liquid state at low temperatures and interact with N atoms to form BN chains.These findings offer novel insights into the design of boron activation and are expected to facilitate research on the low-temperature synthesis of BNNTs.

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).

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.

Interface Engineering of Titanium Nitride Nanotube Composites for Excellent Microwave Absorption at Elevated Temperature

Currently,the microwave absorbers usually suffer dreadful electromagnetic wave absorption(EMWA)performance damping at elevated temperature due to impedance mismatching induced by increased conduction loss.Consequently,the development of high-performance EMWA materials with good impedance matching and strong loss ability in wide temperature spectrum has emerged as a top priority.Herein,due to the high melting point,good electrical conductivity,excellent environmental stability,EM coupling effect,and abundant interfaces of titanium nitride(TiN)nanotubes,they were designed based on the controlling kinetic diffusion procedure and Ostwald ripening process.Benefiting from boosted heterogeneous interfaces between TiN nanotubes and polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS),enhanced polarization loss relaxations were created,which could not only improve the depletion efficiency of EMWA,but also contribute to the optimized impedance matching at elevated temperature.Therefore,the TiN nanotubes/PDMS composite showed excellent EMWA performances at varied temperature(298-573 K),while achieved an effective absorption bandwidth(EAB)value of 3.23 GHz and a minimum reflection loss(RLmin)value of−44.15 dB at 423 K.This study not only clarifies the relationship between dielectric loss capacity(conduction loss and polarization loss)and temperature,but also breaks new ground for EM absorbers in wide temperature spectrum based on interface engineering.

Fabrication,microstructures,and properties of copper matrix composites reinforced by molybdenum-coated carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes （CNTs） were coated by a molybdenum layer using carbonyl thermal decomposition process with a precursor of molybdenum hexacarbonyl. The Mo-coated CNTs （Mo-CNTs） were added into copper powders to fabricate Mo-CNT/Cu composites by means of mechanical milling followed by spark plasma sintering. The Mo-CNTs were uniform dispersion in the Cu matrix when their contents were 2.5 vo1.%-7.5 vol.%, while some Mo-CNT clusters were clearly observed at additions of 10.0 vo1.%-15.0 vol.% Mo-CNTs in the mixture. The mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of the Mo-CNT/Cu composites were characterized, and the results showed that the tensile strength and hardness were 2.0 and 2.2 times higher than those of CNT-free specimens, respectively. Moreover, the Mo-CNT/Cu composites exhibited an enhanced thermal conductivity but inferior electrical conductivity compared with sintered pure Cu. The uncoated CNT/Cu composites were fabricated by the similar processes, and the measured tensile strength, hardness, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity of the CNT/Cu composites were lower than those of the Mo-CNT/Cu composites.

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.

Effects of Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical and 2D-3D Microstructure Properties of Cement Mortar

To study the influence of multi-wall carbon nanotubes （MWCNTs） on the mechanical and microstructural properties of cementitious composites, 0.00, 0.02, 0.08, 0.10, and 0.20 wt% of multi-wall carbon nanotubes were added into cement mortar, in which the cement-sand ratio was 1：1.5. The flexural and compressive strengths of cement mortar at the age of 3, 7, 28 and 90 d and the fracture performance at the age of 28 d were determined, its 2D micrograph was tested by means of SEM, and the 3D defects distribution was firstly determined with or without CNTs by means of XCT （X-ray computerized tomography）. The results showed that 0.08 wt% of CNTs improved the compressive strength and flexural strength by 18% and 19~A, respectively, and a significant improvement of its fracture property was observed. Moreover lower addition of carbon nanotubes to cement mortars can improve its microstructure and decrease the defects significantly compared to the cement mortar without CNTs. With the increase of the content of CNTs, the mechanical properties of cement mortars presented to be declined largely due to the agglomeration of CNTs.

Development of a microcomposite with single-walled carbon nanotubes and Nd_2O_3 for determination of paracetamol in pharmaceutical dosage by adsorptive voltammetry

This study presents for the first time a new composite of carbon paste(CP), single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs) and Nd2 O3(NdOX). This versatile composite(NdOX-SWCNT/CPE) was applied to the oxidation of paracetamol(PCM). The newly formed surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and cyclic voltammetry(CV). The results showed greater conductivity and a higher surface area for the composite than those of the carbon paste alone. Moreover, the anodic peak currents for PCM increased from 1.6 to 3.6 m A with CPE and NdOXSWCNT/CPE, indicating an increase of nearly 51.0% for the anodic peak current. On the other hand, the anodic peak potentials shifted from 0.67 to 0.57 V. The detection limits were 0.05 mmol/L with NdOXSWCNT/CPE and 0.50 mmol/L with SWCNT/CPE. The relative standard deviations(RSDs) were 1.5%(n=7). The accuracy and interference of the methods were evaluated with a urine chemistry control spiked with known quantities of PCM, uric acid, dopamine, ascorbic acid, caffeine, acetylsalicylic acid,tartrazine, sunset yellow, allure red, rutin, morin and metal ions. Finally, the novelty and usefulness of the composite were evaluated to quantify PCM in pharmaceutical dosage forms such as tablets, powders and syrups for children.

