Featuring exceptional mechanical and functional performance, MWCNTs and graphene(nano)platelets(GNPs or Gn Ps;each platelet below 10 nm in thickness) have been increasingly used for the development of polymer nanocomp...Featuring exceptional mechanical and functional performance, MWCNTs and graphene(nano)platelets(GNPs or Gn Ps;each platelet below 10 nm in thickness) have been increasingly used for the development of polymer nanocomposites. Since MWCNTs are now cost-effective at US$30 per kg for industrial applications, this work starts by briefly reviewing the disentanglement and surface modification of MWCNTs as well as the properties of the resulting polymer nanocomposites. GNPs can be made through the thermal treatment of graphite intercalation compounds followed by ultrasonication;GNPs would have lower cost yet higher electrical conductivity over 1,400 S cmthan MWCNTs. Through proper surface modification and compounding techniques, both types of fillers can reinforce or toughen polymers and simultaneously add anti-static performance. A high ratio of MWCNTs to GNPs would increase the synergy for polymers. Green, solvent-free systhesis methods are desired for polymer nanocomposites. Perspectives on the limitations, current challenges and future prospects are provided.展开更多
Throughout human history,our fundamental reliance on the sun has been evident in various activities,including farming,herding,fishing and hunting.Architectural designs have been profoundly influenced by the necessity ...Throughout human history,our fundamental reliance on the sun has been evident in various activities,including farming,herding,fishing and hunting.Architectural designs have been profoundly influenced by the necessity to maximize sunlight intake,which is exemplified by the traditional Chinese architectural principle of“facing south with the back to the north”.This orientation promotes solar gain during cold months,enhancing the thermal efficiency of homes.Moreover,the introduction of glass in the building construction has marked a significant advancement,which has enabled the effective utilization of natural light while providing protection from certain weather conditions such as wind and rain.As science and technology progress,solar energy is increasingly recognised as a plentiful and environmentally friendly source of energy,both renewable and devoid of pollution[1].展开更多
In recent years, researchers have paid increasing attention tothe use of radiation cooling textiles for maintaining human thermal comfort. Radiation cooling can achieve effective cooling without energy consumption by ...In recent years, researchers have paid increasing attention tothe use of radiation cooling textiles for maintaining human thermal comfort. Radiation cooling can achieve effective cooling without energy consumption by emitting heat into cold outer spacethrough an atmospheric transparent window (ATW, 8–13 lm)while reflecting solar irradiance in the solar region (0.3–2.5 lm)[1]. For example, Zeng et al. [2] reported a layered morphologyradiation-cooled textile composed of TiO2/polylactic acid and polytetrafluoroethylene. This design offers optimal mechanicalstrength, waterproofing and breathability, while enabling spectralmodulation within the 0.3–2.5 lm wavelength range and ensuringefficient radiative cooling. Yang et al. [3] developed a SiO2 microsphere-modified fabric film with shish-kebab structure. This fabricfilm exhibits high emissivity within the atmospheric window andstrong reflectivity to solar radiation, resulting in exceptional cooling properties for both indoor and outdoor applications. A key concern is that these radiation cooling textiles are typically appliedhorizontally, where they demonstrate effective cooling in sunny,unobstructed environments. However, their effectiveness may belimited in more complex real-world applications.展开更多
Additive manufacturing has rapidly evolved over recent years with the advent of polymer inks and those inks containing novel nanomaterials.The compatibility of polymer inks with nanomaterial inks remains a great chall...Additive manufacturing has rapidly evolved over recent years with the advent of polymer inks and those inks containing novel nanomaterials.The compatibility of polymer inks with nanomaterial inks remains a great challenge.Simple yet effective methods for interface improvement are highly sought-after to significantly enhance the functional and mechanical properties of printed polymer nanocomposites.In this study,we developed and modified a Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene ink with a siloxane surfactant to provide compatibility with a polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)matrix.The rheology of all the inks was investigated with parameters such as complex modulus and viscosity,confirming a self-supporting ink behaviour,whilst Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy exposed the inks’reaction mechanisms.The modified MXene nanosheets have displayed strong interactions with PDMS over a wide strain amplitude.An electrical conductivity of 6.14×10^(−2) S cm^(−1) was recorded for a stretchable nanocomposite conductor containing the modified MXene ink.The nanocomposite revealed a nearly linear stress-strain relationship and a maximum stress of 0.25 MPa.Within 5%strain,the relative resistance change remained below 35%for up to 100 cycles,suggesting high flexibility,conductivity and mechanical resilience.This study creates a pathway for 3D printing conductive polymer/nanomaterial inks for multifunctional applications such as stretchable electronics and sensors.展开更多
基金financial support by the Australian Research Council (LP180100005 & DP200101737)。
文摘Featuring exceptional mechanical and functional performance, MWCNTs and graphene(nano)platelets(GNPs or Gn Ps;each platelet below 10 nm in thickness) have been increasingly used for the development of polymer nanocomposites. Since MWCNTs are now cost-effective at US$30 per kg for industrial applications, this work starts by briefly reviewing the disentanglement and surface modification of MWCNTs as well as the properties of the resulting polymer nanocomposites. GNPs can be made through the thermal treatment of graphite intercalation compounds followed by ultrasonication;GNPs would have lower cost yet higher electrical conductivity over 1,400 S cmthan MWCNTs. Through proper surface modification and compounding techniques, both types of fillers can reinforce or toughen polymers and simultaneously add anti-static performance. A high ratio of MWCNTs to GNPs would increase the synergy for polymers. Green, solvent-free systhesis methods are desired for polymer nanocomposites. Perspectives on the limitations, current challenges and future prospects are provided.
