Controllable melting and flow of β-Sn in flexible amorphous carbon nanotubes

A high-yield of carbon nanotubes filled with β-Sn nanowires has been produced by the thermal pyrolysis of acetylene over SnO₂ catalysts. Electron beam irradiation (EBI) induced melting and flow of Sn in the nanotubes and this could be controlled by changing the electron beam current density. The mass flow rate of the Sn ranged from 0.9 to 8.2 fg/s. The melting of the nanowires is a result of the temperature rise caused by the EBI. Many factors, including temperature variation, charging, and EBI induced deformation of the carbon shells, contribute to the flow of Sn.     

Immobilization of β-glucosidase and its aroma-increasing effect on tea beverage

β-Glucosidase was effectively immobilized on alginate by the method of crosslinking–entrapment–crosslinking. After optimization of the immobilized conditions, the activity recovery of immobilized β-glucosidase achieved to 46.0%. The properties of immobilized β-glucosidase were investigated. Its optimum temperature was determined to be 45 °C, decreasing 10 °C compared with that of free enzyme, whereas the optimum pH did not change. The thermal and pH stabilities of immobilized β-glucosidase increased to some degree. The K_m value for immobilized β-glucosidase was estimated to be 1.97 × 10^?3 mol/L. The immobilized β-glucosidase was also applied to treat the tea beverage to investigate its aroma-increasing effect. The results showed that after treated with immobilized β-glucosidase, the total amount of essential oil in green tea, oolong tea and black tea increased by 20.69%, 10.30% and 6.79%, respectively. The storage stability and reusability of the immobilized β-glucosidase were improved significantly, with 73.3% activity retention after stored for 42 days and 93.6% residual activity after repeatedly used for 50 times.     

Immobilization of β-Galactosidase on Monolithic Discs for the Production of Prebiotics Galacto-oligosaccharides

Four different activated methacrylatic monoliths, acting as pore-through-flow membrane reactors in order to reduce enzyme costs and mass-transfer limitations, were characterized as support for immobilization of β-galactosidase to produce galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). GOS synthesis was studied in different operation modes. A higher affinity of the immobilized enzyme towards the transgalactosylation reaction could be obtained, which results in desired GOS with higher degree of polymerisation. Kinetic models were successfully parametrized forming a basis for process modeling and optimization.     

Immobilization and enzymatic activity of β-glucosidase on mesoporous SBA-15 silica

The mesoporous silicate SBA-15 has shown to be a good support for the immobilization of β-glucosidase from almonds, an enzyme with high molecular weight (ca. 130 kDa for the dimer). An enzyme loading of 430 mg per gram of support (3.2 ± 0.2 μmol g⁻¹ of SBA-15) was achieved at 7 h. The optimum pH for the immobilization was 3.5. The electrostatic interactions between the surface of SBA-15 and the enzyme molecules were the driving force of the adsorption process. The immobilized β-glucosidase presented enzymatic activity on the hydrolysis of the 4-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside at 3.5 pH. The catalytic activity was similar to the free enzyme for reaction time of 30 min. When the reaction pH was higher (5.5 pH) the enzyme was desorbed.     

Growth of carbon nanotubes on the surface of carbon fiber using Fe–Ni bimetallic catalyst at low temperature

This article provides a method for growing carbon nanotubes(CNTs) on carbon fibers(CFs) using iron and nickel as catalysts at low temperatures. This series of experiments was conducted in a vacuum chemical vapor deposition(CVD)furnace. It is found that Fe–Ni catalysts, which have a certain thickness and can be better combined with resins when manufacturing composite materials, are more ideal for the growth of CNTs than single metal catalysts. At the same time, it is proved that the CVD process worked best at 450 °C. The mechanical property test proved the reinforcing effect of CNTs on carbon fiber, the single-filament tensile strength of CFs obtained by using Fe–Ni catalyst at 450 °C was 11% higher than that of Desized CFs. The bonding strength of carbon fiber and resin has also been significantly improved. When synthesized at low temperature, CNTs exhibited a hollow multi-wall structure.     