Effect of hydrogen plasma treatment on the growth and microstructures of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The effect of hydrogen plasma treatment of iron oxide films on the growth and microstructure of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process has been investigated.Microwave plasma was characterized in-situ using optical emission spectrometer.Morphology of the films was examined by scanning electron microscopy.Structural analysis was carried out by high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM)equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)and micro-diffraction attachments.It is found that oxide films without H_2 plasma pretreatment or treated for lesser time resulted in CNT films with high percentage of carbonaceous particles and with embedded particles/nanorods distributed discontinuously in the cavity of the nanotubes.The embedded particles were found to be of iron carbide(Fe-C)as confirmed by HRTEM,EDS and micro-diffraction analysis.Experimental observations suggested that the iron oxide particles had poor catalytic action for CNT growth and in-situ reduction of oxide clusters to Fe by hydrogen plasma plays a key role in discontinuous filling of the nanotubes by the catalytic particles.

Determination of 6-Mercaptopurine in Rat Blood by Microdialysis Coupled with High Performance Liquid Chromatography on a Functionalized Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes Modified Electrode

A new chemically modified electrode(CME) immobilized on the surface of multi-wall carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxylic groups was fabricated. The results indicate that the CME exhibits efficiently electrocatalytic oxidation of 6-mercaptopurine(6-MP). The CME can be used as the working electrode in the liquid chromatography for the determination of 6-MP. The peak current of 6-MP is linearly changed with its concentration ranging from 4.0×10 -7 to 1.0×10 -4 mol/L with the calculated detection limit (S/N=3) of 2.0×10 -7 mol/L. Coupled with microdialysis sampling, the method has been successfully applied to assessing the content of 6-MP in rat blood.

The effects of a static magnetic field on the microwave absorption of hydrogen plasma in carbon nanotubes: a numerical study

We theoretically investigate the microwave absorption properties of hydrogen plasma in iron-catalyzed high- pressure disproportionation-grown carbon nanotubes under an external static magnetic field in the frequency range 0.3 GHz to 30 GHz, using the Maxwell equations in conjunction with a general expression for the effective complex permittivity of magnetized plasma known as the Appleton Hartree formula. The effects of the external static magnetic field intensity and the incident microwave propagation direction on the microwave absorption of hydrogen plasma in CNTs are studied in detail. The numerical results indicate that the microwave absorption properties of hydrogen plasma in iron-catalyzed high-pressure disproportionation-grown carbon nanotubes can be obviously improved when the exter- nal static magnetic field is applied to the material. It is found that the specified frequency microwave can be strongly absorbed by the hydrogen plasma in iron-catalyzed high-pressure disproportionation-grown carbon nanotubes over a wide range of incidence angles by adjusting the external magnetic field intensity and the parameters of the hydrogen plasma.

Skyrmion motion induced by spin-waves on magnetic nanotubes

We investigate the skyrmion motion driven by spin waves on magnetic nanotubes through micromagnetic simulations.Our key results include demonstrating the stability and enhanced mobility of skyrmions on the edgeless nanotube geometry,which prevents destruction at boundaries—a common issue in planar geometries.We explore the influence of the damping coefficient,amplitude,and frequency of microwaves on skyrmion dynamics,revealing a non-uniform velocity profile characterized by acceleration and deceleration phases.Our results show that the skyrmion Hall effect is significantly modulated on nanotubes compared to planar models,with specific dependencies on the spin-wave parameters.These findings provide insights into skyrmion manipulation for spintronic applications,highlighting the potential for high-speed and efficient information transport in magnonic devices.

Microwave Absorption Properties of Carbon Nanotubes-Epoxy Composites in a Frequency Range of 2 - 20 GHz

In this work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-epoxy composites with MWCNTs (outer diameter less 8 nm) loadings from 1 to 10 wt% were fabricated. The microstructures, dielectric constant, and microwave absorption properties of the MWCNTs-epoxy composite samples were investigated. The measurement results showed that the microwave absorption ratio of the MWCNTs-epoxy composite strongly depend on the MWCNT loading in the composites. The microwave absorption ratio up to 20%-26% around 18-20 GHz was reached for the samples with 8-10 wt% MWCNT loadings. The high absorption performance is mainly attributed to the microwave absorption of MWCNTs and the dielectric loss of MWCNTs-epoxy composites.

