Tailored SWCNT functionalization optimized for compatibility with epoxy matrices

We have modified single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with well defined matrix-based architectures to improve interface interaction in SWCNT/epoxy composites. The hardener and two pre-synthesized oligomers containing epoxy and hardener moieties were covalently attached to the SWCNT walls by in?situ diazonium or carboxylic coupling reactions. In this way, SWCNTs bearing amine or epoxide-terminated fragments of different molecular weights, which resemble the chemical structure of the cured resin, were synthesized. A combination of characterization techniques such as Raman and infrared absorption (FTIR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and coupled thermogravimetry-FTIR spectroscopy were used to identify both the functional groups and degree of functionalization of SWCNTs synthesized by the laser ablation and arc-discharge methods. Depending on the type of reaction employed for the chemical functionalization and the molecular weight of the attached fragment, it was possible to control the degree of functionalization and the electronic properties of the functionalized SWCNTs. Improved dispersion of SWCNTs in the epoxy matrix was achieved by direct integration without using solvents, as observed from optical microscopy and rheology measurements of the SWCNT/epoxy mixtures. Composite materials using these fillers are expected to exhibit improved properties while preserving the thermosetting architecture.     

单壁纳米管与对三联苯的交互作用及其束散现象

研究了单壁纳米管(SWCNT)与对三联苯(p-Terphenyl)分子的交互作用和束散现象.SWCNTs分别由电弧放电法和一氧化碳高压分解法(Hipco法)制备.比较了不同制备工艺及纯化处理后SWCNTs与p-Terphenyl交互作用及其束散程度.采用分光和显微镜等技术,探讨了SWCNTs及其与p-Terphenyl交互作用.应用X光能量消散(EDAX)技术,给出了纯化处理前后SWCNTs试样的元素分析.利用萤光分析和原子显微镜技术评估了SWCNTs交互作用及束散程度.研究显示:SWCNTs束散程度及其和p-Terphenyl交互作用的强弱与SWCNTs纯化程度有关.     

Optimization of processing parameters of the chemical vapor deposition process for synthesizing high-quality single-walled carbon nanotube fluff and roving

The use of the Taguchi method to optimize the processing parameters for the synthesis of high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in a vertical chemical vapor deposition reactor was demonstrated. An investigation containing 18 experiments featuring different parameters and levels was performed. SWCNTs with a low intensity D-band to G-band ratio of 0.027 of a Raman spectrum were obtained when the optimal processing conditions were adopted. The quantitative contribution of the processing parameters can be calculated using the analysis of variance. According to the analysis, the reactor temperature and the evaporation temperature of ferrocene significantly affect the graphitization of the synthesized SWCNTs, while the chamber pressure exerts an insignificant effect. The formation of carbon nanotube films with entangled networks during synthesis was recorded using a digital camera, and a synthesis mechanism was proposed. Using the optimal parameters, SWCNT fluff with a diameter of 7.0 cm and SWCNT roving with a diameter of approximately 1.0 cm and a length of over 30.0 cm can be attained. In this work, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were adopted to examine the morphology and microstructure, respectively.     

Titania-assisted dispersion of carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes in a ZnO sol for transparent conducting hybrid films

We report a facile chemical route for stabilizing a dispersion of carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in a ZnO sol. The dispersion is stabilized via capping of the carboxyl groups on the SWCNT surface by a titania layer, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. We also demonstrate that the conductivity of the films prepared from the SWCNT/TiO(x)/ZnO sol is dramatically enhanced by thermal treatment and that the thermal stability of the hybridized films with the ZnO sol is notably improved relative to that of a pristine SWCNT film. The structural and chemical changes of the fabricated films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy. As one application, it was presented that thermally treated SWCNT/TiO(x)/ZnO hybrid thin film sensors showed hydrogen sensing characteristics even at room temperature.     

