The effects of synthesis procedures on the structure and morphology of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/titania (TiO2) nanocomposites prepared by hydrothermal method

The nanocomposites of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/titania (TiO₂) were prepared by direct growth of TiO₂ nanocrystals onto carboxyl-modified MWNTs under hydrothermal condition. The structure and morphology of TiO₂ nanocrystals growing on MWNTs were tuned by adjusting acidity, reaction temperature, and reactant ratio. The results showed that a uniform layer of anatase TiO₂ nanocrystals on MWNTs could be achieved at proper synthesis parameters. Flowerlike assemblage of rutile TiO₂ nanocrystals was dispersed on MWNTs. The formation mechanism of MWNTs/TiO₂ nanocomposites was further provided.     

Preparation and properties of the polyimide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) nanocomposites

The polyimide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) nanocomposite films were prepared by mixing of poly(amic acid) (PAA) solution and MWNTs/DMAc suspension follow by mixture casting, evaporation and thermal imidization. To increase the chemical compatibility between polyimide matrix and MWNTs, MWNTs were modified with mixed strong acid. The results show that the dispersion of the MWNTs is improved greatly in the polyimide matrix after acid modification. The modified MWNTs are dispersed homogeneously in the polyimide matrix while the structure of the polyimide and MWNTs structures is stable in the preparation process. With the incorporation of MWNTs, the mechanical properties of the resultant nanocomposite films were greatly improved due to the strong interfacial interaction between the modified MWNTs and the polyimide matrix. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was lower a little than pure polyimide because of the drop of thermostability of MWNTs through acid-treatment. The electrical conductivity and the dielectric constant of the nanocomposites were also having sharp increase, which is favorable for practical use in anti-static materials and embedded capacitors.     

The effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites on biocompatibility

In the present study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes/hydroxyapatite (MWCNTs/HA) nanocomposites with various MWCNT contents were manufactured by sol-gel processing. The MWCNTs/HA powder was characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman analysis. The results show that the MWCNTs were fully covered with HA nanoparticles and help forming the crystallized hydroxyapatite. In addition, in vitro tests highlighted the excellent biocompatibility of the MWCNTs/HA composite.     

Synthesis and electrocatalytic activity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Cu–Ag nanocomposites

Cu–Ag bimetallic nanoparticles with atomic ratio of 2.1:1 and diameter in the range of 15–30 nm were decorated on acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes by a chemical reduction method, which was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The Cu–Ag/MWNTs nanocomposites were used to construct a modified electrode toward biosensing of H₂O₂ with a high sensitivity. The catalytic ability of MWNTs/Cu–Ag toward H₂O₂ was much better than that of MWNTs/Cu and MWNTs/Ag, which indicated that there is a cooperation effect between Cu and Ag.     

Fabrication of photocatalytic composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/TiO2 and its application for desulfurization of diesel

Composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and titanium (IV) oxide (TiO₂) were prepared by a heterogeneous gelation method. The activities of the MWNTs/TiO₂ composites were evaluated by photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization using dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4,6-dimethyl dibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT), n-tetradecane, and commercial diesel under irradiation using a high-pressure Hg lamp. The microstructures of MWNTs/TiO₂ composites were characterized by N₂ adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction. It was found that more than 98% of sulfur compounds in commercial diesel were oxidized and removed by the use of the MWNTs/TiO₂ composite as a photocatalyst.     

Dispersion of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in multi-walled carbon nanotubes/liquid crystal nanocomposites and their thermal properties

A novel liquid crystal functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (LC-MWNTs)/2-methyl-N,N′-bis(4′-methoxy benzoyloxy)-terephthalamide liquid crystal (LC) nanocomposite (LC-MWNTs/LC) was prepared via solution blend. The dispersion and thermal property of the nanocomposites with different loadings of LC-MWNTs (0.1-1 wt.%) were investigated using SEM, TGA and DSC. The results show that the dispersion of LC-MWNTs in LC matrix is more homogeneous than purified MWNTs. The decomposition temperature of nanocomposites exhibits obvious decrease at first and then increase with increasing concentration of LC-MWNTs, which is lower than that of LC for 0.1-0.4 wt.% LC-MWNT loadings and higher than that of LC for 0.5-1 wt.% LC-MWNT loadings. The addition of LC-MWNTs has little effects on the texture of smectic mesophase. These results illustrate the LC-MWNTs/LC nanocomposites, which have lower melting point and higher decomposition temperature than those of LC by adding adequate amount of LC-MWNTs, show a wide temperature range of mesophase and high thermostability. The increased mesophase temperature region of LC materials will be beneficial to their practical applications.     

