Effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes on the optical and photo-conductive properties of their composite films with regio-regular poly(3-hexylthiophene)

The effect of a small admixture of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) HiPCO (high pressure carbon monoxide) (from 0.5 to 2 wt%) on the supramolecular structure in regio-regular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (RR-P3HT) thin films is studied and their optical and photoconductivity properties are investigated. It is demonstrated that the presence of such small amounts of nanotubes improves the structural organization in the films as evidenced by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. This is confirmed by UV–visible optical absorption investigations which clearly show a better conjugation of P3HT in the presence of nanotubes. In Raman spectra of composites, changes in intensities and frequencies of the radial breathing modes are observed upon addition of nanotubes. This can be rationalized by a modification of the resonance conditions caused by a selective dispersion and wrapping of SWNTs via π-interaction (π-stacking). As a consequence of these interactions, a dramatic photoluminescence (PL) quenching is observed which becomes more and more pronounced with increasing the nanotube content. This implies a fast photo-induced electron transfer favoured by a large area of the SWNTs/P3HT interface and strong interactions between these two components. An increase in the composite photocurrent by at least one-order of magnitude, as compared to the case of pure P3HT film, is the most pronounced effect of this electron transfer. These two effects are of crucial importance for the application of the investigated composites in bulk hetero-junction photovoltaic cells (BHJPCs) and organic photo-detectors (OPDs).     

Fabrication of a 12-tungstophosphate and cadmium oxide composite film and its properties

A multilayer composite film of the 12-tungstophosphate H₃[PW₁₂O₄₀]³⁻ (PW₁₂) and cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdO) was fabricated on quartz and silicon by the layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly method. The film was characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and luminescence spectra. The proposed composite film exhibits higher photocatalytic activity toward methyl orange (MO) solution at pH 3.5, compared to single PW₁₂ and CdO films. The degradation rate was affected by initial concentration of PW₁₂, pH value of MO solution, inorganic ions concentration and type in MO solution. In addition, the composite film displays luminescent property and reversible electrochromic property with fast response time.     

Preparation and characterization of titanate nanotubes/carbon composites

Titanate nanotubes/carbon composites(TNT/CCs) were synthesized by allowing carbon-coated TiO₂ (CCT) powder to react with a dense aqueous solution of NaOH at 120 °C for a proper period of time. As-prepared CCT and TNT/CCs were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectrometry. The processes for formation of titanate nanotubes/carbon composites were discussed. It was found that the TiO₂ particles in TiO₂-carbon composite were enwrapped by a fine layer of carbon with a thickness of about 4 nm. This carbon layer functioned to inhibit the transformation from anatase TiO₂ to orthorhombic titanate. As a result, the anatase TiO₂ in CCT was incompletely transformed into orthorhombic titanate nanotubes upon 24 h of reaction in the dense and hot NaOH solution. When the carbon layers were gradually peeled off along with the formation of more orthorhombic titanate nanotubes at extended reaction durations (e.g., 72 h), anatase TiO₂ particles in CCT were completely transformed into orthorhombic titanate nanotubes, yielding TNT/CCs whose morphology was highly dependent on the reaction time and temperature.     

Statistical analysis of mechanical properties of pressureless sintered multiwalled carbon nanotube/alumina nanocomposites

Mechanical properties of pressureless sintered 0.15–1.2 vol.% multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforced alumina matrix nanocomposites have been analyzed using the 2-parameter Weibull statistics. Electron microscopy and phase analysis of nanocomposites sintered at 1700 °C for 2 h in Argon revealed existence of interpenetrating network of nanotubes in alumina, formation of thin interface resembling stoichiometric aluminum monoxycarbide and matrix grain refinement by nanotubes. Statistical analyses indicated that with increasing Vickers hardness testing load (4.9–19.6 N) and flexural strength measurement temperature (room temperature to 1100 °C), Weibull modulus of nanocomposites increased significantly suggesting improved consistency at higher load and temperature. The highest Weibull moduli were obtained for nanocomposites containing either 0.15 or 0.3 vol.% nanotube which were ∼40% and ∼15% higher than single phase alumina for hardness and strength, respectively, supporting the specimen size effect on reliability of present brittle ceramic matrix nanocomposites. Superior mechanical reliability of nanocomposites over pure alumina was primarily attributed to the presence of structurally intact nanotubes forming effective interface region to ensure proper load sharing, matrix grain refinement, and especially, at higher testing load and temperature, overall averaging effect of flaws to yield higher Weibull moduli.     

