Electroless deposition of Cu on multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Copper has been deposited on the surface of multiwailed carbon nanombes （MWNTs） and inside MWNTs by electroless deposition. The as-prepared Cu-MWNT composite materials have been characterized by X-ray diffractometer （XRD）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, and electrochemical measurement. XRD analyses showed that Cu was a face-centered cubic （fcc） structure. The average size of Cu was calculated by Scherrer＇s formula from XRD data, and it was 11 nm. TEM revealed that Cu grains on the surface of MWNTs were uniform with the sizes of about 30-60 nm. The electrochemical measurement indicated that Cu-MWNT composite materials possessed fine electron conductivity.

New modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes paste electrode for electrocatalytic oxidation and determination of warfarin in biological and pharmaceutical samples

A novel sensor for the determination of warfarin based on a simple and sensitive method was developed on multiwalled-carbon-nanotube modified ZnCrFeO4 carbon paste electrodes（MWCNT/ZnCrFeO4/CPEs）. Cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of warfarin at the chemically modified electrode. According to the results, MWCNT/ZnCrFeO4/CPEs showed high electrocatalytic activity for warfarin oxidation, producing a sharp oxidation peak current at about ＋0.97 vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode at pH = 4.0. The peak current was linearly dependent on warfarin concentration over the range of 0.02–920.0 μmol/L with a detection limit of 0.003 μmol/L. In addition, chronoamperometry was also used to determine warfarin＇s catalytic rate constant and diffusion coefficient at MWCNT/ZnCrFeO4/CPEs.

Sensitive determination of fenpropathrin,cyhalothrin and deltamethrin in environmental water samples using multiwalled carbon nanotubes cartridge prior to HPLC

This paper described a new method for the trace determination of fenpropathrin, cyhalothrin and deltamethrin using multiwalled carbon nanotubes （MWCNTs） cartridge. Important parameters, such as the sample pH, eluent and its volume, sample flow rate and sample volume were investigated in detail. The linear ranges, the detection limits, and precisions （R.S.D.） were in the range of 0.1- 40 μg L^-11, 1.34.3 ng L^-1 and 2.3-2.8%, respectively. The performance of the proposed method was validated with real water samples, and the spiked recoveries were in the range of 91.7-117.8%, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method was an excellent alternative for the routine analysis of such pollutants in environmental samples. 2007 Qing Xiang Zhou. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Photoluminescence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes excited at different wavelengths

In this paper the multiwalled carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） were synthesized by a chemical vapour deposition and the SEM graph shows that the sample has good construction. The micro-Raman spectrum shows the characteristic line of the MWNTs and an additional line produced by the defects on the outer surface of MWNTs. The photoluminescence （PL） spectra observed experimentally are variable under different excitation wavelengths and the strong excitation wavelength dependence of luminescence indicates a distribution of emitters which include electron π in excited states and the Van Hove singularities. The absorption spectra confirm the transition channels which are consistent with the PL emission.

Self-Decoration of PtNi Alloy Nanoparticles on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Highly Efficient Methanol Electro-Oxidation

A simple one-pot method was developed to prepare Pt Ni alloy nanoparticles,which can be self-decorated on multiwalled carbon nanotubes in [BMIm][BF4] ionic liquid.The nanohybrids are targeting stable nanocatalysts for fuel cell applications.The sizes of the supported Pt Ni nanoparticles are uniform and as small as 1–2 nm.Pt-to-Ni ratio was controllable by simply selecting a Pt Ni alloy target.The alloy nanoparticles with Pt-to-Ni ratio of 1:1 show high catalytic activity and stability for methanol electro-oxidation.The performance is much higher compared with those of both Pt-only nanoparticles and commercial Pt/C catalyst.The electronic structure characterization on the Pt Ni nanoparticles demonstrates that the electrons are transferred from Ni to Pt,which can suppress the CO poisoning effect.