Structure, wettability and photocatalytic activity of CO(2) laser sintered TiO(2)/multi-walled carbon nanotube coatings

Nanocomposites of titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared and deposited by sol-gel spin coating on borosilicate substrates and sintered in air at 300?°C for 15?min. Further irradiation of the films with different CO(2) laser intensities (4.3-17?W?m(-2)) was carried out in order to crystallize TiO(2) in the anatase form while preserving the MWNT's structure. The laser irradiation changed the crystal structure of the coatings and also affected the wettability and photocatalytic activity of the films. The anatase phase was only observed when a minimum laser intensity of 12.5?W?m(-2) was used. The contact angle decreased with the enhancement of the laser intensity. The photocatalytic activity of the films was determined from the degradation of a stearic acid layer deposited on the films. It was observed that the addition of carbon nanotubes themselves increases the photocatalytic activity of TiO(2) films. This efficiency is even improved when high CO(2) laser intensities are used during the sintering of the coatings.     

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes-supported Fe(naph)3 nanoparticles to prepare polyacetylene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a promising candidate for preparing conductive polymer/CNT nanocomposites. CNTs are also an alternative to conventional catalyst support. This report studies multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) supported-Fe(naph)₃ nanoparticles to prepare polyacetylene (PA)/MWNT nanocomposites with core–shell structure. The XPS spectra and HRTEM images demonstrate the Fe(naph)₃ nanoparticles successfully deposited on the walls of MWNTs and partially transformed to γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles after heated at 100 °C for 2 h. XRD analysis indicates the formation of PA on the walls of MWNTs. Structural analysis using HRTEM shows that PA/MWNT nanocomposites exhibit core–shell structure. TGA data reveals the stability of PA grown on the exterior walls of MWNTs has been improved. The growth mechanism of PA/MWNT nanocomposites can be explained by a heterogeneous process. The conductivity of the nanocomposites was studied by a four-probe approach and a relatively high conductivity was observed.     

Effects of surface-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the properties of poly(dimethyl siloxane) nanocomposites

The effects of surface-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on the properties of poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) nanocomposites are investigated in the present study. The surface functionalization of MWNTs is carried out by diphenyl-carbinol functionalization followed by reaction with multifunctional silane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxisilane. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) analysis are used to confirm the presence of diphenyl-carbinol and silane on the surface of the MWNTs. The effects of the MWNTs’ surface treatment on the thermal and electrical properties of poly(dimethyl siloxane)-based (PDMS) nanocomposites are also studied. The results show that the grafting of silane molecules onto diphenyl-carbinol-functionalized MWNTs (SD-MWNTs) improves the dispersion of MWNTs in PDMS; this subsequently enhances the thermal conductivity and dynamic mechanical properties as compared to those containing unmodified (U-MWNTs) and diphenyl-carbinol-functionalized MWNTs (D-MWNTs). The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites is shown to decrease due to the wrapping of MWNTs with non-electrical-conducting organic materials.     

