One-pot In-situ Synthesis of Sn/Carbon-fibers Nanocomposite by Chemical Vapor Deposition and Its Li-storage Properties

Sn/carbon-fibers(CFs) nanocomposite has been prepared by chemical vapor deposition with in-situ catalytic growth of CFs.The nanocomposite has been characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and Raman spectrum.The electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite has been investigated by galvanostatic cycling and cyclic voltammetry(CV).It has been found that a three-dimensional conductive network forms by the interconnected CFs,which offers conductive channels for the Sn nanoparticles.The nanocomposite gives a first charge capacity of 385 mAh.g-1 and exhibits an improved cycling stability than bare Sn.     

Chemical synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite (HAp)-poly (ethylene co vinyl alcohol) (EVA) nanocomposite using a phosphonic acid coupling agent for orthopedic applications

A novel bio-analogue hydroxyapatite (HAp)-poly (ethylene co vinyl alcohol) (EVA) nanocomposite has been synthesized by a solution-based chemical methodology with varying HAp contents from 10 to 60% (w/w). The surface of HAp particles has been modified with 2-carboxyethylphosphonic acid in order to enhance the interfacial bonding interaction between HAp and EVA, and hence to improve the mechanical properties of the composite. The interfacial modification has been investigated through Fourier transform infrared absorption spectra (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analyses. The surface morphology of the composite and the homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix have been investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) respectively. The use of phosphonic acid coupling agent promotes the uniform dispersion of HAp particles in the polymer matrix with strong particle–polymer interfacial bonding, which leads to a significant improvement in mechanical properties of the composite. The cell viability test indicates that the HAp-EVA nanocomposite is cytocompatible. The developed HAp-EVA nanocomposite may be potentially used as bone substitutes.     

Chlorinated polyethylene nanocomposites: thermal and mechanical behavior

Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) nanocomposites prepared with natural and organically treated montmorillonite (MMT) clays by solution intercalation method were investigated. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques showed separation of organically modified clay MMT layers and indicated formation of exfoliated nanocomposites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed interaction between the CPE matrix and the clay intercalants of Cloisite^® 30B and Cloisite^® 15A (natural MMT modified with quaternary ammonium salts). Organically treated MMT clays were found to be better dispersed in CPE in comparison to natural MMT clay. Mechanical testing showed enhanced tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and storage modulus of chlorinated-polymers/organically treated MMT clay nanocomposites. Significant improvements in the above properties were obtained with Cloisite^® 15A nanoclay. The temperature, at which maximum degradation occurred, was higher for the nanocomposite having 5 wt% Cloisite 15A than that of neat CPE. Differential scanning calorimetric results revealed that the same composition also absorbed more heat during the heating, indicating better thermal stability. CPE rubber nanocomposite could be a promising heat resistant polymeric material.     

Structural and electrochemical properties of Ag nano-dots combined amorphous Si electrodes for thin-film lithium rechargeable batteries

We have one-pot fabricated Si-based nanocomposite electrodes containing Ag nano-dots for thin-film Li rechargeable batteries by a co-sputtering method. The structural and electrochemical properties of the Si/Ag nanocomposite electrodes are investigated via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and cycler. The TEM and XRD results show that crystalline Ag nano-dots (approximately 5-9 in size) are well-dispersed within an amorpohous Si matrix. It is shown that the Si/Ag nanocomposite electrode shows much better structural stability than the Si only sample. It is also shown that the Si/Ag nanocomposite electrode shows superior capacity retention compared to the Si only electrode. The results indicate that the presence of the Ag nano-dots is important minimizing the formation of cracks in the electrode, so leading to the better life-time for thin-film Li rechargeable batteries.     

Fabrication of polyaniline-silver nanocomposites by chronopotentiometry in different ionic liquid microemulsion systems

Chronopotentiometry is employed to prepare polyaniline-silver (PANI-Ag) nanocomposite films in water-in-ionic liquid (W/IL) microemulsion and ionic liquid-in-water (IL/W) microemulsion. The resulted nanocomposites are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It is demonstrated that the PANI-Ag nanocomposite prepared in W/IL microemulsion is nanofibrous and the Ag nanocrystals with 5 nm diameter are dispersed homogeneously, whereas the morphology of the PANI-Ag nanocomposite prepared in IL/W microemulsion exhibits dendritic structure and the diameter of Ag nanocrystals is 50-100 nm. Further, the effects of different microemulsion systems and electrochemical synthesis conditions on the electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite films are studied by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The pure PANI films are also made for comparative purpose. It is found that the special structures of the PANI-Ag nanocomposite result in more excellent electrochemical activity than that of the pure PANI.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of CePO4/C core-shell nanorods

