Synthesis of Ru/multiwalled carbon nanotubes by microemulsion for electrochemical supercapacitor

An efficient way to decorate multiwalled carbon nanotubes with Ru had been developed. In this method, Ru nanoparticles were prepared by water-in-oil reverse microemulsion, and the produced Ru anchored on MWCNTs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) result showed that RuO₂ nanoparticles had the uniform size distribution after electrochemical oxidation. Energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) spectra elucidated the presence of ruthenium oxide in the as-prepared composites after electrochemical oxidation. Cyclic voltammetry result demonstrated that a specific capacitance of deposited ruthenium oxide electrode was significantly greater than that of the pristine MWCNTs electrode in the same medium.     

Preparation polystyrene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites by copolymerization of styrene and styryl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Styryl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (p-MWNTs) were prepared by esterification based on the carboxylate salt of carbon nanotubes and p-chloromethylstyrene in toluene. Then in situ radical copolymerization of p-MWNTs and styrene initiated by 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) was applied to synthesize composites of styryl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polystyrene (PS) (p-MWNTs/PS). Characterizations carried out by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, UV–vis show that styryl group covalently bond to the surface of MWNTs. The results of UV showed that the solutions of p-MWNTs/PS in chloroform have the hyperchromic effect. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of p-MWNTs/PS composites and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of fracture surface of p-MWNTs/PS composites showed the functionalized nanotubes had a better dispersion than that of the unfunctionalized MWNTs in the matrix. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggested that the thermal stability of p-MWNTs/PS composites improved in the presence of MWNTs.     

Graphite nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes based polyethylene composites: Electrical conductivity and morphology

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) and/or multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites have been obtained either via melt-mixing or solvent assisted methods.     

Preparation of manganese dioxide/multiwalled carbon nanotubes hybrid hollow microspheres via layer-by-layer assembly for supercapacitor

Manganese dioxide/multiwalled carbon nanotubes hybrid hollow microspheres were prepared via layer-by-layer assembly technique by alternately adsorbing aminated manganese dioxide (AMnO₂) and carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CMWCNTs) using polystyrene sulfonate microspheres as sacrificial templates. The structures and morphologies of the hybrid hollow microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscope. Capacitive properties of the prepared hybrid hollow microspheres were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a three-electrode experimental setup using 1.0 mol L^?1 Na₂SO₄ solution as electrolyte. The result showed that the specific capacitance increased with the increase in the content of AMnO₂ and CMWCNTs, which reached 169 F g^?1 at a current density of 0.5 A g^?1 when AMnO₂ and CMWCNTs alternately adsorbed for ten times. And the capacitance retention was about 82 % after 800 times of cyclic voltammetry tests at a scan rate of 80 mV s^?1.     

pH sensitive multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The CNTs-based sensors have received considerable attention because of their outstanding properties, such as faster response, higher sensitivity, and lower operating temperature. And we expect that CNTs-based electrochemical sensors offer substantial improvements in the performance of pH sensing device. This letter reports experimental results that demonstrate the pH sensing capability of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) film by using the thermal chemical vapor deposition (thermal CVD). It was found that electronic properties of MWCNTs can be changed by the introduction of different pH value solutions. The absorption of the hydroxide in pH buffer solution changes conductivity of the MWCNTs. We observed in situ measurement of electrical conductivity by cycling solution range from acid to base.     

电场诱导多壁碳纳米管有序排列对多壁碳纳米管/环氧树脂复合材料性能的影响

采用交流（AC）电场诱导法制备了多壁碳纳米管（MWCNTs）均匀分散且定向有序排列的MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料。采用SEM、偏振拉曼光谱等研究了电场强度、MWCNTs含量、加电时间及温度（黏度）等因素对MWCNTs定向排列的影响,讨论了MWCNTs有序排列对MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料电学和力学性能的影响。结果表明：MWCNTs沿电场方向有序排列;MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料施加AC电场后的拉曼强度明显高于未施加电场的情况;当MWCNTs含量从0wt%增加到0.025wt%时,MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料导电率从2.3×10^-12 S/cm增加到1.3×10^-8 S/cm,增加了约4个数量级;MWCNTs含量为2.5wt%时,MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料拉伸强度提高了26.3%。     

多壁碳纳米管对单质硫正极材料电化学性能的改性

为增强单质硫电极的导电性能和抑制活性硫在电解液中的溶解,选用高比表面积、强吸附能力的多壁碳纳米管作为非活性添加剂,通过密封分段加热的方式与单质硫形成复合材料。X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和比表面积(BET)测试均表明单质硫均匀分散到碳纳米管基体中。电化学测试显示添加碳纳米管的硫电极首次放电比容量高达1 487.0mAh.g-1,硫的利用率达到了88.9%,循环50次后比容量还保持在913.7mAh.g-1,较之普通硫电极其电化学性能得到显著改善。     

NiO-改性活性炭电极电化学电容器研究

为提高普通活性炭材料的电化学性能,用Ni(NO3)2溶液浸渍法和高温热解对活性炭进行改性处理.分别采用氮气吸附法、SEM、XPS等方法分析研究改性炭材料的比表面积、孔结构、形貌和组成;用循环伏安、恒流充放电等电化学方法研究改性活性炭电极构成的电化学电容器性能.结果表明,由Ni(NO3)2热解产生的NiO有准电容效应,与活性炭原有的双电层电容构成了复合电容,因而改性炭的电容量有明显的提高,其质量比电容达到246.1 F/g,比原样炭的130.1 F/g提高了89.2%,表观体积比电容和面积比电容分别高达169.7 F/cm3和30.1 μF/cm2,均显著优于普通炭材料.     

Thermodynamic properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The experimental study of the heat capacity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes has been conducted at a constant pressure and a temperature in the range from 60 to 300 K. The derived temperature dependence of the heat capacity has been shown to differ from that of graphite. The explanation of the fact has been given in terms of the special features of phonon spectra of the above materials. Based on the experimental results and reliable literature data standard values of the basic thermodynamic functions of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs reduced energy) have been calculated.     

Ballistic conduction in multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The electrical transport in multiwalled carbon nanotubes is shown to be ballistic at room temperature with mean free paths on the order of tens of microns. The measurements are performed both in air and in the transmission electron microscope by contacting the free end of a nanotube pointing out of a fiber to a liquid metal and measuring the dependence of the nanotube resistance between the contacts. For a specific representative nanotube the resistance per unit length is found to be Rt = 31 +/- 61 omega/micron and the contact resistance with the liquid metal, Rc = 165 +/- 55 omega microns, corresponding to a mean free path l = 200 microns. Current-to-voltage characteristics are in accord with the electronic structure. The nanotubes survive high currents (up to 1 mA, i.e., current density on the order of 10(9) A/cm2). In situ electron microscopy shows that a relatively large fraction of the nanotubes do not conduct (even at high bias), consistent with the existence of semiconducting nanotubes. Discrepancies with other measurements are most likely due to damage caused to the outer layer(s) of the nanotubes during processing. The measured mean free path of clean, undamaged arc-produced multiwalled carbon nanotubes is several orders of magnitude greater than that for metals, making this perhaps the most significant property of carbon nanotubes.     

Physical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), which were prepared by hydrogen arc discharge, were purified by using an infrared radiation heating system. The morphology, structure, vibrational modes and crystalline perfection of purified MWNTs were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, an X-ray diffractometer and a Raman spectrometer. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of individual purified MWNTs was measured using a two-probe method using a micro manipulator system. It turned out that the MWNTs had a high degree of graphitization, an electrical conductivity of about 1.85×10³ S cm⁻¹ along the long axis, and an enormous current density of more than 10⁷ A cm⁻².     

Synthesis and relevant electrochemical properties of 2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The 2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC)-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite (HACC–MWCNTs) was prepared via covalently grafting HACC onto the surfaces of MWCNT. The properties and morphology of the resulting materials were monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of FTIR and TGA indicated that the interaction between MWCNT and HACC was grafting through covalent links. TEM and SEM images confirmed MWCNT stained with an extra phase after the grafting process that was presumed to come from HACC. The dispersion of MWCNT in H₂O was improved after the grafting of HACC,which was in agreement with the positive charge of HACC–MWCNT at any pH value. The electrochemical properties of HACC–MWCNT were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The dramatic improvement in the electrostatic interactions between HACC–MWCNT/electrode and anionic complexes was distinguished from the response of chitosan-MWCNT/electrode and non-modified electrode. According to the experimental results, the HACC–MWCNT had a possibility to serve as a novel material for innovative anionic sensor.     

Rapid synthesis of homogeneous MnO2/multi-wall carbon nanotubes nanostructure and its electrochemical capacitive behavior

A homogeneous composite of MnO₂/multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MnO₂/MWCNTs) was rapidly and efficiently synthesized by a redox reaction of MnO₄⁻ and Mn²⁺ on the MWCNTs under ultrasonic irradiation. The structure and morphology of the obtained MnO₂ and MnO₂/MWCNTs composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical investigation indicated that the maximum specific capacitance of the MnO₂/MWCNTs composite, measured by galvanostatic charge-discharge test, was 315 F g^− 1, compared to the pristine MnO₂ (192 F g^− 1) and MWCNTs electrode (25 F g^− 1), showing the synergistic effect of MWCNTs and MnO₂. The homogeneous hybrid nanostructure and the good conductivity of MWCNTs were considered to be responsible for its preferable electrochemical performances.     