Polydiacetylene single-walled carbon nanotubes nano-hybrid for cellular imaging applications

The functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by forming self-assembled supramolecular structure of 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) on the carbon nanotube wall is reported. PCDA assemblies on SWCNTs (PCDA/SWCNTs) were polymerized by UV irradiation to extensively conjugated polydiacetylene (PDA). PDA/SWCNT was identified by absorption and emission spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). PDA/SCWNTs showed strong near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence caused by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between PDA network and semiconducting SWCNT core. The micro-patterning of biotinylated PDA/SWCNT with FITC-avidin on biotinylated glass surface demonstrated the potential application for a bio-sensing device. Furthermore, the biocompatibility for mammalian cancer cells was tested by viability experiments, which revealed that the PDA/SWCNTs had very low toxicity below 31.3 mg/L in terms of pristine SWCNTs concentration. Also, PDA/SWCNTs inside the cells can be observed by NIR microscopy. This unique modular method of preparation can contribute to diverse functionalities for practical applications in various non-invasive cellular imaging.     

Fabrication and electrochemical behavior of single-walled carbon nanotube/graphite-based electrode

An electrochemical method for determining the dihydroxybenzene derivatives on glassy carbon (GC) has been developed. In this method, the performance of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/graphite-based electrode, prepared by mixing SWCNTs and graphite powder, was described. The resulting electrode shows an excellent behavior for redox of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DBA). SWCNT/graphite-based electrode presents a significant decrease in the overvoltage for DBA oxidation as well as a dramatic improvement in the reversibility of DBA redox behavior in comparison with graphite-based and glassy carbon (GC) electrodes. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) procedures performed for used SWCNTs.     

A simple and rapid method to graft hydroxyapatite on carbon nanotubes

Herein a simple and effective approach is introduced to functionalize single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by in-situ grafting of hydroxyapatite (HA). The pristine SWCNTs were chemically activated through introduction of carboxylic groups on their surfaces by refluxing in the mixture of H(2)SO(4) and HNO(3). The resulting carboxylated SWCNTs were further utilized for grafting of HA. The Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies demonstrated the formation of HA and its grafting over SWCNTs. The phase composition of HA and existence Ca(2+) and PO(4) (3-) ions were studied using X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analyses, respectively. The surface morphology of functionalized SWCNTs was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the existence of HA on SWCNTs by exhibiting different thermogram for pure HA and functionalized SWCNTs. Overall this method produced uniform grafting of low crystalline HA on carboxylated SWCNTs with strong interfacial bonding.     

用于制备优质单壁碳纳米管管束的MgO负载Fe3O4纳米粒子的合成

采用沉淀方法制备了直径分布狭窄的均匀Fe3O4纳米颗粒.Fe3O4纳粒形体几近一致,平均粒径为10.33 nm±2.99 nm(平均粒径±标准偏差).在超声作用下将MgO纳米颗粒分散在一定量Fe3O4纳米颗粒的水溶液中获得MgO负载Fe3O4的纳米颗粒.以甲烷为碳源,Fe3O4/MgO为催化剂,经化学气相沉积,在Fe3O4纳粒上制得了大量直径近乎均匀的单壁碳纳米管(SWCNTs)束.TEM显示:SWCNTs的平均直径1.22rm.热重分析显示:样品在400℃～600℃温度区间失重量约19％.拉曼光谱显示:SWCNTs的ID/IG的强度比为0.03,表明采用Fe3O4/MgO催化剂可制得高石墨化程度的单壁碳纳米管.     

Sonochemical preparation of silica nanorods for gene delivery using single-walled carbon nanotubes as templates

Silica nanorods were fabricated with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via ultrasound. The diameter of the resulting SWCNT-silica particles ranged from 60 to 70 nm. The morphology of this composite material was investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The individual SWCNTs are uniformly coated with silica and formed a unique nanocomposite material. The important role of ultrasound and the mechanism of silica layer formation on SWCNTs were explained via the hydrolysis of the silica source and the adsorption of the siloxane groups on the SWCNT surfaces under ultrasound irradiation. The amino-functionalized silica nanorods were demonstrated as non-viral vectors for gene delivery.     

Functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes by citric acid/oxygen plasma treatment

A safe and simple method of functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been developed, that significantly increases their dispersibility in water. SWCNTs in pure ethanol are treated with a supersonic homogenizer and dried. Then they are wetted with weak citric acid solution. Finally an RF (13.56 MHz) citric acid/oxygen plasma reaction is carried out under optimum conditions. As a result, hydrophilic functional groups attach onto the SWCNT surfaces, which enhance their dispersibility in water. The attachment of functional groups is identified by the FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The dispersibility and dispersion stability are studied by the precipitation tests, UV-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These functionalized SWCNTs are expected to be used in various applications.     