Synthesis of large-area single-walled carbon nanotube films on glass substrate and their field electron emission properties

Large-area and homogeneous single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films have been deposited via arc discharge directly on glass substrate coated with a layer of indium tin oxide film. The characterization, by means of electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, shows that the as-grown films are uniformly woven and consist of SWCNT with diameters ranging from 0.82 to 1.15 nm. As a cathode material, the field emission test indicates the films have low turn-on field of ∼1.2 V/μm at 10 μA/cm² emission current, and high emission intensity causing luminance of about 7000 cd/cm² with fine uniformity. The best performing sample exhibits a constant degradation of less than 3% per hour at an emission current of around 1 mA. Measuring with the high voltage (2000 V) on the films for 2.0 h increased the field enhancement factor from 4500 to 5400 at the high field region. The results are of significance to the development of field emission display using nanoemitters.     

Preparation and study of carbon nano-onion for lithium storage

Carbon nano-onions were prepared by burning castor oil. The as-prepared carbon nano-onions were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope to confirm the nano-onion structures. The carbon nano-onions were used as anodes for rechargeable Li-ion batteries and demonstrated high reversible capacity and relatively good rate capability. The electrochemical performance can be attributed to the unusual surface properties and unique structural features of the carbon nano-onion anode, which amplify both surface area and extensive intermingling between curved graphite layer over small length scales, thereby leading to fast kinetics and short pathways for both Li ions and electrons.     

Synthesis of hybrid Au–ZnO nanoparticles using a one pot polyol process

In this work, we report on the synthesis of hybrid Au–ZnO nanoparticles using a one-pot chemical method that makes use of 1,3-propanediol as a solvent, a reducing agent and a stabilizing layer. The produced nanoparticles consisted of Au cores decorated with ZnO nanoparticles. The structure and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) and Raman spectroscopy. Optical extinction measurements, combined with numerical simulations, showed that the Au–ZnO nanoparticles exhibit a localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) clearly red-shifted with respect to that of bare Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). This work contributes to the emergence of multi-functional nanomaterials with possible applications in surface plasmon resonance based biosensors, energy-conversion devices, and in water-splitting hydrogen production.     

Synthesis and characterization of SnO-carbon nanotube composite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

SnO-carbon nanotube composite was synthesized by a sol-gel method. The electrochemical behavior of the composite using an anode active material in lithium-ion batteries was investigated. It was found that the composite showed enhanced anode performance compared with the unsupported SnO or carbon nanotube (CNT). The capacity fade of the composite electrode was reduced over unsupported SnO or CNT. We attribute the results to the conductivity and ductility of the CNT matrix, and the high dispersion of SnO.     

In situ fabrication of carbon nanotube/mesocarbon microbead composites from coal tar pitch

Carbon nanotube/mesocarbon microbead composites have been synthesized from coal tar pitch with carbon nanotubes. How the carbon nanotubes affect the growth and the structure of mesocarbon microbeads are studied. The result shows that the size of beads decreases when more carbon nanotubes are added, and when the ratio of carbon nanotubes is set at 5%, we get the smallest sample with quite uniform shape. Carbon nanotubes exist both on the surface and inside of the samples and they will inhibit the growth and coalescence of these spheres. The addition of carbon nanotubes decreases the graphitization degree of the samples and makes their microtexture tend to be disordered.     

Low-temperature synthesis,phonon and luminescence properties of Eu doped Y3Al5O12 (YAG) nanopowders

This contribution presents two simple and cost-effective routes for the low-temperature and large-scale production of pure and Eu-doped Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (yttrium aluminum garnet YAG) nanopowders. The proposed methodologies combine a mechanically assisted metathesis reaction or coprecipitation from solution followed by crystallization of the obtained precursors from molten sodium nitrate/nitrite. Both procedures allow obtaining pure and/or doped YAG nanopowders at remarkably low temperatures, i.e. already at 350 °C although firing at 500 °C is needed in order to get single phase and fully crystalline materials. As-obtained samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, Raman, IR and luminescence methods. These methods showed that the mean crystallite size is near 23–31 and 51 nm, when crystallization is performed from the amorphous precursor obtained by a mechanically assisted metathesis reaction and coprecipitation, respectively. Raman and IR spectra indicated better crystallinity of the powders prepared at 500 °C. The emission study showed that the intensity ratio between hypersensitive ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ and magnetic-dipole ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ transitions of Eu³⁺ is significantly larger than expected for well-crystallized YAG. Origin of this behavior is discussed.     

