Modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes by microwave digestion method as electrocatalyst supports for direct methanol fuel cell applications

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) which were directly synthesized on carbon cloth were modified by a microwave digestion method in 5 M HNO₃ for supporting Pt nanoparticles. The characterizations of modified CNTs were carried out by TEM, XPS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The HRTEM image shows the caps of MWCNTs are opened after modifying by microwave digestion method. The open-end and undamaged MWCNTs can provide a larger surface area for supporting more catalysts. Furthermore, the methanol electrocatalytic oxidation of microwave digestion treated Pt/MWCNTs electrode shows higher current density than pristine and nitric acid-treated MWCNTs from cyclic voltammograms. This can be an effective and undamaged method for modifying CNTs.     

Floating catalyst CVD synthesis of carbon nanotubes from CpFe(CO)2X (X = Me, I): Poisoning effects of I

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), carbon fibers (CFs) and carbon spheres (CSs) were synthesized by an injection chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method using toluene solutions of CpFe(CO)₂Me as catalyst. The effect of pyrolysis temperature (800-1000 °C), catalyst concentration (5 and 10 wt% in toluene) and solution injection rate (0.2 and 0.8 ml/min) on the type and yield of carbonaceous product synthesized was investigated. The carbonaceous materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy. The use of CpFe(CO)₂I as catalyst generated only carbon fibres and balls (wide range of conditions). Studies involving the addition of I₂ to catalyst solutions confirmed the poisoning effect of I on CNT production.     

MnOx/MWCNTs低温氨选择性催化还原NOx硫中毒机理

以经过浓硝酸和等离子体放电预处理后的多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)为载体, 锰氧化物(MnO_x)为活性组分, 采用等体积浸渍法制备MnO_x/MWCNTs 催化剂. 利用热重分析(TGA)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、程序升温还原/脱附(TPR/TPD)以及傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱对催化剂进行表征, 探讨SO₂对催化剂低温氨选择性催化还原(SCR)NO_x活性的影响及SO₂中毒机理. 结果表明, 低温下SO₂对MnO_x/MWCNTs 催化剂活性有明显毒化作用. 反应温度越高, SO₂浓度越大, 催化剂SCR活性下降越快. 活性中心Mn原子硫酸化是催化剂失活的主要原因. 另外, 催化剂表面生成硫酸铵盐以及SO₂对NO吸附的抑制作用也一定程度上造成了催化剂的失活.     

Effect of processing temperature on growing bamboo-like carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition

The present article demonstrates a simple, eco-friendly route for the fabrication of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with different morphologies, including the fascinating bamboo-like structures without complex catalyst/support preparation procedures. A thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique that utilized natural pozzolan supports and a solid carbon source, that is, a mixture of camphor and ferrocene in a weight ratio of 20:1, was carried out at different temperatures where the ferrocene played also the role of catalyst. The pozzolan chemical composition and mineral identification were determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The morphology of the fabricated CNTs was studied via scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM). It was revealed that both conventional tubular and bamboo-like nanotubes grow at 750 °C while the bamboo-like morphology prevails at 850 °C. The better nanostructure uniformity at higher deposition temperature was accompanied by an improved nanotube graphitization degree that was verified by Raman spectroscopy. Yet, the reduction of the CNTs production yield was recorded by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The experimental data are interpreted and discussed as an interplay between the CNTs processing temperature, morphology and growth mechanism. Thus, the growth of either tubular or bamboo-like nanostructures is suggested to be ruled by the competitive surface and bulk diffusions of carbon onto and into the catalyst surface. The growth depends on the size of catalyst nanoparticles sintered at different temperatures. The favorable role of the pozzolan supporting materials in the formation of bamboo-like tubes is emphasized.     

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.     

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.     

Growth of carbon nanotubes on the novel FeCo-Al2O3 catalyst prepared by ultrasonic coprecipitation

FeCo-Al_2O_3 catalyst was prepared by an ultrasonic coprecipitation (UC) method for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from catalytic decomposition of methane. Its catalytic performance was compared with that of the FeCo-Al_2O_3 catalyst counterparts prepared by stepwise impregnation (I) and conventional coprecipitation (C) methods, respectively. The structure and properties of the catalysts and the CNTs as produced thereon were investigated by means of XRD, XPS, TEM and N_2 adsorption techniques. It was found that the catalyst prepared by the ultrasonic coprecipitation method was more active, and the yield and purity of the synthesized CNTs were promoted evidently. The XPS results revealed that there were more active components on the surface of the catalyst prepared by the ultrasonic coprecipitation method. On the other hand, N_2 adsorption demonstrated that the catalyst prepared by the ultrasonic coprecipitation method conferred larger specific surface area, which was beneficial to dispersion of active components. TEM images further confirmed its higher dispersion. These factors could be responsible for its higher activity for the growth of CNTs from catalytic decomposition of methane.     