New amperometric glucose biosensor by entrapping glucose oxidase into chitosan/nanoporous ZrO_2/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite film

A new nanocomposite material for construction of glucose biosensor was prepared. The biosensor was formed by entrapping glucose oxidase(Gox) into chitosan/nanoporous ZrO2/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite film. In this biosensing thin film, the multiwalled carbon nanotubes can effectively catalyze hydrogen peroxide and nanoporous ZrO2 can enhance the stability of the immobilized enzyme. The resulting biosensor provides a very effective matrix for the immobilization of glucose oxidase and exhibits a wide linear response range from 8 μmol/L to 3 mmol/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.994 for the detection of glucose. And the response time and detection limit of the biosensor are determined to be 6 s and 3.5 μmol/L, respectively. Another attractive characteristic is that the biosensor is inexpensive, stable and reliable.

Laccase biosensor using magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes and chitosan/silica hybrid membrane modified magnetic carbon paste electrode

A simple and rapid strategy to construct laccase biosensor for determination of catechol was investigated. Magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MMCNT) which possess excellent capability of electron transfer were prepared by chemical coprecipitation method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to identify its surfacetopography and magnetization, respectively. Laccase was immobilized on the MMCNT modified magnetic carbon paste electrode by the aid of chitosan/silica (CS) hybrid membrane. Using current-time detection method, the biosensor shows a linear response related to the concentration of catechol in the range from 10-7 to 0.165×10-3 mol/L. The corresponding detection limit is 3.34×10-8 mol/L based on signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) ≥3 under the optimized conditions. In addition, its response current retains 90% of the original after being stored for 45 d. The results indicate that this proposed strategy can be expected to develop other enzyme-based biosensors.

The Use of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Mini Column for Preconcentration of Trace Metal Ions in Tap Water of Khartoum City and Their Determination by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry （FAAS）

The adsorption behavior of multiwalled carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） toward heavy elements has been investigated systemically, and a new method has been developed for the determination of trace elements in water samples based on preconcentration with mini-column packed with MWNTs prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry （FAAS） The recommended parameters of proposed method influencing the preconcentration of the analytes, such as pH of the sample, sample flow rate and volume, elute solution and interfering ions, have been used. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration graphs were linear with the correlation coefficient range 0.9981-0.9995. According to the results, the metals were found 0.019-0.051, 0.011-0.031, 0.00-0.081, 0.00-0.0002, 0.007-0.0925, 0.00-0.0104 μg/L in water samples for Pb, Mn, Zn, Cd, Fe, Cu respectively. The percentage relative standard deviation （%RSD） for five replicate samples were 〈 5% in all cases. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of trace elements in some environmental samples with satisfactory results.

Determination of Pb, Cr, Ni and Mn in Tap Water of Riyadh Metropolitan City Using ICP-MS after Preconcentration with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

The determination of toxic metals in water using multiwalled carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） as a solid-phase extraction adsorbent prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （ICP-MS） has been investigated. Standard addition method was applied for the calibration using aqueous solutions. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） absorb these metals at pH 8.0, HNO3 of 1.0 mol-Ll is used for complete elusion of these metals from MWNTs. Previously investigated parameters have been applied for the determination of Pb, Cr, Ni and Mn in tap water samples. Fifteen tap water samples from different locations of Riyadh metropolitan area have been determined by ICP-MS after preconcentration with MWNTs.

Determination of isoproterenol in pharmaceutical and biological samples using a pyrogallol red multiwalled carbon nanotube paste electrode as a sensor

Isoproterenol （ISPR） is an important catecholamine‐based drug that is widely used in the treatment of heart disease. However, overdose of this drug is very dangerous to the human body. In this study, a new sensor based on a pyrogallol red modified‐multiwalled carbon nanotube paste electrode （PGRMMWCNTPE） was prepared and used for high sensitivity determination of ISPR in aqueous solution. Electrocatalytic oxidation of ISPR at the PGRMMWCNTPE was investigated by chronoam‐perometry, cyclic voltammetry, and square‐wave voltammetry. The values of the catalytic rate con‐stant, electron transfer coefficient, and diffusion coefficient for ISPR oxidation were then calculated using voltammetric data. A linear calibration curve was constructed for ISPR concentration in the range 0.8–570μmol/L with a detection limit of 0.47μmol/L ISPR. The sensor was then applied to the determination of ISPR in urine and drug samples with satisfactory results.