Effect of amino-functionalization on the interfacial adhesion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/epoxy nanocomposites

Two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with different amino-organics, dicyanodiamide and phenylbiguanide, respectively, were achieved in this paper. The physico-chemical properties of MWCNTs before and after amino group modification were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy and inverse gas chromatography (IGC). The results showed that amino-functionalization changed evidently the surface properties of MWCNTs, such as the dispersive surface energy (decreased from 122.95 mJ/m² to 18.65 mJ/m² and 25.69 mJ/m², respectively) and specific surface energy (decreased from 8.84 mJ/m² to 0.56 mJ/m² and 4.60 mJ/m², respectively) for two functionalized MWCNTs. And then, the interfacial adhesion states of the functionalized MWCNTs/epoxy nanocomposites were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results also indicated that the dispersion of MWCNTs in epoxy resin and the interfacial adhesion of MWCNTs/epoxy nanocomposites were both strongly dependent on the surface physico-chemical properties of functionalized MWCNTs, and the effect of MWCNTs functionalized by phenylbiguanide with slightly higher polarity was better.     

Comparisons of phase morphology and physical properties of PVDF nanocomposites filled with organoclay and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Binary and ternary poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites filled with organoclay (15A) and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were successfully prepared. MWNTs were dispersed more homogeneously than 15A within PVDF matrix, and the presence of MWNTs facilitated the dispersibility of 15A. The 15A addition induced β-form PVDF crystal formation, but MWNTs hardly changed the α-form crystal development. Both nanofillers facilitated the nucleation of PVDF (up to 12.3 °C increase), and the efficiency of enhancing PVDF crystallization followed the sequence MWNT > 15A/MWNT > 15A. The nanocomposites possess higher T_m° than neat PVDF. In particular, adding 15A led to a T_m° (β-form) increase of no less than 11 °C. A rheological percolation threshold at 1 wt.% MWNT loading was determined. The electrical resistivity dropped by more than 13 orders of magnitude at 5 wt.% MWNT loading. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced tensile modulus (up to 83% increase with MWNTs inclusion) compared with neat PVDF.     

Study on dispersion and electrical property of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/low-density polyethylene nanocomposites

Sonication is one of the promising approaches to disperse nanoparticles into the base material thoroughly. Furthermore, coupling treatments for MWNTs and polymer matrix also contribute to homogenous dispersion of MWNTs among polymer matrix. In this paper, MWNTs and KH-550 were dispersed with acetone via sonication method, then, the MWNTs/low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites was prepared by using melt blending process. Effects of MWNTs and LDPE coupling treatment on dispersion and electrical property of the MWNTs/LDPE nanocomposites were investigated. SEM observation on fracture surfaces of the nanocomposites explained the functions of sonication and coupling treatment on the dispersion, and electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was measured by four-contact scheme. The results displayed that the optimum sonication temperature was 70 °C and the optimum sonication amount of MWNTs particles in 200 ml KH-550 acetone solution was 20 g. Moreover, dispersion of the nanocomposites was improved with increasing sonication power amplitude. Furthermore, dispersion and electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites with coupling treatment LDPE were better than those of the nanocomposites with uncoupling treatment LDPE. The good dispersion and electrical conductivity enhancement are based on the strong bonding and coupling reaction of MWNTs and LDPE matrix, which associated greatly with sonication and coupling treatment.     

Studies on preparation and properties of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/epoxy nanocomposites

The MWNTs were coated with polyaniline (PANI) by in situ chemical oxidation polymerization method. FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the MWNTs were coated with PANI. The MWNTs/epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated by using the solution blending method. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing, HP 4294A impedance analyzer and SEM were used to investigate the properties of the nanocomposites. The results showed that the modified carbon nanotubes were well dispersed in the polymer matrix. The nanocomposites have enhancements in mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties compare with the neat epoxy resin. The nanocomposites were proven to be a good polymer dielectric material.     

The effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes addition on the thermo-oxidative decomposition and flammability of PP/MWCNT nanocomposites

Studies of thermo-oxidative and fire-resistant properties of the polypropylene/multi-walled carbon nanotube composites (PP/MWCNT) prepared by melt intercalation are discussed. The effective kinetic parameters of the PP/MWCNT thermo-oxidative decomposition were computed according to the model-based kinetic analysis. The thermo-oxidative decomposition behavior of PP/MWCNT and stabilizing effect caused by addition of MWCNT has been investigated by means of TGA and EPR spectroscopy. Comparative analysis of the flammability characteristics for PP-clay/MWCNT nanocomposites was provided in order to emphasize the specific behavior of the nanocomposites.     

