Effect of the catalyst MCM-41 on the kinetic of the thermal decomposition of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

The aim of this work is to determine the activation energy for the thermal decomposition of poly(ethylene terephthalate)—PET, in the presence of a MCM-41 mesoporous catalyst. This material was synthesized by the hydrothermal method, using cetyltrimethylammonium as template. The PET sample has been submitted to thermal degradation alone and in presence of MCM-41 catalyst at a concentration of 25% in mass (MCM-41/PET). The degradation process was evaluated by thermogravimetry, at temperature range from 350 to 500 °C, under nitrogen atmosphere, with heating rates of 5, 10 and 25 °C min^?1. From TG, the activation energy, determined using the Flynn–Wall kinetic method, decreased from 231 kJ mol^?1, for the pure polymer (PET), to 195 kJ mol^?1, in the presence of the material (MCM-41/PET), showing the catalyst efficiency for the polymer decomposition process.     

Oxidation, deformation, and destruction of carbon nanotubes in aqueous ceric sulfate

A simple wet chemical method involving only ultrasonic processing in dilute ceric sulfate (CS) was used to functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Unexpectedly, single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and MWCNTs) were cut, oxidized, and disintegrated by sonication in 0.1 N CS for 2-5 h. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Raman scattering, and photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to probe wall damage during the chemical processing. Cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy were used to evaluate the conductivity of the CS-treated CNTs. This one-step process resulted in the destruction of SWCNTs to produce nonconducting amorphous carbon. MWCNTs were oxidized and converted to graphitic materials and amorphous carbon with retained conductivity.     

A Study on Production of Carbon Nanotubes by CH_4 Decomposition over LaNiO_3,La_4Ni_3O_(10),La_3Ni_2O_7 and La_2NiO_4

IntroductionIn the present study, by employing the citric acid complex method1, we prepared a series of perovskite-type oxides, viz. LaNiO3, La4Ni3O10, La3Ni2O7 and La2NiO4 for the growth of CNTs. After H2 reduction, the catalysts turn into La2O3 and active component Ni0 of various sizes. By means of CH4 decomposition over the reduced catalysts, high quality CNTs with dissimilar diameters can be generated in mass amount. In this paper, we attempt to make a comparison on the structure…     

Influence of high vacuum annealing treatment on some properties of carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method. The properties of CNTs before and after vacuum annealing treatment were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Field emission characteristics of the raw and vacuum heated (up to 650°C) carbon nanotube films (CNTFs) were measured in a diode system. Emissive properties of the CNTFs depend on an annealing process during which structural changes in the nanotube walls take place. The structural changes, related to saturation of dangling bonds, influence a rate of oxidation process and also improve the emissive field properties.     

单壁纳米碳管的纯化研究

A purification method to remove the metal catalysts and impurity carbon materials from arc-discharge-grown single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been developed. Microporous membrane and the oxidation in the air for the crude SWCNTs were used to eliminate the coexisting metal catalysts nanoparticles，carbon nanoparticles and amorphous carbon. Then we used the high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) to characterize the crude SWCNTs prepared by arc-discharge method and the purified SWCNTs. The Raman spectra and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were also utilized to analyze the approach of our purification for SWCNTs. With this method the SWCNTs with the purity more than 95% could be obtained.     

A comparative study of argon ion irradiated pristine and fluorinated single-wall carbon nanotubes

Effect of Ar(+) ion irradiation on the structure of pristine and fluorinated single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The TEM analysis revealed retention of tubular structures in both irradiated samples while Raman spectroscopy and XPS data indicated a partial destruction of nanotubes and formation of oxygen-containing groups on the nanotube surface. From similarity of electronic states of carbon in the irradiated pristine and fluorinated SWCNTs observed by XPS, it was suggested that defluorination of nanotubes proceeded with breaking of C-F bonds.     

Surface properties of fluorinated single-walled carbon nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were fluorinated at several different temperatures. The change of atomic and electronic structures of fluorinated SWCNTs was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrical resistivity measurements and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The amount of doped fluorine increases with increasing doping temperature, and the fluorine atoms are covalently attached to the side-wall of the SWCNTs. From Raman spectra and HRTEM study, the strong fluorination on the SWCNTs leads to the breaking of carbon–carbon bonds and the disintegration of tube structure. Several intermediate phases of fluorinated SWCNTs are observed during e-beam irradiation in HRTEM.     