The CePO₄/C nanocomposite with core-shell nanostructure has been successfully synthesized using glucose and CePO₄ by a facile and simple hydrothermal method at 160 °C for 24 h. The new material consists of a monoclinic CePO₄ core and an amorphous-C shell. The TEM micrograph indicated that the CePO₄/C nanocomposite was core-shell nanorods. The effects of glucose concentration on the C shells and luminescent intensity of CePO₄/C nanocomposite were investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence (PL). This method is simple, low-cost and does not need any surfactant.     

Facile synthesis of MnO2/CNT nanocomposite and its electrochemical performance for supercapacitors

A nanocomposite of manganese dioxide coated on the carbon nanotubes (MnO₂/CNTs) was synthesized by a facile direct redox reaction between potassium permanganate and carbon nanotubes without any other oxidant or reductant addition. The morphology, microstructure and crystalline form of this MnO₂/CNT nanocomposite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transition electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical properties are characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD). The results show that the facile prepared MnO₂/CNTs nanocomposite shows specific capacitance of 162.2 F g⁻¹ at the current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹ and excellent charge/discharge property with 90% of its specific capacitance kept after 2000 cycles at the current density of 5 A g⁻¹.     

Effect of polar modification on morphology and properties of styrene-(ethylene-co-butylene)-styrene triblock copolymer and its montmorillonite clay-based nanocomposites

This article deals with the functionalization of a triblock copolymer, poly-(styrene-ethylene-co-butylene)-styrene (SEBS), at the mid-block by means of chemical grafting by two polar moieties—acrylic acid and maleic anhydride and subsequent novel synthesis of nanocomposites based on hydrophilic montmorillonite clay (MT) at very low loadings. The mid-block was grafted with 3 and 6 wt% acrylic acid through solution grafting and 2 and 4 wt% maleic anhydride through melt grafting reactions which were confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. The nanocomposites derived from the grafted SEBS and hydrophilic MT clay conferred dramatically better mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties as compared to those of the original SEBS and its clay-based nanocomposites. Different phase separated morphologies could be observed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies for grafted SEBS. X-ray diffraction (XRD), AFM, and TEM studies revealed better interaction and dispersion of MT clays with the grafted SEBS matrix, resulting in better transparency of these nanocomposite films. Superlative enhancement of thermal degradation properties was achieved with maleated and acrylated SEBS–MT nanocomposites. Thermodynamic calculations and interfacial tension measurements indicated possible ways of favorable intercalation-exfoliation mechanism of maleated and acrylated SEBS–MT nanocomposites.     

Synthesis of [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite under electric furnace and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by a reaction between an aqueous-alcoholic solution of zinc nitrate and sodium hydroxide under ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature. The morphology, optical properties of the ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The [60]fullerene and zinc oxide nanocomposite were synthesized in an electric furnace at 700 degrees C for two hours. The [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. In addition, the [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite was investigated as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using UV-vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite was compared with that of ZnO nanoparticles, heated ZnO nanoparticles after synthesis, pure [60]fullerene, and heated pure [60]fullerene in organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and rhodamine B (RhB) under ultraviolet light at 254 nm.     

High quality ZnO/CuO nanocomposites synthesized by microwave assisted reaction

Highly crystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite powders have been synthesized by a facile microwave irradiation method. The resulting powders were characterized in terms of structural, optical and morphological properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD), room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. XRD patterns revealed the formation of ZnO/CuO nanocomposites with good crystalline quality. SEM images displayed the formation of hexagonal ZnO and flower shaped agglomeration of ZnO/CuO nano-flakes with uniform production. The strong UV emission peak observed at around 380 nm show enhanced intensity for ZnO/CuO nanocomposite. Compared to ZnO nanoparticles, ZnO/CuO composites exhibit good transparency with sharp absorbance edges. The simplicity of synthesis route coupled with better optical and PL emission properties propose the microwave synthesized ZnO/CuO nanocomposite powders a promising material for optoelectronic devices.     