Effect of carbon nanotubes on sintering behavior of alumina prepared by sol–gel method

Alumina (Al2O3)/carbon nanotube (CNT) (99/1 by weight) composite was prepared by mixing CNT dispersion with AlCl₃-based gel, followed by high temperature sintering at a temperature up to 1150 °C in argon. Composite alumina precursor showed phase transition order from amorphous to γ-Al₂O₃ after sintered at 900 °C for 2 h, partially to θ-Al₂O₃ after sintered at 1000 °C for 2 h, and then partially to α-Al₂O₃ after sintered at 1150 °C for 2 h. By comparison, control alumina precursor directly transformed from amorphous to α-Al₂O₃ after sintered at a relatively low temperature of 600 °C for 2 h. Composite alumina showed porous structure with pore diameter ranging from 100 nm to 2 µm, whereas control alumina was relatively pore-free. The elevated alumina-crystal phase transition temperatures and the formation of porous structure were ascribed to the presence of CNTs in alumina precursor. The composite alumina sintered at 900 °C for 2 h containing only γ-Al₂O₃ had a BET surface area of 138 m²/g, which was significantly higher than that of control alumina sintered at 1150 °C for 2 h containing only α-Al₂O₃, ~15 m²/g.     

Effect of carbon nanotubes additives on mechanical properties of WC–6Co cemented carbide

In order to increase the toughness of WC–6Co cemented carbide, different contents of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to the WC–6Co alloy powder to prepare cemented carbide by low-pressure sintering. The results showed that some of the CNTs were embedded between the grains of WC–6Co cemented carbide, which would hinder the growth of WC grain boundary, thus leading to grain refinement. In addition, CNTs inhibited the formation of decarbonized phase and guided the deflection and bridge of crack to hinder the crack extension. With the increase of CNTs content, the density increased at first and then decreased, and the transverse fracture strength increased at first and then decreased. When the content was 0.2 wt.%, the alloy had the best performance. The density of the alloy was 99.67%; the transverse fracture strength was up to 2937.5 MPa, which is about 100% higher than that of cemented carbide without CNTs. The fracture toughness was 9.84 MPa m^1/2, and the hardness was 1924.8HV₃₀.     

Role of carbon nanotubes on load dependent micro hardness of SWCNT–lead silicate glass composite

Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were successfully entrapped in lead silicate glass by the melt quench technique. Variation of micro hardness with load for lead silicate glass and the composites (having different wt% of SWCNTs) show Reverse Indentation Size Effect (RISE). Meyer's law, the proportional specimen resistance (PSR) model and the modified PSR model have been analyzed for the load dependent hardness of the glass and the composites. Incremented elastic recovery in the composites than that of the glass was explained by the appealing cushioning performance of entangled SWCNT bundles. In contrast, higher plastic deformation beneath the indenter in the composites was established by evaluating the recovery resistance of the materials.     

Effect of bundling on the π plasmon energy in sub-nanometer single wall carbon nanotubes

Due to their unusual electronic and vibrational properties, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with sub-nanometer diameters d ∼ 0.5–0.9 nm have recently gained interest in the carbon community. Using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy and ultra-centrifugation, we have conducted a detailed study of the π plasmon energy (present at∼5–7 eV) in sub-nm SWCNTs as a function of the size of the bundle. We find that the energy of the π plasmon peak E varies with the bundle diameter D_h as E = (-0.023 eV)^∗ln(D_h/d_o) + 5.37 eV, where d_o = 0.5 nm and corresponds to the smallest tube diameter.¹ This is compared with the same data for HiPCo and Carbolex SWCNTs of larger diameter (1–1.4 nm) confirming a clear dependence of E on the bundle size, which is present in addition to the previously reported dependence of E on SWCNT diameter d.     

Selective synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes on Fe–MgO catalyst by chemical vapor deposition of methane

The selective synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with narrow chirality and diameter distribution by methane decomposition over Fe–MgO catalyst is reported. The catalyst was examined by nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to elucidate the structure and chemical state of the species responsible for SWCNT growth. High resolution electron microscopy, Raman and optical absorption spectroscopy, temperature programmed oxidation, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and nitrogen physisorption were used to probe reaction selectivity, SWCNT chirality and diameter distribution, carbon yield and effectiveness of purification protocols. The yield of carbon increased with an increase in temperature, although SWCNTs selectivity decreased above the optimum synthesis temperature. Results established a clear link between the degree of dispersion of iron oxide species inside the MgO lattice and the catalyst selectivity for SWCNT growth.     