Layer-by-layer fabrication and characterization of DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotube particles

Carbon nanotubes have been proposed as support materials for numerous applications, including the development of DNA sensors. One of the challenges is the immobilization of DNA or other biological molecules on the sidewall of carbon nanotubes. This paper introduces a new fabrication of DNA-carbon nanotubes particles using the layer-by-layer (LBL) technique on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDDA), a positively charged polyelectrolyte, and DNA as a negatively charged counterpart macromolecule are alternatively deposited on the water-soluble oxidized SWCNTs. Pure DNA/PDDA/SWCNTs particles can be prepared and separated by simple unltracentrifugation. The characterization of DNA/PDDA/SWCNTs particles was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). An electrode modified by the DNA/PDDA/SWCNTs particles shows a dramatic change of the electrochemical signal in solutions of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) ((Ru(bpy)(3)2+) as a reporting redox probe. A preliminary application of the DNA-modified carbon nanotubes in the development of DNA sensors used in the investigation of DNA damage by nitric oxide is presented.     

纳米CaCO3负载过渡金属CVD法制备多壁碳纳米管的研究

以纳米碳酸钙粉体为载体,用浸渍法制备了可用于化学气相沉积(CVD)法制备碳纳米管的高产率催化剂.应用FESEM,HRTEM,TEM,XRD和激光拉曼谱对产物进行了表征.结果表明,由于纳米碳酸钙具有较大的比表面积,可高密度地承载催化剂活性组分.在碳纳米管生长初期,处于缓慢分解状态的纳米碳酸钙才能有效地起到载体作用,且反应温度为700～750℃时,碳纳米管的产率较高.Fe-Co双金属催化剂在700℃,催化生长60min后,可增重10倍,而且产物中无定形碳含量极少.纳米碳酸钙载体易于提纯,用质量分数为30%的硝酸超声提纯粗产品1h,可使纯度提高到97%,且不破坏碳纳米管结构.     

Fabrication of carbon nanotube sheets and their bilirubin adsorption capacity

Bilirubin adsorption on carbon nanotube surfaces has been studied to develop a new adsorbent in the plasma apheresis. Powder-like carbon nanotubes were first examined under various adsorption conditions such as temperatures and initial concentrations of bilirubin solutions. The adsorption capacity was measured from the residual concentrations of bilirubin in the solution after the adsorption process using a visible absorption spectroscopy. We found that multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) exhibit greater adsorption capacity for bilirubin molecules than that of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). To guarantee the safety of the adsorbents, we fabricated carbon nanotube sheets in which leakage of CNTs to the plasma is suppressed. Since SWCNTs are more suitable for robust sheets, a complex sheet consisting of SWCNTs as the scaffolds and MWCNTs as the efficient adsorbents. CNT/polyaniline complex sheets were also fabricated. Bilirubin adsorption capacity of CNTs has been found to be much larger than that of the conventional materials because of their large surface areas and large adsorption capability for polycyclic compound molecules due to their surface structure similar to graphite.     

原位还原类钙钛型复合氧化物上碳纳米管的制备(英文)

在流动床反应器上利用原位还原类钙钛复合氧化物所得纳米金属颗粒（Ｆｅ、Ｃｕ）催化裂解ＣＨ４可大量制备尺寸均一的碳纳米管。制备的碳纳米管形貌通过透射电镜（ＴＥＭ）来观察表征。电镜观察结果表明,利用不同的类钙钛型复合氧化物可以合成具有不同结构的碳纳米管。     

Elastic constants,viscosity and dielectric properties of bent-core nematic liquid crystals doped with single-walled carbon nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are dispersed in (4’-fluoro phenyl azo) phenyl-4-yl 3-[N-(4’-n-hecyloxy 2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]-2-methylbenzoate (6–2M-F) a bent-core nematic (BCN) liquid crystalline medium composed of bent-shaped molecules with short core, reduced bend angle possessing polar fluoro substituent in longitudinal direction and methyl group in bent direction. Such molecules are at the borderline of typical bent-core and rod-like molecules resembling hockey stick shape with intermediate properties. The elastic anisotropy is negative for 6–2M-F (bend elastic constant K₃₃ < splay elastic constant K₁₁); similar to other BCNs reported earlier with smectic-like clusters; but turns to high positive (K₃₃ > K₁₁) value by insertion of SWCNT (concentration ≥0.05 wt.%) in 6–2 M-F. The ratio of K₃₃/K₁₁ becomes comparable to the calamitic liquid crystals (LCs) in doped system. Dielectric anisotropy increases in the nanocomposite implying enhanced nematic ordering due to π–π electron interaction between CNTs and the LC molecules. Threshold voltage at first increases and then decreases with increasing CNT concentration owing to the respective variations in splay viscosity of the system. The present study demonstrated the interaction of SWCNTs with BCN molecules and reveals significant modifications in viscoelastic, dielectric and ionic properties of the host.     