Influence of reduced graphene oxide on mechanical behaviors of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/reduced graphene oxide (NaCMC/rGO) nanocomposite films were prepared by a simple solution mixing-evaporation method. The NaCMC/rGO nanocomposite films were characterized and compared with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/graphene oxide (NaCMC/GO) nanocomposite films. The stability of the rGO dispersion, and the structural and mechanical properties of the composite films were investigated by UV–Vis spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and using a universal testing machine (UTM). The results revealed that CMC and rGO were able to form a homogenous mixture. Compared with pure CMC, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the CMC/rGO nanocomposite films were considerably enhanced (by 72.52% and 131.79%, respectively) upon incorporation of 2 wt% rGO.     

超级电容器Mn-Pb纳米复合电极材料的电化学性能研究

利用低温固相反应法制备了Mn-Pb复合氧化物超级电容器电极材料.采用XRD、TEM、循环伏安和恒流充放电法对电极材料的形貌和结构特点以及电化学性能进行了测试分析.结果表明,复合氧化物的粒径均为纳米尺寸,呈无定型结构.复合氧化物在1mol/L Na2SO4中,电位窗口为-0.2～0.9(V vs.SCE)范围内具有典型的电容特征.纳米氧化物电极比容量随放电电流的增大而减小.当放电电流为2mA时,Mn-Pb复合氧化物电极的比容量为180.5F/g.     

Water-soluble noncovalently engineered graphene-neutral red nanocomposite with photocurrent generating capacity

We report a graphene-based nanocomposite prepared by noncovalently engineering reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with neutral red (NR). The water-soluble reduced graphene nanocomposite (rGO-NR) was well characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-vis spectroscopy, and 1HNMR spectroscopy; the results suggest a strong pi-pi interaction between the rGO and NR molecules. Fluorescence spectroscopy and electrochemistry studies indicate a direct electron transfer interaction among the graphene-NR hybrid, in which NR is electron donor and graphene is electron acceptor. The photocurrent generating property of this nanocomposite was confirmed from the photoelectrochemical measurements. The graphene-NR coated electrodes are capable of generating photocurrent under visible excitation. Such photocurrent generating nanocomposite provides potential application in optoelectronic devices.     

Polyacrolein/mesoporous silica nanocomposite: Synthesis,thermal stability and covalent lipase immobilization

In this work, new polyacrolein/MCM-41 nanocomposites with good phase mixing behavior were prepared through an emulsion polymerization technique. Mesoporous silica was synthesized by in situ assembly of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The structure and properties of polyacrolein containing nanosized MCM-41 particle (5 and 10 wt%), were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, Dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N₂ adsorption techniques, and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses. The SEM images from the final powder have revealed good dispersion of the MCM-41 nanoparticles throughout polymeric matrix with no distinct voids between two phases. The results indicated that the thermal properties of the nanocomposite were enhanced by addition of MCM-41. Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase (TLL) was used as a model biocatalyst and successfully immobilized with polyacrolein and the nanocomposite via covalent bonds with the aldehyde groups. The activity between free enzyme, polyacrolein, and MCM-41 nanocomposite (10 wt%)-immobilized TLL was compared. The immobilized lipase with the nanocomposite shows better operational stability such as pH tolerance, thermal and storage stability. In addition, the immobilized lipase with the nanocomposite can be easily recovered and retained at 74% of its initial activity after 15 time reuses.     

The effect of Ag loading on supercapacitor performance of graphene based nanocomposites

In the present study, we prepared reduced graphene oxide (rGO) decorated with Ag nanoparticles by a one pot, simultaneous reduction method. The effect of AgNO₃ amount on the chemical, morphological and electrochemical properties of binary rGO-Ag nanocomposite for supercapacitor application was investigated. The chemical and morphological characterization of prepared rGO-Ag nanocomposites was realized with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). For supercapacitor application, electrochemical performance of the nanocomposites was investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. As a result of their excellent conductivity and spacer role which prevent aggregation of rGO nanosheets and maintain the electroactive surface area, Ag nanoparticles significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite. The rGO-Ag nanoparticle nanocomposite exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 34.2?mF?cm^?2 at 0.6?A?cm^?2 current density. The nanocomposite electrode also has excellent rate capability and cycle life. The capacitance retention of rGO-Ag electrode is 98% after 1000 charge-discharge cycle. The results showed that rGO-Ag nanocomposite is a building block for ternary or other multicomponent nanocomposites.     

