Covalent Surface Chemistry of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes

In this review article, we explore covalent chemical strategies for the functionalization of carbon‐nanotube surfaces. In recent years, nanotubes have been treated as chemical reagents (be it inorganic or organic) in their own right. Indeed, from their inherent structure, one can view nanotubes as sterically bulky, π‐conjugated ligands, or conversely as electron‐deficient alkenes. Hence, herein we seek to understand, from a structural perspective, the breadth and types of reactions single‐walled nanotubes (SWNTs) can undergo in solution phase, not only at the ends and defect sites but also along the sidewalls. Controllable chemical functionalization suggests that the unique electronic and mechanical properties of SWNTs can be tailored in a determinable manner. Moreover, prevailing themes in nanotube functionalization have been involved with dissolution of tubes.     

Hydrogen Storage Alloy and Carbon Nanotubes Mixed Catalyst in a Direct Borohydride Fuel Cell

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were mixed with AB5-type hydrogen storage alloy (HSA), as catalyst for an anode in a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC). As comparision, a series of traditional carbon materials, such as acetylene black, Vulcan XC-72R, and super activated carbon (SAC) were also employed. Electrochemical measurements showed that the electrocatalytic activity of HSA was improved greatly by CNTs. The current density of the DBFC employing the HSA/CNTs catalytic anode could reach 1550 mA·cm-2 (at -0.6 V vs the Hg/HgO electrode) and the maximum power density of 65 mW·cm-2 for this cell could be achieved at room temperature. Furthermore, the life time test lasting for 60 h showed that the cell displayed a good stability.     

Design of an Assembly of Poly(benzimidazole), Carbon Nanotubes,and Pt Nanoparticles for a Fuel‐Cell Electrocatalyst with an Ideal Interfacial Nanostructure

A newly designed and fabricated novel nanocomposite composed of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), poly(benzimidazole) (PBI), and Pt nanoparticles. This composite is fabricated by the preparation of PBI‐wrapped MWNTs (MWNT/PBI), followed by Pt loading onto the MWNT/PBI. As a result of the PBI wrapping, the loading efficiency of the Pt nanoparticles onto the MWNTs is dramatically improved up to 58.8% compared to that of the pristine MWNTs (41.0%). The process also allows homogeneous Pt immobilization onto the surface of MWNTs without any strong oxidation process for the MWNTs that is typically used for metal supporting on carbon nanotubes. Far‐IR spectroscopy of the composite shows a peak from the Pt? N bonding, indicating that these improvements are derived from the coordination of the Pt ion with the PBI molecules. Cyclic voltammogram measurements reveal that the Pt nanoparticles deposited on the MWNT/PBI shows higher utilization efficiency (74%) for electrocatalysts compared to that on the pristine MWNT (39%).