Synthesis of carbon nanotubes over nickel–iron catalysts supported on alumina under controlled conditions

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized by catalytic decomposition of acetylene over Fe, Ni and Fe–Ni catalysts supported on alumina. The growth of CNTs was carried out at various reaction conditions. The growth density and diameter of CNTs could be controlled by varying the catalyst composition and the growth parameters. The growth density of CNTs increased with increasing the activation time of catalysts in H₂ atmosphere and/or decreasing acetylene concentration. At 600°C, higher density of CNTs was observed at 60 min for higher Fe containing catalyst, whereas at 90 min for higher Ni containing catalyst. The growth density of CNTs highly increased with increasing reaction time from 30 to 60 min. For all the catalysts, the diameter of CNTs decreased with increasing growth time further mainly due to hydrogen etching. Bimetallic catalysts produced narrower diameter CNTs than single metal catalysts. The growth of CNTs followed the tip growth mode and the CNTs were multi-walled CNTs.     

Buckling of ZnS-filled single-walled carbon nanotubes – The influence of aspect ratio

The mechanical response of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) filled with crystalline zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanowires under uniaxial compression is studied using classical molecular dynamics. These simulations were used to analyse the behaviour of SWCNT, with and without ZnS filling, in terms of critical force and critical strain. Force versus strain curves have been computed for hollow and filled systems, the latter clearly showing an improvement of the mechanical behaviour caused by the ZnS nanowire. The same simulations were repeated for a large range of dimensions in order to evaluate the influence of the aspect ratio on the mechanical response of the tubes.     

Influence of adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the adhesive strength of composite epoxy/sol–gel materials

The tensile shear strength of a composite epoxy/sol–gel system modified with different ratios of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was evaluated using a mechanical testing machine. The experimental results showed that the shear strength increased when lower than ~0.07 wt% of MWCNTs were added in the composite solution. The increase of the shear strength was attributed to both the mechanical load transfer from the matrix to the MWCNTs and the high specific surface area of this material that increased the degree of crosslinking with other inorganic fillers in the formulation. However, a decrease in the adhesive shear strength was observed after more than ~0.07 wt% MWCNTs were added to the composite. The reason for this may be related to the high concentration of MWCNTs within the matrix leading to excessively high viscosity, dewetting of the substrate surfaces, and reduced bonding of MWCNTs with the matrix, thereby limiting the strength. SEM observation of the fracture surfaces for composite epoxy/sol–gel adhesive materials with 0.01 wt% MWCNTs showed a mixed interfacial/cohesive fracture mode. This fracture mode indicated strong links at the adhesive/substrate interface, and interaction between CNTs and the matrix was achieved; therefore, adhesion performance of the composite epoxy/sol–gel material to the substrate was improved. An increase of a strong peak related to the C–O bond at ~1733 cm^?1 in the FTIR spectra was observed. This peak represented crosslinking between the CNT surface and the organosilica nanoparticles in the MWCNTs-doped composite adhesive. Raman spectroscopy was also used to identify MWCNTs within the adhesive material. The Raman spectra exhibit peaks at ~1275 cm^?1 and in the range of ~1549–1590 cm^?1. The former is the graphite G-band, while the latter is the diamond D-band. The D-band and G-band represent the C–C single bond and C=C double bond in carbon nanotubes, respectively.     

Cathode materials based on carbon nanotubes for high-energy-density lithium–sulfur batteries

The rational integration of conductive nanocarbon scaffolds and insulative sulfur is an efficient method to build composite cathodes for high-energy-density lithium–sulfur batteries. The full demonstration of the high-energy-density electrodes is a key issue towards full utilization of sulfur in a lithium–sulfur cell. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that possess robust mechanical properties, excellent electrical conductivities, and hierarchical porous structures were employed to fabricate carbon/sulfur composite cathode. A family of electrodes with areal sulfur loading densities ranging from 0.32 to 4.77 mg cm⁻² were fabricated to reveal the relationship between sulfur loading density and their electrochemical behavior. At a low sulfur loading amount of 0.32 mg cm⁻², a high sulfur utilization of 77% can be achieved for the initial discharge capacity of 1288 mAh g_S⁻¹, while the specific capacity based on the whole electrode was quite low as 84 mAh g_{C/S+binder+Al}⁻¹ at 0.2 C. Moderate increase in the areal sulfur loading to 2.02 mg cm⁻² greatly improved the initial discharge capacity based on the whole electrode (280 mAh g_{C/S+binder+Al}⁻¹) without the sacrifice of sulfur utilization. When sulfur loading amount further increased to 3.77 mg cm⁻², a high initial areal discharge capacity of 3.21 mAh cm⁻² (864 mAh g_S⁻¹) was achieved on the composite cathode.     