Solvent Effects on Polymer Sorting of Carbon Nanotubes with Applications in Printed Electronics

Regioregular poly(3‐alkylthiophene) (P3AT) polymers have been previously reported for the selective, high‐yield dispersion of semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in toluene. Here, five alternative solvents are investigated, namely, tetrahydrofuran, decalin, tetralin, m‐xylene, and o‐xylene, for the dispersion of SWCNTs by poly(3‐dodecylthiophene) P3DDT. The dispersion yield could be increased to over 40% using decalin or o‐xylene as the solvents while maintaining high selectivity towards semiconducting SWCNTs. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in explicit solvents are used to explain the improved sorting yield. In addition, a general mechanism is proposed to explain the selective dispersion of semiconducting SWCNTs by conjugated polymers. The possibility to perform selective sorting of semiconducting SWCNTs using various solvents provides a greater diversity of semiconducting SWCNT ink properties, such as boiling point, viscosity, and surface tension as well as toxicity. The efficacy of these new semiconducting SWCNT inks is demonstrated by using the high boiling point and high viscosity solvent tetralin for inkjet‐printed transistors, where solvent properties are more compatible with the inkjet printing head and improved droplet formation.     

Enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of the TiO2 /ITO nanocomposites grown onto single-walled carbon nanotubes at a low temperature by nanocluster deposition

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is used to observe a TiO2/ITO-coated composite nanostructure grown onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The SWCNTs, indium tin oxide (ITO), and TiO2 mixtures of anatase (A) and rutile (R) are clearly distinguished in the HRTEM images. The thickness of the SWCNT was about 3 nm, and the TiO2 shell included different polycrystalline structures.     

Highly conductive interwoven carbon nanotube and silver nanowire transparent electrodes

Abstract

Electrodes fabricated using commercially available silver nanowires (AgNWs) and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) produced sheet resistances in the range 4–24 Ω □^?1 with specular transparencies up to 82 %. Increasing the aqueous dispersibility of SWCNTs decreased the bundle size present in the film resulting in improved SWCNT surface dispersion in the films without compromising transparency or sheet resistance. In addition to providing conduction pathways between the AgNW network, the SWCNTs also provide structural support, creating stable self-supporting films. Entanglement of the AgNWs and SWCNTs was demonstrated to occur in solution prior to deposition by monitoring the transverse plasmon resonance mode of the AgNWs during processing. The interwoven AgNW/SWCNT structures show potential for use in optoelectronic applications as transparent electrodes and as an ITO replacement.     

The effect of pH on the functionalization of nylon fabric with carbon nanotubes

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were dispersed in water and attached to nylon fabrics by a dip-drying procedure; scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy suggest the attachment of the SWCNTs. The electrical resistance of the functionalized fabrics is found to be pH-dependent, which is correlated with the quantity of SWCNTs dispersed in water at different values of pH. This can be further ascribed to the influence of the pK(a) of the acid (e.g., acetic acid in this study) used to tune pH. The acid may affect the dispersion of SWCNTs through two different mechanisms: (1) the free protons may protonate the amine and/or sulfonate group in the dye molecules, resulting in a variety of interactions among the dye molecules, SWCNTs and water molecules and (2) the resulting ions may increase the ionic strength of the solution, compressing the electric double layers of SWCNT colloids and thus impairing their stability. The former possibility is ruled out by data obtained using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible-near infrared spectroscopy; thus the latter is proposed to account for the experimental results. The colour strength of the functionalized fabrics increases with increasing pH, which is in agreement with their measured electrical properties.     

The dispersion of SWCNTs treated by dispersing agents in glass fiber reinforced polymer composites

It is an obstacle issue for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) particularly for single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with nano-level dispersion in fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. In this paper, the dispersing agents such as Volan and BYK-9076 were employed to treat SWCNTs to improve their dispersion in the glass fiber/epoxy (GF/EP) composites. The dispersing results of SWCNTs in composites were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then the glass transition temperature (T_g) of these kinds of composites with treated and untreated SWCNTs were obtained by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Moreover, the flexural tests were performed on these composites. Based on the experiment results, the dispersion of SWCNTs was improved and the flexural property of SWCNTs/GF/EP composite was enhanced too.     