Ni and Ni/Pt filling inside multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes are grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition with CH4 and H2 as precursor gases. Ni and Ni/Pt electroplated layers are used as catalysts for the synthesis of the tubes. We observe that a very efficient filling of the tubes takes place with Ni. In some cases Ni/Pt filling is also observed inside the tubes. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies, coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analyses of the tubes, indicate Ni nanorods with a highly symmetrical cylindrical structure. The diameter of the cylindrical nanorods is on the order of 40 nm, and their length is 660 nm. The nano area diffraction pattern of the nanorods reveals the cubic structure of nickel, and electron diffraction spots corresponding to (111), (200), (220) planes are evident. The lattice constant of Ni measured from the diffraction spots was found to be 0.347 +/- 0.0013 nm. This should be compared with 0.352 nm, the value of "a" in bulk Ni. The decrease in the lattice constant may be due to the strain experienced inside the tubes. Raman spectroscopy shows the typical signature of the tangential breathing mode present in the tubes at 1580 cm-1 that shifts to a new position when the C12 is replaced by 13C. The shift, however, is too small and is difficult to explain on the basis of mass difference. HRTEM experiments indicate the presence of Ni3C in the samples dominantly in the interfacial region.     

Effect of graphene nanoplatelets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the viscous and viscoelastic properties and printability of polylactide nanocomposites

Mechanics of Time-Dependent Materials - Linear and non-linear viscoelasticity, relaxation behavior and steady shear viscosity of polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites filled with...     

Preparation and structure of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The structure of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes has been studied by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results demonstrate that oxidation disrupts nanotubes. Subsequent heat treatment at 300°C also changes the structure of the nanotubes, increasing their inner diameter and reducing their outer diameter.     

Tough semiconductor polycarbonate/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites by rubber modification

Tough polycarbonate (PC)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites (NCs) modified by a maleated styrene/ethylene–butylene/styrene (mSEBS) rubber were obtained in the melt state using a highly dispersed PC/MWCNT master-batch. An electrical percolation threshold (p_c) occurred at only 0.5% MWCNT showing a power law critical exponent of 2.60, which is characteristic of a three-dimensional percolated structure. The presence of MWCNT decreased the rubber particle size due to an increase in matrix viscosity. In addition to high electrical conductivity, the elastic modulus of the NCs was similar to that of the PC, as a result of the combined presence of 0.5% MWCNT and 4% mSEBS; the mSEBS was also able to provide (i) considerable impact strength, (ii) clear ductile behavior and (iii) increased resistance against crack propagation.     

Hybrid polymer-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes for in vitro gene delivery

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) consist of carbon atoms arranged in sheets of graphene rolled up into cylindrical shapes. This class of nanomaterials has attracted attention because of their extraordinary properties, such as high electrical and thermal conductivity. In addition, development in CNT functionalization chemistry has led to an enhanced dispersibility in aqueous physiological media which indeed broadens the spectrum for their potential biological applications including gene delivery. The aim of this study is to determine the capability of different cationic polymer-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) (polymer-g-MWNTs) to efficiently complex and transfer plasmid DNA (pCMV-βGal) in vitro without promoting cytotoxicity. Carboxylated MWNT is chemically conjugated to the cationic polymers polyethylenimine (PEI), polyallylamine (PAA), or a mixture of the two polymers. In order to explore the potential of these polymer-g-MWNTs as gene delivery systems, we first study their capacity to complex plasmid DNA (pDNA) using agarose gel electrophoresis. Gel migration studies confirm pDNA binding to polymer-g-MWNT with different affinities, highest for PEI-g-MWNT and PEI/PAA-g-CNT constructs. β-galactosidase expression is assessed in human lung epithelial (A549) cells, and the cytotoxicity is determined by modified LDH assay after 24 h incubation period. Additionally, PEI-g-MWNT and/or PEI/PAA-g-MWNT reveal an improvement in gene expression when compared to the naked pDNA or to the equivalent amounts of PEI polymer alone. Mechanistically, pDNA was delivered by the polymer-g-MWNT constructs via a different pathway compared to those used by polyplexes. In conclusion, polymer-g-MWNTs may be considered in the future as a versatile tool for efficient gene transfer in cancer cells in vitro, provided their toxicological profile is established.     

Variation of radial elasticity in multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Correlations between the local diameter and local radial elastic modulus in multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were investigated via ultrasonic force microscopy. Spatial cross-correlation analysis showed that local radial modulus variations were inversely correlated with local diameter gradients ("bamboo" structures) in MWNTs grown via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In contrast, uniform MWNTs grown via arc discharge exhibited no such correlation, indicating that reductions of elastic modulus previously reported for CVD-grown MWNTs originated from increased defect density associated with local increases in diameter.