Growth of carbon nanotubes on the novel FeCo-Al_2O_3 catalyst prepared by ultrasonic coprecipitation

FeCo-Al2O3 catalyst was prepared by an ultrasonic coprecipitation (UC) method for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from catalytic decomposition of methane.Its catalytic performance was compared with that of the FeCo-Al2O3 catalyst counterparts prepared by stepwise impregnation (I) and conventional coprecipitation (C) methods,respectively.The structure and properties of the catalysts and the CNTs as produced thereon were investigated by means of XRD,XPS,TEM and N2 adsorption techniques.It was found that the catalyst prepared by the ultrasonic coprecipitation method was more active,and the yield and purity of the synthesized CNTs were promoted evidently.The XPS results revealed that there were more active components on the surface of the catalyst prepared by the ultrasonic coprecipitation method.On the other hand,N2 adsorption demonstrated that the catalyst prepared by the ultrasonic coprecipitation method conferred larger specific surface area,which was beneficial to dispersion of active components.TEM images further confirmed its higher dispersion.These factors could be responsible for its higher activity for the growth of CNTs from catalytic decomposition of methane.     

MgO负载Fe基催化剂选择性合成单/双/多壁碳纳米管

通过浸渍及水热处理获得MgO负载的Fe基催化剂,并将其用于化学气相沉积过程裂解甲烷获得碳纳米管.结果表明,单/双/多壁碳纳米管可选择性地生长在Fe负载量不同的Fe/MgO催化剂上.当Fe负载量仅为0.5%时,铁原子在载体表面烧结为0.8～1.2nm的铁颗粒,碳在这种小颗粒上以表面扩散为主,导致单壁碳纳米管形成,并且单壁碳纳米管的选择性高达90%.当Fe负载量提高到3%时,铁原子聚集成约2.0nm的颗粒,在化学气相沉积中生长碳纳米管时,碳在Fe催化剂颗粒中的体相扩散的贡献增大,在表相扩散和体相扩散的共同作用下,双壁碳纳米管的选择性显著增高.当进一步增加Fe负载量时,铁原子烧结形成1～8nm的颗粒,经过化学气相沉积,在催化剂上生长了单、双、多壁碳纳米管.随着Fe在MgO载体上负载量的增加,管径、管壁数以及半导体管的含量都增加.本研究提供了一种适合大批量选择性生长单/双/多壁碳纳米管的方法.     

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.     

Polyelectrolyte‐grafted carbon nanotubes: Synthesis,reversible phase‐transition behavior,and tribological properties as lubricant additives

A novel polyelectrolyte‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐g‐PILs) which possesses a hard backbone of MWCNTs and a soft shell of brush‐like poly (ionic liquids) (PILs) has been synthesized via the surface atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Chemical structure and the grafted PILs quantities of MWCNTs‐g‐PILs were determined by FTIR, TGA, and XPS. TEM and FE‐SEM observations indicate that the nanotubes were coated with a PILs layer, exhibiting core‐shell nanostructures with the PILs chains as the brush‐like or hairy shell and the MWCNTs as the hard backbone. Furthermore, the effect of counter‐anions on the solubility of MWCNTs‐g‐PILs was investigated. The results indicate that relative solubility of MWCNTs‐g‐PILs in various solvents could be switched by anion exchange. This tunable solubility results in the formation of the cycle of reversible phase‐transition. Tribological property of MWCNTs‐g‐PILs as additives in base lubricant 1‐methyl‐3‐butylimidaaolium hexafluorophosphate (LP104) was evaluated using an Optimol SRV oscillating friction and wear tester, confirming that MWCNTs‐g‐PILs are the excellent antiwear and friction‐reducing additives, which can amend the tribological properties of base lubricant significantly. This is attributed to the good dispersibility and core‐shell structure of MWCNTs‐g‐PILs. These results reported in this work may open primarily toward constructing a bridge among carbon nanotues (CNTs), ILs, and lubricant additives and secondarily to prove that CNTs (modified CNTs) as lubricant additives are promising candidates. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7225–7237, 2008     

Isothermal and Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics and Morphology of Poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites

Summary: Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized using chemical vapor deposition method were dispersed in poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT, Mv = 88,000) by melt compounding technique using DMS microcompounder. The nanocomposites consisting of varying amounts of MWCNTs were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of carbon nanotubes on the crystallization behavior (under isothermal and non isothermal crystallization conditions) of PTT was studied using DSC. The presence of carbon nanotubes didn't show any significant effect on crystallization temperature of PTT matrix under non-isothermal conditions. Crystallization studies under isothermal conditions were carried out at different temperatures i.e 185, 190, 195 and 200 °C. Complete crystallization was observed within 60 sec at 185 °C whereas at 200 °C, longer time was required for complete crystallization. Crystal growth was also investigated using hot stage polarizing microscope (PLM). The effect of annealing time at 200 °C was investigated in the presence as well as in the absence of varying amounts of MWCNTs. Spherulitic growth was seen and the spherulite size in all the samples increased with annealing time. Morphological characterization using SEM and TEM showed a uniform dispersion of MWCNTs and poor compatibility with PTT matrix.     

Enhanced oxygen reduction at Pd catalytic nanoparticles dispersed onto heteropolytungstate-assembled poly(diallyldimethylammonium)-functionalized carbon nanotubes

Both Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid (HPW) and Pd are not prominent catalysts towards the oxygen reduction (ORR), but their composite Pd-HPW catalyst produces a significantly higher electrochemical activity for the ORR in acidic media. The novel composite catalyst was synthesized by self-assembly of HPW on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via the electrostatic attraction between negatively charged HPW and positively charged poly(diallyldimethylammonium (PDDA)-wrapped MWCNTs, followed by dispersion of Pd nanoparticles onto the HPW-PDDA-MWCNT assembly. The as-prepared catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TEM images show that Pd nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the surface of MWCNTs even when the Pd loading was increased to 60 wt%. Electrochemical activity of the catalysts for the ORR was evaluated by steady state polarization measurements using a rotating disk electrode. Compared with the acid treated MWCNTs, Pd nanoparticles supported on the HPW-assembled MWCNTs show a much higher ORR activity that is comparable to conventional Pt/C catalysts. The high electrocatalytic activities could be related to high dispersion of Pd nanoparticles as well as synergistic effects originating from the high proton conductivity of HPW. The Pd/HPW-PDDA-MWCNTs system as the cathode catalyst in proton exchange membrane fuel cells is demonstrated.     

Phosphotungstic Acid Nanoclusters Grafted onto High Surface Area Hydrous Zirconia as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Synthesis of Octahydroquinazolinones and β-Acetamido Ketones

Phostungstic acid (PWA) nanoclusters grafted onto high surface area polycrystalline hydrous zirconia powder (PWA/ZrO₂) was prepared by wet impregnation method. The zirconia particles were synthesized using a modified sol–gel route. The obtained material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis–diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis–NIR–DRS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and sorptometric techniques. XRD study revealed the presence of tetragonal phase of zirconia in the synthesized sample. TEM study indicates presence of small PWA clusters with size in the range of 5–15 nm well dispersed on the surface of the ZrO₂ particles. The characteristic UV and IR absorption feature of the PWA was retained in the PWA/ZrO₂ material. The PWA/ZrO₂ material was used as an efficient catalyst for the preparation of octahydroquinazolinones and β-acetamido ketones. The octahydroquinazolinones were synthesized by the multicomponent condensation of dimedones, urea and aryl aldehydes in ethanol. Similarly, β-acetamido ketones were synthesized with high yield and purity by four component condensation of aryl aldehydes, enolizable ketones, and acetyl chlorides in acetonitrile. The protocols developed in this investigation using the PWA/ZrO₂ catalyst is advantageous in terms of simple experimentation, high yield and purity of the products and recovery and reutilization of the heterogeneous catalyst.     

Low‐Temperature Growth of Carbon Nanotubes Catalyzed by Sodium‐Based Ingredients

Synthesis of low‐dimensional carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a key driver for achieving advances in energy storage, computing, and multifunctional composites, among other applications. Here, we report high‐yield thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of CNTs catalyzed by reagent‐grade common sodium‐containing compounds, including NaCl, NaHCO₃, Na₂CO₃, and NaOH, found in table salt, baking soda, and detergents, respectively. Coupled with an oxidative dehydrogenation reaction to crack acetylene at reduced temperatures, Na‐based nanoparticles have been observed to catalyze CNT growth at temperatures below 400 °C. Ex situ and in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal unique CNT morphologies and growth characteristics, including a vaporizing Na catalyst phenomenon that we leverage to create CNTs without residual catalyst particles for applications that require metal‐free CNTs. Na is shown to synthesize CNTs on numerous substrates, and as the first alkali group metal catalyst demonstrated for CNT growth, holds great promise for expanding the understanding of nanocarbon synthesis.     