Preparation and characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), functionalized with phosphonic acid (MWCNTs–C–PO3H2) and its application as a novel,efficient, heterogeneous,highly selective and reusable catalyst for acetylation of alcohols,phenols, aromatic amines,and thiols

A novel, efficient, heterogeneous, and reusable multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), functionalized with phosphonic acid (MWCNTs–C–PO₃H₂) has been synthesized. The synthesized CNTs were characterized using some electron microscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and also some thermal and spectroscopic methods such as thermogravimetry (TG). The nitrogen adsorption behavior of the MWCNTs–C–PO₃H₂ catalyst was evaluated using the TG instrumentation system at 25 °C. The catalyst was applied successfully for highly efficient and selective acetylation of alcohols, phenols, thiols and aromatic amines with acetic anhydride at room temperature under solvent-free conditions. The reusability of the catalyst was checked and the recovered catalyst was reused for five runs without significant loss in activity.     

In situ carbon nanotube synthesis by the reduction of NiO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst in methane

The synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via chemical vapour deposition of methane on NiO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst has been investigated. The reduction behavior of NiO/γ-Al2O3 by methane was studied using thermogravimetric (TG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. It was found that the NiO supported on γ-Al2O3, was reduced to Ni⁰ in methane atmosphere in the temperature range of 710--770 ℃. The catalytic activity of NiO/γ-Al2O3 for CNTs synthesis by in situ chemical vapour deposition of methane during the reduction was also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the CNTs produced at various reduction temperatures. The results indicated that the reduction temperature exhibits obvious influence on the morphology and the yield of CNTs. CNTs with the diameter of about 20 nm were obtained at reduction temperature of 750 ℃, and higher reduction temperature (such as 800 and 850 ℃) led to an increase in CNTs diameter and a decrease in CNTs yield.     

纳米Ag/CNTs复合材料的制备、表征及对环三亚甲基三硝胺热分解的影响

采用银镜法和水热法制备了两种纳米Ag/CNTs(碳纳米管)复合材料, 利用傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱、粉末X射线衍射(XRD)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、扫描电子显微镜及能量散射光谱仪(SEM-EDS)对复合物的物相、组成、形貌和结构进行分析表征, 并运用差示扫描量热法(DSC)研究了纳米Ag/CNTs 复合材料对环三亚甲基三硝胺(RDX)热分解特性的影响. 结果表明: 纳米Ag 以10-80 nm的不规则球形“粘附”于纳米CNTs 表面,分散较均匀, 水热法制得的复合物表面纳米Ag较大、且负载的Ag粒子较多; 纳米Ag/CNTs 复合材料的加入改变了RDX的热分解过程, 使原有占主导的液相分解变为二次的气相反应加剧, RDX主分解峰形发生了明显的改变; 纳米Ag/CNTs 复合材料对RDX热分解的催化主要表现为分解温度的降低.     

Thermal stability evolution of carbon nanotubes caused by liquid oxidation

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown by chemical vapor decomposition of ethylene on alumina- and silica-supported Fe–Co bimetallic catalysts were examined before and after purification encompassing chemical oxidation treatment in 3 M NaOH and 3 M HNO₃ solutions, sequentially. Thermal properties were investigated and correlated with structural changes followed by TEM, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy characterization. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) were employed simultaneously in the regime of TPO and TPH, in diluted flow of either O₂ or H₂. TG revealed almost complete burning of both refined CNT samples in diluted O₂, indicating the efficiency of the purification method used to remove the catalyst remains. However, different trends and significant magnitudes of changes in the heat of combustion demonstrate changes in CNTs stability after purification as a function of the catalyst support type. This is the consequence of changes in carbon type, CNTs order degree and morphology, as well as the degree of functionalization, which have their own effects on the CNTs thermal stability.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of nanofibers-based form-stable PCMs consisting of glycerol monostearate and polyethylene terephthalate