Controlled thermally-driven mass transport in carbon nanotubes using carbon hoops

Controlling mass transportation using intrinsic mechanisms is a challenging topic in nanotechnology.Herein,we employ molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the mass transport inside carbon nanotubes(CNT)with temperature gradients,specifically the effects of adding a static carbon hoop to the outside of a CNT on the transport of a nanomotor inside the CNT.We reveal that the underlying mechanism is the uneven potential energy created by the hoops,i.e.,the hoop outside the CNT forms potential energy barriers or wells that affect mass transport inside the CNT.This fundamental control of directional mass transportation may lead to promising routes for nanoscale actuation and energy conversion.

Microstructure and dry sliding wear behavior of Cu-Sn alloy reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes （MWCNTs） reinforced Cu-Sn alloy based nanocomposite was developed by powder metallurgy route. The mass fraction of CNTs was varied from 0 to 2% in a step of 0.5%. The developed nanocomposites were subjected to density, hardness, electrical conductivity, and friction and wear tests. The results reveal that the density of nanocomposite decreases with the increase of the mass fraction of CNTs. A significant improvement in the hardness is noticed in the nanocomposite with the addition of CNTs. The developed nanocomposites show low coefficient of friction and improved wear resistance when compared with unreinforced alloy. At an applied load of 5 N, the coefficient of friction and wear loss of 2%CNTs reinforced Cu-Sn alloy nanocomposite decrease by 72% and 68%, respectively, compared with those of Cu-Sn alloy. The wear mechanisms of worn surfaces of the composites are reported. In addition, the electrical conductivity reduces with the increase of the content of CNTs.

Covalent organic frameworks/carbon nanotubes composite with cobalt(II)pyrimidine sites for bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis

With characteristics and advantages of functional composite materials,they are commendably adopted in numerous fields especially in oxygen electrocatalysis,which is due to the significant synergies between various components.Herein,a novel bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst(Co-CNT@COF-Pyr)has been synthesized through in-situ growth of covalent organic frameworks(COFs)layers on the outer surface of highly conductive carbon nanotubes(CNTs)followed by coordination with Co(Ⅱ).For electrocatalytic OER,Co-CNT@COF-Pyr reveals a low overpotential(438 mV)in alkaline electrolyte(1.0 M aqueous solution of KOH)with a current density of 10 mA cm^(-2),which is comparable to most discovered COF-based catalysts.For electrocatalytic ORR,CoCNT@COF-Pyr exhibits a low H_(2)O_(2) yield range(9.0%-10.1%)and a reaction pathway close to 4e^(-)(n=3.82-3.80)in alkaline electrolyte(0.1 M aqueous solution of KOH)within the test potential range of 0.1-0.6 V vs.RHE,which is superior to most reported COF-based catalysts.Hence,this research could not only offer an innovative insight into the construction of composites,but also facilitate the practical application of renewable fuel cells,closed water cycle,and rechargeable metal-air batteries.

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.

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.

Effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes on growth and physiological characteristics of Microcystis aeruginosa

In order to explore a novel and potential method using carbon nanotubes （CNTs） for controlling blue-green algal blooms efficiently in future, effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWCNTs） on Microcystis aeruginosa growth control were investigated under lab cultured conditions. Related physiological changes were tested involving several important enzyme of antioxidant defense system （superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD）, catalase （CAT）, malondiadehyde （MDA）, photosynthetic pigments, protein, soluble sugar and extracellular microcystin toxins （MC-LR））. Algal cell density was significantly inhibited by SWCNTs at high concentration （〉5.00 mg/L）, and the inhibition rate was dose-dependent. For treatment with 100 mg/L SWCNTs, the inhibitory rates even reached above 90%. 96 h IC50 was determined as 22 mg/L. Antioxidant enzyme activities were dramatically dropped with increasing lipid peroxidation at higher SWCNTs concentration, indicating intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and oxidative stress damage in algae. Reduction of photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugar and protein contents suggested that SWCNTs may severely ruin algal photosynthesis system, destroy the metabolism-related structure of cell, and thus lead to negative physiological status in M. aeruginosa. Besides, SWCNTs can effectively decrease the amount of extracellular microcystins in culture medium.

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.