Structure,properties, and applications of polyacrylonitrile/carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers at low CNT loading

Bi-component, polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers were processed, at different core-sheath area ratios, by gel spinning. A percolated CNT network at 10 wt% CNT in the sheath enhanced electrical conductivity as compared to the neat PAN fiber, while PAN polymer in the core contributed to the good mechanical properties. Fibers with relatively thin sheath allowed overall CNT loading as low as 3.7 wt% to be made with good electrical conductivity, and PAN stabilization by Joule heating was demonstrated. Such fibers with combined good mechanical properties and electrical conductivity can also potentially be used for electrical heating of fabrics, for making smart textiles, and for electromagnetic interference shielding.     

Determination of hemin-binding characteristics of proteins by a combinatorial peptide library approach

Studies of the binding of heme/hemin to proteins or peptides have recently intensified as it became evident that heme serves not only as a prosthetic group, but also as a regulator and effector molecule interacting with transmembrane and cytoplasmic proteins. The iron‐ion‐containing heme group can associate with these proteins in different ways, with the amino acids Cys, His, and Tyr allowing individual modes of binding. Strong coordinate‐covalent binding, such as in cytochrome c, is known, and reversible attachment is also discussed. Ligands for both types of binding have been reported independently, though sometimes with different affinities for similar sequences. We applied a combinatorial approach using the library (X)₄(C/H/Y)(X)₄ to characterize peptide ligands with considerable hemin binding capacities. Some of the library‐selected peptides were comparable in terms of hemin association independently of whether or not a cysteine residue was present in the sequence. Indeed, a preference for His‐based (≈39 %) and Tyr‐based (≈40 %) sequences over Cys‐based ones (≈21 %) was detected. The binding affinities for the library‐selected peptides, as determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy, were in the nanomolar range. Moreover, selected representatives efficiently competed for hemin binding with the human BK channel hSlo1, which is known to be regulated by heme through binding to its heme‐binding domain.     

A facile synthesis of a novel three‐phase nanocomposite: Single‐wall carbon nanotube/silver nanohybrid fibers embedded in sulfonated polyaniline

A three‐phase water‐soluble nanocomposite of single wall carbon nanotube/silver nanoparticle hybrid fibers embedded in sulfonated polyaniline has been synthesized by a simple chemical solution mixing process. The nanocomposite has been characterized by high resolution electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Optical and electrical characteristics of the nanocomposite have been determined by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and four‐probe electrical conductivity measurement. A surface plasmon absorption band obtained around 460 nm indicates the presence of silver nanoparticles in the composite. The optical band gap calculation for sulfonated polyaniline vis‐a‐vis the nanocomposite supported the conductivity measurement. Over 1300 times increase in DC electrical conductivity has been observed for the three‐phase nanocomposite, with a filler loading of 20 wt %, at 306 K. This observation could be explained by Mott's variable range hopping model considering a three‐dimensional conduction. Such a nanocomposite has immense potential for use as a cathode material in lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41692.     

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan/cloisite 30B film for controlled release of ofloxacin

In this research program, chitosan film was prepared by blending chitosan with Cloisite 30 B at different concentrations 0 wt %, 1 wt %, and 2.5 wt %. The blends were characterized by Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. From the FTIR spectra the various groups present in chitosan/C 30 B blend were monitored. The homogeneity, morphology, and crystallinity of the blends were ascertained from SEM and XRD data, respectively. The most suitable form of blend was taken and used as a carrier for the controlled release of ofloxacin. The swelling studies have been carried out at different drug loading. Drug release kinetics was analyzed by plotting the cumulative release data versus time by fitting to an exponential equation which indicated the occurrence of non‐Fickian type of kinetics. The drug release was investigated at different pH medium and it was found that the drug release depends upon the pH medium as well as the nature of matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Design,Synthesis, and Self-Assembly Studies of a Suite of Monodisperse,Facially Amphiphilic,Protein–Dendron Conjugates

The custom design of protein–dendron amphiphilic macromolecules is at the forefront of macromolecular engineering. Macromolecules with this architecture are very interesting because of their ability to self-assemble into various biomimetic nanoscopic structures. However, to date, there are no reports on this concept due to technical challenges associated with the chemical synthesis. Towards that end, herein, a new chemical methodology for the modular synthesis of a suite of monodisperse, facially amphiphilic, protein–dendron bioconjugates is reported. Benzyl ether dendrons of different generations (G1–G4) are coupled to monodisperse cetyl ethylene glycol to form macromolecular amphiphilic activity-based probes (AABPs) with a single protein reactive functionality. Micelle-assisted protein labeling technology is utilized for site-specific conjugation of macromolecular AABPs to globular proteins to make monodisperse, facially amphiphilic, protein–dendron bioconjugates. These biohybrid conjugates have the ability to self-assemble into supramolecular protein nanoassemblies. Self-assembly is primarily mediated by strong hydrophobic interactions of the benzyl ether dendron domain. The size, surface charge, and oligomeric state of protein nanoassemblies could be systematically tuned by choosing an appropriate dendron or protein of interest. This chemical method discloses a new way to custom-make monodisperse, facially amphiphilic, protein–dendron bioconjugates.     