Electrochemical Determination of Reduced Glutathione at Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Poly(bromocresol green) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A multiwalled carbon nanotubes/poly(bromocresol green) modfied glassy carbon electrode (MWNTs-PBG/GCE) was used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of reduced glutathione(GSH). GSH showed an irreversible oxidation process on MWNTs-PBG/GCE with an oxidation peak at 0.77 V(vs. SCE) in a phosphate buffer solution(pH=4.0). The kinetic parameters of the electrochemical behavior of GSH on MWNTs-PBG/GCE were calculated. Under the optimal conditions and with the help of amperometric method, a linear relationship was obtained between the oxidation peak current and GSH concentration in the range from 2×10-7 mol/L to 5×10-6 mol/L with the detection limit as 1×10-8 mol/L(signal-to-noise ratio of 3). The current reached the steady-state current within about 5 s. The modified electrode surface had very good reproducibility and stability.

Highly conjugated water soluble CdSe quantum dots to multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Highly conjugated multiwalled carbon nanotube-quantum dot heterojunctions were synthesized by ethylene carbodiimide coupling procedure. The functional multiwalled carbon nanotube with carboxylic groups on sidewall could react with the amino group of L-cysteine capped CdSe quantum dots and then resulted in nanotube-quantum dot heterojunctions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the heterojunctions.

Development of a reversed dispersive based graphene functionalized with multiwalled carbon nanotubes for detection ofβ2-agonists in pork by high-performance liquid chromatography

A reliable and inexpensive pretreatment procedure in the determination ofβ2-agonists in pork was developped.The procedure used a nanocomposite of multiwalled carbon nanotubes(CNTs)functionalized with graphene(rGO)as the reversed dispersive sorbent.It was analyzed after purification by highperformance liquid chromatography,the extraction time and the properties of the nanocomposite were optimized.Under optimized conditions,present method has linear response over concentration range of 0.5–50 ng/mL in pork samples with a satisfactory detection limit close to 0.1 ng/mL.The precisions of the current method(coefficient of variation)are lower than 5%,while recoveries are more than 98.3%.The nanocomposite exhibited high adsorptivity,long-term storage stability,satisfactory anti-interfering activity and high selectivity toward2-agonists compared with those of rGO and CNTs.

Determination of Fe, Cu, and Zn in Water Samples by Microcolumn Packed with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as a Solid Phase Extraction Adsorbent Using ICP-MS

The heavy metals determination in tap water samples using microcolumn packed with multiwalled carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） as a solid-phase extraction adsorbent before to their determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （ICP-MS） has been studied. Standard addition method was applied for the calibration using aqueous solutions. The metals ions absorption were achieved by multiwalled carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） at pH 8.0, and then these retained metals on MWNTs column were eluted by 1.0 mol.L^-1 HNO3. The analytical parameters for the determination ofFe, Cu, and Zn in tap water samples which have been investigated previously were applied. Fifteen tap water samples were collected from different locations of Riyadh metropolitan area and then determined the concentration ofFe, Cu, and Zn by ICP-MS after preconcentration with MWNTs. The concentration range for Fe, Cu, and Zn measured （μg/L） in water samples are 23.37-137.91, 2.12-121.36, and 14.43-202.47 respectively. The level of Fe exceeded the limits set by WHO and SASO for drinking water.

Nanostructured multilayer thin films of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/gold nanoparticles/glutathione for the electrochemical detection of dopamine

In the present study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes（MWCNTs）, gold nanoparticles（AuN Ps）, and glutathione（GSH） were used to fabricate multilayer nanoscale thin films. The composite thin films were fabricated by layer-by-layer technique as the films were constructed by the alternate deposition of cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes. The MWCNTs were modified via a noncovalent surface modification method using poly（diallydimethylammonium chloride） to form a cationic polyelectrolyte. An anionic polyelectrolyte was prepared by the chemical reduction of HAuCl_4 using sodium citrate as both the stabilizing and reducing agent to form anionic AuN Ps. GSH was used as an electrocatalyst toward the electro-oxidation of dopamine. The constructed composite electrode exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity toward dopamine with a short response time and a wide linear range from 1 to 100 mmol/L. The limits of detection and quantitation of dopamine are（0.316 ± 0.081） mmol/L and（1.054 ± 0.081） mmol/L, respectively. The method is satisfactorily applied for the determination of dopamine in plasma and urine samples to obtain the recovery in the range from 97.90% to 105.00%.