Laser patterning and morphology of two-dimensional planar ferroelastic rare-earth molybdate crystals on the glass surface

The laser-induced crystallization method is applied to pattern two-dimensional planar crystals consisting of ferroelastic β′-(Sm,Gd)₂(MoO₄)₃ crystals (designated here as SGMO crystals) on the surface of Sm₂O₃–Gd₂O₃–MoO₃–B₂O₃ glass. By scanning Yb:YVO₄ fiber lasers (wavelength: 1080 nm) continuously with a small pitch (0.7 μm) between laser irradiated parts, planar SGMO crystals with periodic domain structures showing different refractive indices are patterned successfully, and a high orientation of SGMO crystals is confirmed from micro-Raman scattering spectrum and second harmonic intensity measurements. It is found that the crystal growth direction is perpendicular to the laser scanning direction. This relation, i.e., the perpendicular relation, is a different from the behavior in discrete crystal line patterning, where the crystal growth direction is consistent with the laser scanning direction. The present study proposes the possibility of the control of crystal growth direction in laser-induced crystallization in glasses.     

Preparation and electrochemical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes-nickel oxide porous composite for supercapacitors

Porous nickel oxide/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (NiO/MWNTs) composite material was synthesized using sodium dodecyl phenyl sulfate as a soft template and urea as hydrolysis-controlling agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that the as-prepared nickel oxide nanoflakes aggregate to form a submicron ball shape with a porous structure, and the MWNTs with entangled and cross-linked morphology are well dispersed in the porous nickel oxide. The composite shows an excellent cycle performance at a high current of 2 A g⁻¹ and keeps a capacitance retention of about 89% over 200 charge/discharge cycles. A specific capacitance approximate to 206 F g⁻¹ has been achieved with NiO/MWNTs (10 wt.%) in 2 M KOH electrolyte. The electrical conductivity and the active sites for redox reaction of nickel oxide are significantly improved due to the connection of nickel nanoflakes by the long entangled MWNTs.     

Investigation of the cytotoxicity of carbon nanotubes using hydroxyapatite as a nano-matrix towards mouse fibroblast cells

The cytotoxicity of carbon nanotubes adhered on hydroxyapatite matrix synthesized by catalytic chemical vapor deposition was investigated towards mouse fibroblast cells, using MTT assay method. The results demonstrate that carbon nanotubes adhered on hydroxyapatite matrix possess no evident short-term toxicity and can be considered biocompatible with L929 mouse fibroblast cells in culture, while the long-term negative effects, that are evidenced after reseeding, are probably due to physical rather than chemical interactions.     

Synthesis and characterization of WO3 thin films by surfactant assisted spray pyrolysis for electrochromic applications

Thin films of WO₃ were prepared by surfactant assisted spray pyrolysis on F-doped SnO₂ (FTO) conductive glass by using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) and polyethylene glycol (PEG400):HTAB as growth controlling agents. The surface tension of the spraying solutions was experimentally evaluated and was correlated with the deposition processes (nucleation and growth) of very smooth and homogenous films. The effect of the surfactant, alone and associated with PEG, on the structure (XRD), morphology (AFM), surface composition (XPS), FTIR and hydrophilicity (contact angle) were investigated and their influence on the electrochromic activity was discussed. Using surfactants and PEG, the coloration efficiency, transmission modulation and cycling stability of the WO₃ thin films can be enhanced.     

Synthesis and upconversion properties of GdOBr:Er phosphors

GdOBr:Er³⁺ phosphors were synthesized by a simple solid-state reaction method. Under 980 nm and (or) 785 nm laser excitation, GdOBr:Er³⁺ (1%) samples present strong green and red upconverted emissions. The upconversion mechanisms were studied in detail through laser power dependence and excited state absorption process is discussed as the possible upconversion mechanisms. More interesting, the bright green upconverted emission is visible to the naked eye for GdOBr:Er³⁺ (1%) samples even excited by 1 mW 980 nm laser. Such phenomenon indicates that GdOBr:Er³⁺ may be used as upconversion phosphors.     