Nitrogen adsorption characterization of aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes and their acid modification

Aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays were synthesized by using an iron-based sol-gel catalyst and acetylene as the precursor. These CNTs show high purity, uniform diameters and pore-wall thickness. Low temperature nitrogen adsorption was employed to characterize the structural and surface properties of the as-synthesized sample and that modified with boiling concentrated nitric acid. The adsorption characteristics of the as-synthesized and modified CNTs were thoroughly investigated. High-resolution comparative alpha(s)-plot showed that the nitrogen adsorption on CNTs takes place via a multistage mechanism closely related to their structures. It was also found that the acid modification significantly increased the adsorption energy and enhanced the adsorption capacity under low pressures. High-resolution comparative method provided valuable insights about the surface and pore structures of CNTs.     

纸张涂料用纳米CaCO3表面改性的研究

利用铝锆偶联剂对纳米CaCO₃进行表面改性。采用红外光谱(IR)、X射线衍射分析(XRD)、热分析(TG-DTG)对改性前后的纳米CaCO₃进行了表征。通过透射电镜(TEM)、粒度分析、吸油值、比表面积及静滴接触角等实验对纳米CaCO₃的表面改性效果进行评价。红外光谱分析表明，偶联剂以化学键合的方式在纳米CaCO₃的表面形成化学吸附。TEM及粒度分析结果显示，未改性纳米CaCO₃存在严重的团聚现象，而改性后纳米CaCO₃的分散性有很大改善。经表面改性，水滴在纳米CaCO₃粉体压片表面静滴接触角变大，改性纳米CaCO₃同时具有亲水性和亲油性，能够较好地分散在水和有机相中。将改性前后的纳米CaCO₃分别加入到纸张涂料体系中，制得纳米CaCO₃复合纸张涂料。涂料流变实验表明，经铝锆偶联剂表面改性的纳米CaCO₃制得的复合纸张涂料具有较高的动态弹性模量和粘性模量。     

多元醇法制备Cu2O/CNTs复合材料的研究

以Cu(CH₃COO)₂•H₂O和经硝酸处理的CNTs作为原料, 采用多元醇法成功合成了纳米氧化亚铜均布于碳纳米管表面的复合光催化剂. 用透射电镜(TEM), 高分辨透射电镜(HRTEM), X射线粉末衍射(XRD)对样品进行了表征, 测试结果表明大小为2～5 nm的氧化亚铜纳米颗粒均匀分散于碳纳米管的表面. 讨论了反应条件对Cu₂O在CNTs上负载效果的影响并就多元醇法合成Cu₂O/CNTs复合材料的反应机理作了初步探讨.     

SnO2 /MWCNTs纳米复合材料的低热固相制备及其超电容特性研究

采用十二烷基三甲基溴化铵(DTAB)辅助固相法制备SnO2/MWCNTs纳米复合材料,X射线衍射(XRD)、透射电镜(TEM)测试表明,SnO2纳米颗粒均匀包裹在MWCNTs表面.循环伏安和恒流充放电测试表明,与SnO2颗粒和纯MWCNTs相比,SnO2/MWCNTs纳米复合材料在1.0 mol·L-1 Na2SO4电解液中的电化学电容性质得到明显改善.当SnO2质量分数为11%时,在电流密度0.2 A·g-1下,SnO2的电容值最大可达217.3 F·g-1.     

The effect of arylferrocene ring substituents on the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The synthesis of shaped carbon nanomaterials (SCNMs) such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), amorphous carbon, carbon fibres (CFs) and carbon spheres (CSs) was achieved using para-substituted arylferrocenes, FcPhX (X = H, OH, Br, COCH₃) or a mixture of ferrocene (FcH) and substituted benzenes (PhX; X = H, OH, Br, COCH₃). The reactions were carried out by an injection chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method using toluene solutions (carrier gas: 5% H₂ in Ar at a flow rate of 100 ml/min) in the temperature range of 800-1000 °C. In most instances multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) were produced. Variations in the concentrations of precursor catalysts, the injection rate and temperature affected the type, distribution and dimensions of the SCNMs produced. The overall finding is that the presence of Br and O in these studies significantly reduces CNT growth. A comparative study on the effect of FcPhX versus FcH/PhX mixtures was investigated. The SCNMs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA).