Electrochemical fabrication of polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite films for electrooxidation of methanol

Polyaniline (PANI)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) composite films were fabricated by electropolymerization of aniline containing well-dissolved MWNTs. The films can be used as catalyst supports for electro-oxidation of methanol. Cyclic voltammogram and Chronoamperogram results show that platinum particles deposited on PANI/MWNT composite films exhibit higher electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation than that deposited on pure PANI films. The porous structure and electrical conductivity of PANI films has been significantly changed by introduction of MWNTs, higher surface areas of PANI/MWNT composites has been achieved therefore. It favors for platinum particles to be highly dispersed on the PANI/MWNT composite films and the better electrocatalytic activity of Pt/PANI/MWNT electrode is induced consequently.     

Morphological characterization and modelling of electrical conductivity of multi-walled carbon nanotube/poly(p-phenylene sulfide) nanocomposites obtained by twin screw extrusion

In this study, poly(p-phenylene sulfide) based nanocomposites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were produced by dilution of a 15 wt.% MWNT/PPS masterbatch via twin screw extrusion process. The electrical conductivities of the nanocomposites were measured and percolation threshold was observed below 0.77 vol.% MWNTs. The state of dispersion and distribution quality of MWNTs was analyzed on macro- and nanoscale through transmission light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A good deagglomeration of primary macroagglomerates and a homogenous MWNT distribution on nanoscale was found. The dependence of conductivity on MWNT concentration was estimated using statistical percolation theory which matches the experimental data quite well. A new empirical equation was set up to fit the electrical conductivity using quantitative values of visible percolating MWNTs which were detected by charge contrast imaging in SEM.     

柔性可拉伸硅橡胶@多壁碳纳米管/硅橡胶可穿戴应变传感纤维

基于核-壳结构设计,采用简便、低成本的浸涂-固化法制得柔性、可拉伸、高灵敏且稳定的聚二甲基硅氧烷硅橡胶@多壁碳纳米管/聚二甲基硅氧烷硅橡胶(PDMS@MWCNTs/PDMS)压阻式应变传感纤维。通过FTIR、XRD、TG、TEM对硅烷偶联剂改性多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs-KH570)的化学结构、热稳定性和微观形貌进行了分析,深入研究了核-壳结构与MWCNTs-KH570质量分数对PDMS@MWCNTs/PDMS复合纤维导电性能、传感性能及力学性能的影响规律与机制。结果表明:羟基化MWCNTs(MWCNTs—OH)表面接枝KH570使其在壳层PDMS基体中具有良好的分散性和界面相互作用;核-壳结构的设计使PDMS@MWCNTs/PDMS复合纤维在低填充下具有高电导率和传感性能;PDMS@MWCNTs/PDMS复合纤维的导电性能与传感性能随着MWCNTs-KH570质量分数增加而提高,且在人体关节运动监测中表现出良好的可重复性和工作稳定性。      

Fabrication of humidity sensors by multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Humidity sensors have multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) as the sensing material is demonstrated. The sensor was fabricated on a silicon dioxide coated silicon wafer with metal electrodes. MWNTs were deposited and interlinked with the electrodes by means of the dielectrophoresis technique. The sensing device has the function of a hygrometer when measuring resistance variations to the local relative humidity percentage (RH%) through MWNTs. By measuring the MWNT resistances, we find that higher RH% results in a decrease of conductivity. The results indicate that electron transports in MWNTs are affected by water molecules adsorption on the outermost nanotube surface. A miniature thermocouple sensor was also fabricated and integrated with the humidity sensor. This allowed us to simultaneously sense environmental humidity and temperature. Hence, accurate humidity measurements were achieved with this prototype by calibrating the electrical resistance and temperature levels to carry out the tests with the humidity percentages.     

Multi-walled carbon nanotube/silver nanoparticles used for thermal transportation

A green method was applied to prepare composites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). MWNTs were functionalized using ball milling technology in the presence of ammonium bicarbonate, and the traditional method of silver mirror was used to decorate MWNTs to obtain Ag/MWNT composite. The obtained Ag/MWNT composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. SEM characterization showed that Ag-NPs distributed uniformly on the walls of MWNTs. The content and size of Ag-NPs could be controlled by adjusting the redox time. XRD patterns demonstrated that the Ag-NPs are composed of pure Ag and crystallized well. BET analysis indicated that the specific surface areas of Ag/MWNT decrease with increasing the content of Ag-NPs, and this result is similar to that of the literature. The measurement results of the thermal property showed that the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid containing Ag/MWNT composites was higher than that of nanofluid containing pristine or functionalized MWNTs.     

Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted titanate nanotubes by in situ atom transfer radical polymerization

This paper reports the successful preparation of core-shell hybrid nanocomposites by a 'grafting from' approach based on in?situ atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) from titanate nanotubes (TNTs). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of the products provide direct evidence for the formation of a core-shell structure, possessing a hard core of TNTs and a soft shell of poly-MMA (PMMA). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to determine the chemical structure, morphology, and the grafted PMMA quantities of the resulting products. The grafted PMMA content was well controlled and increased with increasing monomer/initiator ratio. Further copolymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with PMMA-coated TNTs as initiators was realized, illustrating the 'living' characteristics of the ATRP method used in this paper.     

Electroactive Shape Memory Effect of Polyurethane Composites Filled with Carbon Nanotubes and Conducting Polymer

We report the electroactive shape memory composites obtained by shape memory polyurethane block copolymer (PU) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and polypyrrole (PPy). An addition of combined MWNTs and PPy contributed to an enhancement in conductivity of PU-MWNTs composites. PU containing 2.5% MWNTs showed better mechanical and thermal properties than other composites, but conductivity was not sufficient for showing the shape memory effect by applying electrical voltages. However, when the composite was lightly coated by PPy (2.5%), its conductivity was the highest than other composites. Such the conductivity of this composite was enough to show electroactive shape recovery by heating above transition temperature of 40-48°C due to melting of polycaprolactone soft segment domain. The good shape recovery of 90-96% could be obtained in the shape recovery test when an electric field of 25 V was applied.     

Synthesis,characterisation and performance of piezo-resistive cementitious nanocomposites

Smart material reinforced non-destructive structural health monitoring technique has been evolving as the most predominated route for assessing the performance of the civil structures. In the present study, multiwalled nanotubes (MWNT) were suitably incorporated into the cement matrix, which act as actively embedded sensor for monitoring real-time flaws in structures. Initially, the stable homogenous MWNT dispersion was prepared by using ionic surfactant technique with high-intensity ultrasonic agitation process. Since, a suitable and adequate synthesis procedure to incorporate MWNT in cement matrix is essential, but complicated, the role of amplitude and frequency of sonication on dispersion of nanotubes was categorically evaluated. Further, this paper focuses to find out the effect of surfactant on MWNT dispersion by using the UV Visible spectroscopy and by evaluating the effective hydro-dynamic diameter. Based on micromechanics based analytical model, the influence of the interface layer thickness and geometrical configuration of nanotubes on the electrical conductivity of cement nano-composite are also analyzed. Further, the electrical conductivity of MWNT incorporated cement system, as developed in the present study, is measured using four probe method. Piezo-resistivity of the oven dried samples is measured to evaluate the change in potential drop under cyclic loading regime. It is found that the efficiency of the piezo-resistive strain sensors greatly depends on synthesis process and the circuit system. Appropriately proportioned and properly synthesized MWNTs incorporated in cement matrix were capable of providing consistent and steady response under the variable external stress. Thus, the material can be used as embedded sensor for health monitoring and identifying initiation of any damage in reinforced concrete structure.     

Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on electrochemical performance of transparent graphene electrodes

In this work, carbon-carbon nanocomposites as transparent electrodes were prepared by a chemical reduction of graphite oxide (GO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The electric, optical, and electrochemical properties of graphene-MWNT nanocomposites (G-MCs) were investigated as a function of the MWNT content. It was found that chemically bonded G-MCs were successfully formed with a reduction of the functional groups of the GO and acid-treated MWNTs, resulting in the conjugation of 1D MWNTs onto a 2D graphene surface. The electrical conductivity of the graphene was significantly enhanced by introducing the MWNTs. In addition, the G-MCs showed improved current density and high efficiency compared with graphene alone. This indicated that the improved electrochemical performance of the G-MCs can be attributed to the increase in the activity and electrical conductivity enhanced by π-π interaction between graphene and MWNTs.     

Radiolytic synthesis of conducting polypyrrole/carbon nanotube composites

Conducting polypyrrole (PPy)/multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) composites have been synthesized by the in situ gamma radiation-induced chemical polymerization method at room temperature. The resulting cable-like morphology of the composite (PPy–MWNT) structures was characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, field-emission scanning electron microscope, thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope. The standard four-point probe method was utilized for measuring the conductivity of the samples. We observed no significant chemical reaction between the polymer and carbon nanotube, which only showed that polypyrrole chains are tightly coated on to MWNT. The physical properties of the composites (PPy–MWNT) were measured and showed that the MWNT were modified by conducting polypyrrole with various properties enhanced.     

