sp^(3)-like defect structure of hetero graphene-carbon nanotubes for promoting carrier transfer and stability

Three-dimensional(3 D) hybrid of nanocarbons is a very promising way to the high-performance design of electrocatalysis materials.However,sp^(3)-like defect structure,a combination of high strength and conduction of graphene and carbon nanotubes(CNTs) is rarely reported.Herein,3 D neural-like hybrids of graphene(from reduced graphene oxide) and carbon nanotubes(CNTs) have been integrated via sp^(3)-like defect structure by a hydrothermal approach.The sp^(3)-like defect structure endows 3 D nanocarbon hybrids with an enhanced carrier transfer,high structural stability,and electrocatalytic durability.The neural-like structure is shown to demonstrate a cascade effect of charges and significant performances regarding bio-electrocatalysis and lithium-sulfur energy storage.The concept and mechanism of "sp^(3)-like defect structure" are proposed at an atomic/nanoscale to clarify the generation of rational structure as well as the cascade electron transfer.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor based on a graphene-carbon nanotube-polydimethylsiloxane composite

Flexible sensors are used widely in wearable devices, specifically flexible piezoresistive sensors, which are common and easy to manipulate.However, fabricating such sensors is expensive and complex, so proposed here is a simple fabrication approach involving a sensor containing microstructures replicated from a sandpaper template onto which polydimethylsiloxane containing a mixture of graphene and carbon nanotubes is spin coated. The surface morphologies of three versions of the sensor made using different grades of sandpaper are observed, and the corresponding pressure sensitivities and linearity and hysteresis characteristics are assessed and analyzed. The results show that the sensor made using 80-mesh sandpaper has the best sensing performance. Its sensitivity is 0.341 kPa-1in the loading range of 0–1.6 kPa, it responds to small external loading of 100 Pa with a resistance change of 10%, its loading and unloading response times are 0.126 and 0.2 s, respectively,and its hysteresis characteristic is ~7%, indicating that the sensor has high sensitivity, fast response, and good stability. Thus, the presented piezoresistive sensor is promising for practical applications in flexible wearable electronics.

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.

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.

Vibration of black phosphorus nanotubes via orthotropic cylindrical shell model

Black phosphorus nanotubes(BPNTs)may have good properties and potential applications.Determining thevibration property of BPNTs is essential for gaining insight into the mechanical behaviour of BPNTs and designingoptimized nanodevices.In this paper,the mechanical behaviour and vibration property of BPNTs are studied viaorthotropic cylindrical shell model and molecular dynamics(MD)simulation.The vibration frequencies of twochiral BPNTs are analysed systematically.According to the results of MD calculations,it is revealed that thenatural frequencies of two BPNTs with approximately equal sizes are unequal at each order,and that the naturalfrequencies of armchair BPNTs are higher than those of zigzag BPNTs.In addition,an armchair BPNTs witha stable structure is considered as the object of research,and the vibration frequencies of BPNTs of differentsizes are analysed.When comparing the MD results,it is found that both the isotropic cylindrical shell modeland orthotropic cylindrical shell model can better predict the thermal vibration of the lower order modes of thelonger BPNTs better.However,for the vibration of shorter and thinner BPNTs,the prediction of the orthotropiccylindrical shell model is obviously superior to the isotropic shell model,thereby further proving the validity ofthe shell model that considers orthotropic for BPNTs.

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.

Morphology Control of TiO_(2)Nanotubes towards High-Efficient Electrodes for Supercapacitor

This article studies the role of electrochemical parameters in controlling the morphology of oxidized TiO_(2)nanotubes and the electrochemical performance of modified TiO_(2)nanotubes.Humidity is a key factor for fabricating TiO_(2)nanotubes.When the relative humidity belows 70%,the TiO_(2)nanotubes can be successfully prepared.What's more,by changing the anodization voltage and time,the diameter and the length of TiO_(2)nanotubes can be adjusted.In addition,the TiO_(2)nanotubes are modified through electrochemical self-doping and loading Pt metal particles on the surface of the nanotubes,which promotes the performance of the supercapacitor.The sample anodized at 100 V for 3 h has a specific capacity of up to 2.576 mF/cm~2 at a scan rate of 100 mV/s after self-doping,and its capacity retention rate still remains at 89.55%after 5000 cycles,demonstrating excellent cycling stability.The Pt-modified sample has a specific capacity of up to 3.486 mF/cm~2 at the same scan rate,exhibiting more outstanding electrochemical performance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fabrication and photodegradation properties of TiO_2 nanotubes on porous Ti by anodization

Both Ti foil and porous Ti were anodized in 0.5%HF and in ethylene glycol electrolyte containing 0.5%NH4F(mass fraction) separately. The results show that TiO2 nanotubes can be formed on Ti foil by both processes, whereas TiO2 nanotubes can be formed on porous Ti only in the second process. The overhigh current density led to the failure of the formation nanotubes on porous Ti in 0.5%HF electrolyte. TiO2 nanotubes were characterized by SEM and XRD. TiO2 nanotubes on porous Ti were thinner than those on Ti foil. Anatase was formed when TiO2 nanotubes were annealed at 400 °C and fully turned into rutile at 700 °C. To obtain good photodegradation, the optimal heat treatment temperature of TiO2 nanotubes was 450 °C. The porosity of the substrates influenced photodegradation properties. TiO2 nanotubes on porous Ti with 60% porosity had the best photodegradation.