Preparation and Antibacterial Activity of Three-component NiFe_2O_4@PANI@Ag Nanocomposite

A new three-component and magnetically responsive NiFe_2O_4@PANI@Ag nanocomposite has been fabricated by coating of nickel ferrite,NiFe_2O_4,nanoparticles with polyaniline(PANI) and subsequent immobilization of silver nanoparticles onto the surface of polyaniline shell.The as-prepared nanocomposite has been characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM).The saturation magnetization of the NiFe_2O_4core decreases dramatically after coating with polyaniline and silver nanoparticles,however,the nanocomposite NiFe_2O_4@PANI@Ag can be still separated from solution media through magnetic decantation.The antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanocomposite was studied and compared with those of naked NiFe_2O_4,NiFe_2O_4@PANI and some standard antibacterial drugs.     

Effect of nanoclays on physico-mechanical properties and adhesion of polyester-based polyurethane nanocomposites: structure–property correlations

Polyester–polyurethane nanocomposites based on unmodified and modified montmorillonite clays were compared in terms of their morphology, mechanical, thermal, and adhesive properties. Excellent dispersion of the modified nanoclay in polymer with 3 wt% loading was confirmed from X-ray diffraction, and low-, and high-magnification transmission electron micrographs. The properties of the clay-reinforced polyurethane nanocomposites were a function of nature and the content of clay in the matrix. The nanocomposite containing 3 wt% modified clay exhibits excellent improvement in tensile strength (by ~100%), thermal stability (20 °C higher), storage modulus at 25 °C (by ~135%), and adhesive properties (by ~300%) over the pristine polyurethane.     

Structural characteristics and biocompatibility of a casein-based nanocomposite for potential biomedical applications

Natural polymers have attracted increasing attention for biomedical applications owing to their biocompatibility. Casein possesses several interesting properties that make it a good candidate for biomedical materials. In this context, a novel casein-based nanocomposite was created by adding organized montmorillonite (OMMT) as a reinforcing material and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) as a cross-linking agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that EGDE had reacted with casein to form a network structure. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed a transformation of the OMMT structure from exfoliated to intercalated with an increase in the amount of OMMT. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the nanocomposite with low OMMT content was characterized as high porosity. The addition of OMMT and EGDE improved the physical properties of the casein composites, resulting in a lower swelling ratio, higher thermal stability, lower biodegradation rate, and stronger mechanical properties compared with neat casein. A cell counting kit-8 assay demonstrated that the prepared nanocomposite films are biocompatible. These observations suggest that the casein nanocomposite is a promising material for biomedical applications.     

Ultimate properties of rubber and core-shell modified epoxy matrices with different chain flexibilities

Preformed polystyrene-co-butylacrylate (PScoBu) core-shell particles and polystyrene microspheres as well as amine-terminated butadiene nitrile (ATBN) rubber have been used for modification of both rigid and more flexible crosslinked DGEBA-based epoxy networks having significantly different crosslink densities. Some variations in cure kinetics have been shown by both thermal and rheological measurements. Independently of the crosslink density of the neat epoxy matrix, function of the cycloaliphatic or aliphatic hardener used, the toughening effect via core-shell modification has been found as good as that for rubber modification but with a better retention of thermal properties. Results are investigated as a function of the morphologies obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) but also by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Larger fracture toughness was obtained for every-unmodified and modified- epoxy matrices cured with the aliphatic hardener as a consequence of the lower crosslink density of the corresponding mixtures.     

Polylactide based nanostructured biomaterials and their applications

Polylactide (PLA) is one of the most innovative materials being actively investigated for a wide range of industrial applications. The polymer is a linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester which is biodegradable as well as biocompatible, which makes it highly versatile and attractive to various commodities and medical applications. A large variety of nanoparticles of different nature and size can be blended with PLA, therefore, generating a new class of nanostructured biomaterials or nanocomposites with interesting physical properties and applications. PLA based nanostructured biomaterials are the focus of this review article, throwing light on their preparation techniques, physical properties, and industrial applications. Structural characteristics and morphological features of PLA based nanocomposites have been explained on the basis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Depending upon the nature and characteristics of the nanoparticles, the ultimate properties of the resulting nanocomposite materials can be tailored. Biocompatible materials such as carbon nanotubes, cellulose nanowhiskers, hydroxyapitite, etc. could be incorporated into the PLA matrix, which increase the potential of PLA for biomedical applications. Applications of PLA based nanostructured materials in different areas have been summarized.