PVK/MWNT electrodeposited conjugated polymer network nanocomposite films

The facile preparation of poly (N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) solution and conjugated polymer network (CPN) nanocomposite film is described. The stable solutions of PVK/MWNT were prepared in mixed solvents by simple sonication method, which enabled successful deaggregation of the MWNTs with the polymer matrix. MWNT was most effectively dissolved in N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone (CHP) compared to other solvents like N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl formamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The composite solution was relatively stable for months with no observable precipitation of the MWNTs. Thermogravimmetric analysis (TGA) revealed the thermal stability of the nanocomposite while the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed an increasing melting (T(m)) and glass transition (T(g)) temperatures as the fraction of the MWNTs in the nanocomposite was increased. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) allowed the electrodeposition of the nanocomposite film on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates and subsequent cross-linking of the carbazole pendant group of the PVK to form CPN films. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed film composition while atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed its surface morphology. Four-point probe measurements revealed an increase in the electrical conductivity of the CPN nanocomposite film as the composition of the MWNTs was increased: 5.53 × 10(-4) (3% MWNTs), 0.53 (5%), and 1.79 S cm(-1) (7%). Finally, the interfacial charge transfer resistance and ion transport on the CPN nanocomposite film was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with a measured real impedance value of ～48.10 Ω for the 97% PVK and 3% MWNT ratio of the CPN nanocomposite film.     

Thermo-physical properties and TEM analysis of silver based MMCs utilizing metallized multiwall-carbon nanotubes

Metal matrix composites with embedded multiwall-carbon nanotubes (MWNT) are attractive because MWNTs exhibit high intrinsic thermal conductivity. Thus to improve the thermal conductivity of a metal matrix, silver matrix composites with MWNT were prepared by “chemical” mixing, different active elements were introduced enhancing the bonding between inclusions and matrix. The evolution of the thermal conductivity and the coefficient of thermal expansion CTE as a function of the MWNT concentration and the presence of active elements cobalt, molybdenum or nickel in the silver matrix in Ag–X/MWNT composites are presented. A transition from weak to strong matrix/MWNT bonding is observed by adding active elements, the latter leading concomitantly to an increase in thermal conductivity and a decrease in CTE. The thermal conductivity was found to increase by up to 10% for a composition of 0.2 wt.% MWNT and cobalt as active element and a 6% decrease in CTE compared to a pure silver reference.     

硅烷自组装膜对制备于多孔性基底上导电聚吡咯薄膜性能的影响

采用硅烷偶联剂对在多孔性绝缘Al2O3膜基底上形成的导电聚吡咯(polypyrrole, PPy)薄膜的形貌及导电性能进行了改善,并探讨了硅烷自组装膜与导电PPy薄膜的形成机理.用硅烷偶联剂对Al2O3膜表面进行改性后,形成了与基底牢固结合的硅烷自组装膜,然后通过化学聚合法在自组装膜上制备得到了均匀致密的PPy薄膜.结果表明:硅烷偶联剂有效地改善了PPy薄膜的均匀性及其与基底的附着性,电导率从5.4S/cm提高到了16.6S/cm.     

Synthesis and characterization of processable multi-walled carbon nanotubes-sulfonated polydiphenylamine graft copolymers

Water soluble and processable nanocomposites composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and poly(diphenylamine sulfonic acid) (PDPASA) are synthesized and characterized. Two types of methodologies are adopted. MWNTs are covalently functionalized with 2,5-diaminobenzene sulfonic acid (DABSA) and further in situ polymerized with diphenylamine-4-sulfonic acid (DPASA). This results in the formation of nanocomposites, MWNT(DABSA)-g-PDPASA, in which PDPASA is presented as the graft chains onto MWNTs. In another approach, DPASA is in situ polymerized in presence of unfunctionalized MWNTs, results in a nanocomposite in which MWNTs are present as entrapped mass in PDPASA matrix. Both nanocomposites are found to be water soluble and can form free standing films. The conductivity of MWNT(DABSA)-g-PDPASA and MWNT/PDPASA is found to be 1.25 mS x cm(-1) and 0.65 mS x cm(-1), respectively, which is higher than that of pristine PDPASA (0.25 x 10(-5) S x cm(-1)). The nanocomposites are characterized for their structure, morphology, optical and thermal properties.     