Crystallization behavior of poly (vinylidene fluoride)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

The non-isothermal and isothermal crystallization of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/multiple-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) composites containing pristine (MWNT1) and carboxyl group (–COOH) functionalized MWNT (MWNT2) were investigated. The effects of MWNT on the crystallization behavior of PVDF were dependent on the dispersion state of MWNT. Pristine MWNT could increase the nucleation due to better dispersion, and thus, PVDF/MWNT1 composites exhibited higher crystallization peak temperatures (T _cps) and crystallinities (X _cs) compared with PVDF/MWNT2 composites. Meanwhile, the formation of MWNT network confined the growth of crystals. For the isothermal crystallization, MWNT acted as nucleating agents, and the crystallization rate constant k was increased with the addition of MWNT. Besides, the half crystallization time, t _0.5, was remarkably shortened with the increase of MWNT content, especially for the pristine MWNT.     

Gel-hydrothermal synthesis of carbon and boron co-doped TiO2 and evaluating its photocatalytic activity

Carbon and boron co-doped TiO₂ photocatalysts were prepared firstly by the gel-hydrothermal method, that is, synthesized through sol-gel process followed by hydrothermal in the glucose solution. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, Raman spectra, TEM, N₂ physical adsorption, XPS, and UV-vis absorption spectra. It was found that the co-doped TiO₂ has a larger BET surface areas and a narrower band gap than undoped TiO₂. The experimental results show that the coke carbon generated on the carbon doped TiO₂ surface act as a photosensitizer and has the photosensitization effect under the visible light. Except for carbon sensitization effect, the boron and carbon co-doped TiO₂ has synergistic effect which is responsible for effective photo-degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol in the visible light irradiation.     

Influence of catalyst particles on multi-walled carbon nanotubes morphology and structure

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been successfully grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method. Elucidating the key characteristics of catalyst sources that affect carbon nanotubes growth is of great importance for improving and control MWCNTs morphology and structure. In this work we present a systematically study of CVD parameters, such as catalyst source, substrate morphology and temperature and how it affects carbon nanotubes synthesis. The novelty of this work lies on the catalyst composition. Two specific catalyst sources were analyzed: (i) Fe₂Co and (ii) Fe₂Co with ferrocene. Cyclic Voltammetry results confirmed the presence of Fe²⁺ in the Fe₂Co with ferrocene solution. X-Ray Diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of iron particles on the substrate surface after its submission to growth conditions. Raman results suggested an improvement in carbon nanotubes crystalline quality catalyzed by Fe₂Co with ferrocene. For tridimensional substrates such as fibers, the Fe₂Co with ferrocene provided aligned CNTs with lower defects density noticed in Raman spectra and SEM micrographs. Finally, we corroborated the Fe²⁺ encapsulation relation with the growth mechanism and MWCNTs formation.     

Electroactive shape memory polymer based on optimized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites

The development of shape memory polymers (SMPs) has gained remarkable attention due to their wide range of applications, from biomedical to electromechanical. In this work, we have developed and optimized an electroactive SMP based on polyvinyl alcohol/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PVA/MWNTs) composites. When a constant voltage of 60 V was applied to the optimized sample, the polymer shape could be recovered to the original form within 35 s. Different weight fractions of MWNT/PVA composites were prepared by using a simple solution blending and transitional solution casting method, and their microstructures, electrical conductivities, thermal conductivities, and electroactive shape memory properties were investigated. According to our systematic analysis, the enhanced performance can be attributed to the reinforcement of MWNTs that led to the improved electrical and thermal conductivities of the PVA matrix.     

The reinforcement role of different amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in epoxy nanocomposites

Functionalization with different amino groups of multi-walled carbon nanotubes was achieved and nanotube-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites were prepared by mixing amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes with epoxy resin. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and bending tests were used to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The results showed that different kinds of amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes would have different effects on the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The reinforcement mechanism of amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in epoxy resin was discussed.