Ultrastructural and antimicrobial impacts of allyl isothiocyanate incorporated in cellulose, β-cyclodextrin,and carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

Antimicrobial nanobio packaging with controlled-release of active compounds is one of the most promising versions of active packaging. In this study, the antimicrobial effect of allyl isothiocyanate (AIT), complexed or not with β-cyclodextrin (βCD), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in cellulose films against Salmonella choleraesuis and Listeria innocua was investigated. Structural changes caused by AIT in bacteria were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as changes in the surface of the films, which were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The active films inhibited the growth of both bacteria and caused damage to the cell membrane. The presence of inclusion complex and CNTs resulted in structural changes in films, such as the formation of lumps and reduction of roughness, respectively. Complexation of AIT with βCD and the use of CNTs increased the retention of the antimicrobial agent, which is desired to promote its controlled diffusion and consequently increase the preservative action of the film. However, when considering the use of βCD inclusion complexes, caution is necessary to prevent detrimental changes in the films' surface.     

Achieving β-phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) from melt cooling: Effect of surface functionalized carbon nanotubes

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based nanocomposites with different surface-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by melt mixing in a small scale compounder. With the incorporation of commercial functionalized MWCNTs, the β-phase in PVDF can be directly achieved from melt cooling, as verified by results of Fourier transform infrared spectrum and X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, nanocomposites with amino group functionalized MWCNTs showed the highest percentage of β-phase (17.4%) formation in PVDF, followed by those with hydroxyl groups (11.6%) and unmodified MWCNTs (9.4%). However, the nanocomposites containing MWCNTs with carboxyl groups which were thought to be able to well interact with the dipoles on PVDF chains have the lowest amount of β-phase, i.e. 4.7%. The analysis on the mechanism of the influence of surface functionalization of MWCNTs on the formation of β-phase in PVDF shows that the combined effects of the dispersion of MWCNTs and the nanotube–polymer interactions account for the formation of the β-phase in PVDF.     

Properties of cement–sand-based piezoelectric composites with carbon nanotubes modification

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were dispersed in a cement–sand-based piezoelectric composite as conductive fillers to improve its poling efficiency. Specimens were prepared by mixing PZT powders, cement and sand with CNTs. The effect of CNTs ranging from 0 to 0.9 vol% on properties of the composite, including its piezoelectric coefficient, dielectric constant and loss, and sensing characteristic, were characterized. It was found that the addition of CNTs facilitated effective poling under a low electric field of 1 MV/m at room temperature and improved the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the composite. The composite modified by CNTs achieved optimal properties when the CNTs content was 0.6 vol% and this was verified by the investigation of sensing effects of the composite through compressive tests.     

Immobilization of Thermostable β-Glucosidase and α-l-Rhamnosidase from Dictyoglomus thermophilum DSM3960 and Their Cooperated Biotransformation of Total Flavonoids Extract from Epimedium into Icaritin

Catalysis Letters - The thermostable GH3 family β-glucosidase DthBgl3 and thermostable GH78 family α-l-rhamnosidase DthRha from Dictyoglomus thermophilum DSM3960 were successfully...     

Catalytic CVD-growth of array of multiwall carbon nanotubes on initially amorphous film Co–Zr–N–O

The possibility of formation of arrays of multiwall carbon nanotubes on catalyst-containing amorphous thin film Co–Zr–N–O with low content of Co (~ 15 at.%) by chemical vapor deposition has been demonstrated. On heating the amorphous alloy crystallizes, whereby the faceted crystal clusters of cobalt are formed on the surface. The rest of the film is cobalt depleted. The growth of CNT occurs on cobalt clusters. When using acetylene at the substrate temperature of 650 °C the array of 12 μm high CNT is formed after 2 min of growing. The diameter of CNT in the array varies in the range 3–11 nm. CNTs with the diameter of 5–8 nm prevail. CNT growth process on a thin film of Co–Zr–N–O is low sensitive to the thickness of the film, making it technically attractive.