Structure and properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube porous sheets with enhanced elongation

In this article, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) porous sheet networks (PSNs) of enhanced extensibility were developed and characterized. The MWNT/DBSA networks possess failure strains of 8–12 %, markedly higher than the literature reported values of 0.5–4 %. The networks were prepared through micro-filtration of highly dispersed MWNT in DBSA aqueous solutions. The DBSA molecule has two functions: In the dispersion stage, DBSA functions as a dispersant leading to the establishment of stable individually dispersed MWNT, and in the MWNT porous sheet, the presence of DBSA within the nanotubes’ network creates a lubrication-like effect, enhancing the networks’ extensibility. In fact, it was found that DBSA is assembled in two modes within the nanotubes’ network: a fraction which is strongly adsorbed onto the CNT surface, and another fraction entrapped within the network as a DBSA/water solution. It should be noted that the composition of these systems is stable under ambient room temperature conditions. Comparison of MWNT networks prepared from the MWNT/DBSA dispersions and from the same but coagulated before filtration has shown superiority of the non-coagulated systems in relation to structure and mechanical properties. The prepared MWNT/DBSA PSNs of enhanced extensibility were developed without any modification by polymers, and they are characterized by high electrical conductivity and nano-porosity.     

在聚四氟乙烯基底上层层自组装功能化多壁碳纳米管薄膜的研究

将多壁碳纳米管(MWNTs)通过羧酸化以及氨基化处理,分别得到功能化的MWNT-COOH和MWNT-NH2,然后在聚四氟乙烯(PTFE)基底上层层自组装功能化MWNT薄膜。研究了邻苯二甲酸二乙二醇二丙烯酸酯(PDDA)预处理和MWNTs不同层数对薄膜质量以及导电性能的影响。结果表明,PDDA预处理能够改善PTFE基底的组装效果。随着组装层数的增加,层层自组装MWNT薄膜表面更均一,而且表面的MWNTs也更密集,从而使经MWNTs修饰过的PTFE基底的导电性能得到改善。     

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.     

RGO–MWCNT–ZnO based polypyrrole nanocomposite for ammonia gas sensing

Polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites were synthesized using ferric chloride (FeCl₃) as an oxidant by in situ polymerization at room temperature in which reduced graphene oxide- multi-walled carbon nanotubes (RGO–MWCNT) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were used as fillers. RGO–MWCNT and ZnO were synthesized by solution mixing and surfactant assistant precipitation respectively. The RGO–MWCNT–ZnO /PPy nanocomposites were prepared by loading 2, 5, 10 and 20 wt% of RGO–MWCNT:ZnO (1:1) in PPy to measure the electrical conductivity. The PPy nanocomposites were characterized by using FTIR, X-ray diffraction and FESEM. Furthermore, these RGO–MWCNT–ZnO/PPy nanocomposites were investigated to study sensing of ammonia gas at room temperature. The response of 20 wt% loading RGO–MWCNT–ZnO/PPy was observed to be 325% towards 200 ppm of ammonia gas.     

TiC@NiO核壳纳米结构的制备及电化学储能性能

以棉纤维为碳源和模板,采用生物模板法成功合成出直径50~200nm、长度几至十几微米的碳化钛纳米线,并通过化学浴沉积法在其表面均匀沉积氧化镍纳米片,所构建的TiC@NiO核壳纳米结构具有良好的超电容性能,制备成超级电容器后在1A/g电流密度下比电容量为560F/g,而类似条件下制备的NiO材料的比电容量仅为193.5F/g,并且TiC@NiO在20A/g电流密度下循环5000次后容量保持率达到83.6%,表现出了良好的循环稳定性。     

核壳结构SiC/SiO2纳米线的低温合成与表征

以酚醛树脂(PF)作为碳源, 纳米SiO₂为硅源, 在1300℃氩气气氛下通过碳热还原反应, 制备出具有核壳结构的SiC/SiO₂纳米线。采用X射线分析衍射仪(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、高分辨率透射电子显微镜(HRTEM)、拉曼光谱(Raman)对产物的组成、形貌、微观结构等进行了表征。结果表明; SiC/SiO₂纳米线长可达数毫米, 单根SiC/SiO₂纳米线由直径30 nm的β-SiC晶体为内核和厚度约12 nm的无定形SiO₂壳层组成; 室温下SiC/SiO₂纳米线的PL发光峰与β-SiC单晶的发光特征峰相比有蓝移。最后, 讨论了核壳结构SiC/SiO₂纳米线的生成机制。