Imaging conduction pathways in carbon nanotube network transistors by voltage-contrast scanning electron microscopy

The performance of field-effect transistors based on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) networks depends on the electrical percolation of semiconducting and metallic nanotube pathways within the network. We present voltage-contrast scanning electron microscopy (VC-SEM) as a new tool for imaging percolation in a SWCNT network with nano-scale resolution. Under external bias, the secondary-electron contrast of SWCNTs depends on their conductivity, and therefore it is possible to image the preferred conduction pathways within a network by following the contrast evolution under bias in a scanning electron microscope. The experimental VC-SEM results are correlated to percolation models of SWCNT-bundle networks.     

Preparation of properties of SWNT/graphene oxide type flexible transparent conductive films

Single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/graphene oxide (GO) hybrid films were prepared by a facile bar coating method on a polyethylene terephthalate substrate using a mixed solution of SWCNTs and GO. An acryl type polymer was employed as a dispersion agent to obtain SWCNT and GO suspension in ethyl alcohol. The SWCNT/GO hybrid films were highly transparent and electrically conductive, showing 80% transmittance and 1.8 x 10(3) ohm/sq surface resistance. The surface resistance of the SWCNT/GO film could be further improved to 750 ohm/sq by hydrazine vapor reduction.     

Comparative analysis of electronic properties of tin,gallium, and bismuth chalcogenide-filled single-walled carbon nanotubes

In the present work, the channels of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were filled with tin sulfide (SnS), gallium telluride (GaTe), and bismuth selenide (Bi₂Se₃). The successful encapsulation of the compounds was proven by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electronic properties of the filled SWCNTs were studied by optical absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the embedded metal chalcogenides have different influence on the electronic properties of the nanotubes. The incorporation of tin sulfide into the SWCNTs does not result in sufficient changes in the electronic structure of SWCNTs, except for a minor influence on metallic nanotubes. The filling of SWCNTs with gallium telluride causes the charge transfer from the SWCNT walls to the encapsulated compound due to acceptor doping of the nanotubes. The insertion of bismuth selenide inside the SWCNT channels does not lead to the modification of the electronic properties of nanotubes.     

A facile, one-step nanocarbon functionalization for biomedical applications

Despite their immense potential in biomedicine, carbon nanomaterials suffer from inefficient dispersion and biological activity in vivo. Here we utilize a single, yet multifunctional, hyaluronic acid-based biosurfactant to simultaneously disperse nanocarbons and target single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to CD44 receptor positive tumor cells with prompt uptake. Cellular uptake was monitored by intracellular enzyme-activated fluorescence, and localization of SWCNTs within cells was further confirmed by Raman mapping. In vivo photoacoustic, fluorescence, and positron emission tomography imaging of coated SWCNTs display high tumor targeting capability while providing long-term, fluorescence molecular imaging of targeted enzyme events. By utilizing a single biomaterial surfactant for SWCNT dispersion without additional bioconjugation, we designed a facile technique that brings nanocarbons closer to their biomedical potential.     

Reactive fillers based on SWCNTs functionalized with matrix-based moieties for the production of epoxy composites with superior and tunable properties

Composite materials based on epoxy matrix and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are able to exhibit outstanding improvements in physical properties when using a tailored covalent functionalization with matrix-based moieties containing terminal amines or epoxide rings. The proper choice of grafted moiety and integration protocol makes it feasible to tune the composite physical properties. At 0.5 wt% SWCNT loading, these composites exhibit up to 65% improvement in storage modulus, 91% improvement in tensile strength, and 65% improvement in toughness. A 15?°C increase in the glass transition temperature relative to the parent matrix was also achieved. This suggests that a highly improved interfacial bonding between matrix and filler, coupled to improved dispersion, are achieved. The degradation temperatures show an upshift in the range of 40-60?°C, which indicates superior thermal performance. Electrical conductivity ranges from ~10(-13) to ~10(-3) S cm(-1), which also shows the possibility of tuning the insulating or conductive behaviour of the composites. The chemical affinity of the functionalization moieties with the matrix and the unchanged molecular structure at the SWCNT/matrix interface are responsible for such improvements.