Spray dryer processed graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide for high-performance supercapacitor

This study deals with the utility of mini spray dryer process to improve the dispersibility, of graphene oxide(GO) and its application for high-performance supercapacitor. Initially, the neutral solution of GO was obtained using the modified Hummer's method. After this, the prepared GO solution was processed by mini spray dryer to obtain a more purified, lighter, and dispersed form of GO which is named as spray dryer processed GO (SPGO). The SPGO thus obtained showed excellent dispersibility behavior with various solvents, which is not found in case of conventional oven drying. Furthermore, utility of SPGO and its reduced form (r-SPGO) for supercapacitor applications have been investigated. Results obtained from the cyclic voltammetry(CV) analysis, impedance, and charge-discharge behavior of supercapacitor fabricated using r-SPGO shows enhanced features. Therefore, the simple spray dried GO and its reduced form, that is, r-SPGO can be utilized as a potential candidate for the supercapacitor application. Herein, as synthesized SPGO exhibited the specific capacitance of 12.07 and 37.6 F/g with PVA-H₃PO₄ and 1 mol/L H₃PO₄, respectively, at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. On the other hand, reduced form of SPGO, that is, r-SPGO showed the specific capacitance of 27.16 and 230 F/g with PVA-H₃PO₄ and 1 mol/L H₃PO₄, respectively.     

Preparation and characterization of polypyrrole/modified multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites polymerized in situ in the presence of barium titanate

Polypyrrole (PPy) composites were prepared with both unmodified and amine‐modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the presence and absence of barium titanate (BaTiO₃) by in situ oxidative polymerization. A uniform coating of PPy on the MWCNTs and BaTiO₃ surfaces was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images. The structure of the pure and amine‐modified MWCNTs were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The incorporation of BaTiO₃ enhanced the thermal stability and capacitance properties of the composites. The maximum specific capacitance and energy density values found for the PPy/amine‐modified MWCNT/BaTiO₃ composites were 155.5 F/g and 21.6 W h/kg, respectively, at a scan rate of 10 mV/s. The maximum power density was found to be 385.7 W/kg for the same composite at a scan rate of 200 mV/s. Furthermore, the impedance spectra of the composites showed moderate capacitive behavior. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Templated Synthesis of Gold Nanorods (NRs): The Effects of Cosurfactants and Electrolytes on the Shape and Optical Properties

Seeded growth of gold nanorods (NRs) has been accomplished in a micellar medium containing mixed surfactants or a high salt concentration. Cetyl trimethylamoniumbromide (CTAB) forms micelles upon which the growth of rod shaped gold nanoparticles occurs. AgNO₃ is introduced into the growth solution to enhance the formation of NRs. The roles of non-ionic surfactants such as Tween and Triton, and of electrolytes such as sodium chloride and potassium chloride have been examined. As the concentration of these additives in the growth solution is increased, the aspect ratio of the NRs increases to a critical limit, after which it decreases again. Upon carefully controlling the content of Triton X-100 or Tween 20 in the growth solution, these non-ionic surfactants assisted in fine-tuning the shape of gold NRs (e.g. rectangular or “dogbone”). The growth pattern of the NRs fits into the model of a soft template formed by the mixture of CTAB and non-ionic surfactants.     

Development of Iron-based Closed-Cell Foams by Powder Forging and Rolling

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to develop in situ sandwich Fe-based foams using powder forging and rolling. Several metal carbonates are first studied by thermo gravimetric analysis to find out their suitability to be used as foaming agent for iron-based foams. Barium carbonate is found to be the most promising foaming agent among other suitable options studied such as SrCO₃, CaCO₃, MgCO₃, etc. The effects of process parameters such as precursor composition, sintering temperature, foaming temperature and time, and content of foaming agent have been studied. The microstructural characteristics of the sintered precursor have been studied by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that a good pore structure can be obtained using 2-3% C in Fe and 3% BaCO₃ as foaming agent and by foaming at around 1350 °C for 3-6 min.