Development of Chitosan/Poly(L-Lactide)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

This work focuses to improve the mechanical properties and investigates the growth of osteoblasts on a degradable chitosan/poly(L-lactide)/carbon nanotubes composite for tissue engineering. The morphological and mechanical properties characterizations were performed using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and rheometrics analysis system (RSA). Osteoblasts differentiation was determined by alkaline phosphatase activity, total number cells by an Alamar Blue assay, cell attachment and proliferation were visualized qualitatively using SEM, mineralization was characterized by transformed infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results suggest that the chitosan/poly(L-lactide)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composites exhibit the ability to promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on their surface.

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.

Formation of willow leaf-like structures composed of NH2-MIL68（In） on a multifunctional multiwalled carbon nanotube backbone for enhanced photocatalytic reduction of Cr（VI）

Efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated electron/hole as well as enhanced visible light absorption play essential roles in photocatalytic reactions. To promote the photocatalytic reduction of Cr（VI）, a toxic heavy metal ion, multiwalled carbon nanotube （MWCNT） was introduced as an electron acceptor into NH2-MIL-68（In）. This led to the growth of a willow leaf-like metal-organic framework （MOF） on an MWCNT backbone forming MWCNT/NH2-MIL-68（In） （PL-1）, which showed a highly efficient transfer of photogenerated carriers. Moreover, MWCNT incorporation introduced more mesopores for Cr（VI） diffusion and enhanced the visible light adsorption without lowering the conduction band position. As a result, the photocatalytic kinetic constant of PL-1 was found to be almost three times higher than that of the parent NH2-MIL-68（In）. Thus, growing MOFs on MWCNTs provides a facile and promising solution for effective remediation of environmental pollution by utilizing solar energy. This work provides the first example of using MWCNT/MOF composites for photocatalytic reactions.

Effects of Electrically Inert Fillers on the Properties of Poly(m-xylene adipamide)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites

The effects of three types of electrically-inert fillers, calcium carbonate （CaCO_3）, talc and glass fiber （GF）, on electrical resistivity, crystallization behavior and dynamic mechanical properties of poly（m-xylene adipamide） （MXD6）/multiwalled carbon nanotube （MWCNT） composites are investigated. The electrical resistivity of MXD6/MWCNT composites is significantly reduced with the addition of inert fillers due to the volume-exclusion effect that leads to increased effective concentration of MWCNTs in MXD6 matrix and also due to improved MWCNT dispersion. The crystallization temperature of MXD6 increases with the addition of MWCNTs, indicating that MWCNTs can act as nucleating agent and induce crystallization of MXD6. The incorporation of inert fillers has no further effect on crystallization behavior of MXD6, but significantly improves the storage modulus of MXD6/MWCNT composite, demonstrating that CaCO_3, talc and GF filled MXD6/MWCNT composites are very promising materials with not only improved electrical property but also excellent mechanical properties.

Phosphine functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes:A new adsorbent for the removal of nickel from aqueous solution

Synthesised triphenylphosphine-linked multiwalled carbon nanotubes （Tpp-MWCNTs） were used to study the adsorption of nickel in aqueous solutions and their adsorption capabilities were compared with purified MWCNTs.The adsorption capacity increased with an increase in pH for all adsorbents.The adsorption equilibrium was reached in 40 and 30 min for purified MWCNTs and Tpp-MWCNTs,respectively.Both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms used to investigate the adsorption process fitted the experimental data well with the correlation coefficient R 2 close to 1 for all adsorbents.On the other hand,the experimental data fitted well with a pseudo secondorder model.The speciation of nickel also influenced the adsorption on the purified and Tpp-MWCNTs.The adsorbents used in this study showed superior adsorption capacity when compared to other adsorbents reported in the literature.