Photoluminescence and electrochemistry behavior of well-dispersible poly-N-[5-(8-quinolinol)ylmethyl]aniline/nano-TiO2 composite

Well-dispersible poly-N-[5-(8-quinolinol)ylmethyl]aniline/nano-TiO₂ composite was synthesized by the surface modification of nano-TiO₂ particles using poly-N-[5-(8-quinolinol)ylmethyl] (PANQ), and it was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope, as well as conductivity and cyclic voltammogram were given. The conductivity of this composite was 2.1 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 25 °C, and showed good redox reversibility. It was easy to cast a transparent conducting film with photoluminescent property.     

Synthesis of BaMoO4:Er/Yb particles by an MAM method and their upconversion photoluminescence properties

Er³⁺-doped BaMoO₄ (BaMoO₄:Er³⁺) and Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped BaMoO₄ (BaMoO₄:Er³⁺/Yb³⁺) particles were successfully synthesized by a cyclic microwave-assisted metathetic (MAM) method, and show fine and homogeneous morphology with particle sizes of 0.5–1 μm. At 980-nm excitation, BaMoO₄:Er³⁺ and BaMoO₄:Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ particles exhibited a strong 525-nm emission band and a weak 550-nm emission band in the green region. The Raman spectrum of BaMoO₄:Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ particles indicated the appearance of additional peaks at higher frequencies (390 and 505 cm⁻¹) and at lower frequencies (218 and 255 cm⁻¹).     

The preparation of carbon nanotube/linear low density polyethylene composites by a water-crosslinking reaction

A novel method to prepare the carbon nanotube (CNT)/linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) composite is demonstrated. The combination of free radical reaction and water-crosslinking reaction to prepare the CNT/LLDPE composite was characterized by Raman and FT-IR. Mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composite were significantly improved after silane modification and water-crosslinking reaction.     

Effect of calcination temperature on the physical properties of LiFe5O8 nanostructures

The structural properties of LiFe₅O₈ nanostructures, which were synthesized using a thermal treatment method, were investigated using different characterization methods. The XRD, FESEM and TEM results showed a phase transition from uncompleted α-LiFe₅O₈ and β-LiFe₅O₈ phases to completed α-LiFe₅O₈ phase when the growth calcination temperature shifted from 873 to 973?K. The crystallization was completed at 973?K, revealed by the absence of organic absorption bands in the FT-IR spectra. The results of band gap energy which were studied by UV–vis spectroscopy indicated that when calcination temperature increased, the appraised band gap energy of LiFe₅O₈ nanostructures decreased. Laser Raman analysis was used to determine the peaks of the synthesized LiFe₅O₈ nanostructures accurately and to differentiate between the α-LiFe₅O₈ and β-LiFe₅O₈ phases around 217?cm^?1. The results of a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) indicated that the magnetic properties differed between these nanostructures so that saturation magnetization and coercivity increased when the calcination temperature increased. The obtained results from electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy demonstrated that as the growth calcination temperature shifted from 673 to 873?K, the results of g value and ΔH_pp increased up to the maximum value and then reduced for calcined sample at 973?K.     

Electrochemical preparation of composite coatings of 3,4-etylenodioxythiophene (EDOT) and 4-(pyrrole-1-yl) benzoic acid (PyBA) with heteropolyanions

The possibility of incorporating 4-(pyrrole-1-yl) benzoic acid, (PyBA), and heteropolyacids (SiMo₁₂) during the electrodeposition of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT, is demonstrated in the paper. The formed novel composite material was applied on the electrode surface as a moderately thin (ca. 0.9–1 μm thick) PEDOT/PyBA/SiMo₁₂ coating. The physicochemical identity of our composite coating was established with the use of electrochemical, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques. The fact that carboxylate-containing PyBA units link with positively charged and PEDOT structures tend to improve the overall stability and adherence of composite coatings to glassy carbon and stainless steel. The PEDOT/PyBA composite serves as a stable host matrix for large negatively charged silicium heteropolymolybdates inorganic species. Consequently, due to the formation of denser polymeric structures and due to the existence of electrostatic repulsion effects, the large polyanion-containing composite coatings are capable of blocking the access of smaller pitting-causing anions (chlorides) to the surface of stainless steel.