基金supported by the Australian Research Council(LP200100617 and DP220103275)。
文摘Throughout human history,our fundamental reliance on the sun has been evident in various activities,including farming,herding,fishing and hunting.Architectural designs have been profoundly influenced by the necessity to maximize sunlight intake,which is exemplified by the traditional Chinese architectural principle of“facing south with the back to the north”.This orientation promotes solar gain during cold months,enhancing the thermal efficiency of homes.Moreover,the introduction of glass in the building construction has marked a significant advancement,which has enabled the effective utilization of natural light while providing protection from certain weather conditions such as wind and rain.As science and technology progress,solar energy is increasingly recognised as a plentiful and environmentally friendly source of energy,both renewable and devoid of pollution[1].
文摘In recent years, researchers have paid increasing attention tothe use of radiation cooling textiles for maintaining human thermal comfort. Radiation cooling can achieve effective cooling without energy consumption by emitting heat into cold outer spacethrough an atmospheric transparent window (ATW, 8–13 lm)while reflecting solar irradiance in the solar region (0.3–2.5 lm)[1]. For example, Zeng et al. [2] reported a layered morphologyradiation-cooled textile composed of TiO2/polylactic acid and polytetrafluoroethylene. This design offers optimal mechanicalstrength, waterproofing and breathability, while enabling spectralmodulation within the 0.3–2.5 lm wavelength range and ensuringefficient radiative cooling. Yang et al. [3] developed a SiO2 microsphere-modified fabric film with shish-kebab structure. This fabricfilm exhibits high emissivity within the atmospheric window andstrong reflectivity to solar radiation, resulting in exceptional cooling properties for both indoor and outdoor applications. A key concern is that these radiation cooling textiles are typically appliedhorizontally, where they demonstrate effective cooling in sunny,unobstructed environments. However, their effectiveness may belimited in more complex real-world applications.
基金This work was financially supported by Australian Research Council(No.DP220103275)Research Hub for Graphene Enabled Industry Transformation(No.IH150100003).
文摘Additive manufacturing has rapidly evolved over recent years with the advent of polymer inks and those inks containing novel nanomaterials.The compatibility of polymer inks with nanomaterial inks remains a great challenge.Simple yet effective methods for interface improvement are highly sought-after to significantly enhance the functional and mechanical properties of printed polymer nanocomposites.In this study,we developed and modified a Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene ink with a siloxane surfactant to provide compatibility with a polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)matrix.The rheology of all the inks was investigated with parameters such as complex modulus and viscosity,confirming a self-supporting ink behaviour,whilst Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy exposed the inks’reaction mechanisms.The modified MXene nanosheets have displayed strong interactions with PDMS over a wide strain amplitude.An electrical conductivity of 6.14×10^(−2) S cm^(−1) was recorded for a stretchable nanocomposite conductor containing the modified MXene ink.The nanocomposite revealed a nearly linear stress-strain relationship and a maximum stress of 0.25 MPa.Within 5%strain,the relative resistance change remained below 35%for up to 100 cycles,suggesting high flexibility,conductivity and mechanical resilience.This study creates a pathway for 3D printing conductive polymer/nanomaterial inks for multifunctional applications such as stretchable electronics and sensors.