An innovative type of nanofibers-based form-stable composite phase change materials for the storage and retrieval of thermal energy was successfully prepared by encapsulating glycerol monostearate (GMS) into the porous structure of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-supporting matrices on the nanoscale through electrospinning. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the composite nanofibers possessed desired morphologies with the average fiber diameters ranging from about 290 to 1000 nm which increased with the contents of GMS. The two phase separation (e.g., GMS phase and PET phase) was clearly observed from the images. When GMS content reached 60 %, the amount of the GMS distributing on the surface of the composite nanofibers was significantly increased during the electrospinning. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum proved that the PET supporting matrices were physically combined with GMS molecules. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that the GMS/PET composite nanofibers had reversible phase change behaviors, and the melting enthalpies increased from 32.63 to 66.99 kJ kg^?1 with increasing GMS amount. The TG results showed that both the onset thermal degradation temperature and charred residue of the GMS/PET composite nanofibers at 700 °C were higher than those of pristine GMS powder owing to the better thermal stability of the PET molecules. The tensile testing revealed that the averaged tensile strength and elongation at break of the all GMS/PET composite nanofibers varied from 3.29 to 10.30 MPa and from 2.42 to 42.30 %, respectively.     

紫外光照射下 Fe-碳纳米管/TiO2 复合材料降解罗丹明 B

 The composites comprising Fe-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on TiO2 were prepared by a modified sol-gel method and characterized by nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B (Rh.B) under UV irradiation and air aeration catalyzed by the composites was measured. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles was significantly enhanced by the large CNT network that facilitated electron transfer between adsorbed Rh.B molecules and the catalyst substrate and the simultaneous occurrence of the photo-Fenton reaction in the presence of Fe particles. A marked acceleration of the decomposition rate was observed with aeration by flowing air aeration due to the formation of the circulatory photo-Fenton system. Chemical oxygen demand of piggery waste was measured at regular intervals to evaluate the mineralization of wastewater.     

Photosensitized electron transfer processes of nanocarbons applicable to solar cells

Photosensitized electron-transfer processes of nanocarbon materials hybridized with electron donating or electron accepting molecules have been surveyed in this tutorial review on the basis of the recent results reported mainly from our laboratories. As nano-carbon materials, fullerenes and single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been employed. Fullerenes act as photo-sensitizing electron acceptors with respect to a wide variety of electron donors; in addition, the fullerenes act as good ground state electron acceptors in the presence of light-absorbing electron donors such as porphyrins and phthalocyanines. In the case of SWCNTs, their ground states act as electron acceptor and electron donors, depending on the photosensitizers. For example, with respect to the photoexcited porphyrins and phthalocyanines, SWCNTs usually act as electron acceptors, whereas for the photoexcited fullerenes, SWCNTs act as electron donors. The diameter sorted semi-conductive SWCNTs have been used to verify the size-dependent electron transfer rates. For the confirmation of the electron transfer processes, the transient absorption methods have been widely used, in addition to the time-resolved fluorescence spectral measurements. The kinetic data thus obtained in solution are found to be quite useful to predict the efficiencies of photovoltaic cells constructed on semiconductor nanoparticle modified electrodes and their photocatalytic processes.     

Synthesis and characterization of water‐dispersible,superparamagnetic single‐wall carbon nanotubes decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles and well‐defined chelating diblock copolymers

A novel approach for the fabrication of magneto‐active carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stabilized in aqueous media, involving the combination of carboxylated single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a new class of methacrylate‐based chelating diblock copolymers, is described. More precisely, a well‐defined diblock copolymer consisting of hexa(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (hydrophilic and thermo‐responsive) and 2‐(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate (hydrophobic and metal‐chelating) synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization has been used to prepare polymer‐coated magneto‐active SWCNTs decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles. Further to the characterization of the compositional and thermal properties using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis, assessment of the magnetic characteristics by vibrational sample magnetometry disclosed superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. The latter, combined with the thermo‐responsive properties of the polymeric coating and the unique, inherent properties of the carbon nanotubes may allow for their future exploitation in the biomedical field. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1389–1396, 2011