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.     

Properties of matrix-grafted multi-walled carbon nanotube/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites synthesized by in situ reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were synthesized by the in situ reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of MWCNTs, at which the bulk polymer was grafted onto the surface of nanotubes through the ??grafting through?? strategy. For this purpose, MWCNTs were formerly functionalized with polymerizable MMA groups. MMA and PMMA-grafted MWCNTs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Dissolution of nanotubes was examined in chloroform solvent and studied by UV?Cvis spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric and degradation behavior of prepared nanocomposites was investigated by TGA. MWCNTs had a noticeable boosting effect on the thermal stability of nanocomposites. TGA thermograms showed a two-step weight loss pattern for the degradation of MWCNT-PMMA/PMMA nanocomposites which is contrast with neat PMMA. Introduction of MWCNTs also improved the dynamic mechanical behavior and electrical conductivity of nanocomposites. TEM micrograph of nanocomposite revealed that the applied methods for functionalization of nanotubes and in situ synthesis of nanocomposites were comparatively successful in dispersing the MWCNTs in PMMA matrix.     

TiO2/YFeO3复合光催化剂的制备、表征及其对气相苯的降解

利用共沉淀法和柠檬酸法制备YFeO3, 并以其为载体, 将TiO2溶胶负载在其表面, 制备了复合光催化剂TiO2/YFeO3. 在紫外灯的照射下, 考察对气相苯的降解效果并利用N2吸附、X射线衍射(XRD)、拉曼光谱、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、UV-Vis漫反射光谱等手段对催化剂进行了表征. 结果表明, 以共沉淀法制备的YFeO3为载体的复合催化剂, 180 min内苯的降解率达到44.7%, 表现出更好的光催化活性. 两种方法制备的YFeO3均为斜方晶相, TiO2分散在载体的表面, 并与YFeO3存在一定的相互作用; 两种复合催化剂均具有较窄的带隙能.     

TiO2/YFeO3复合光催化剂的制备、表征及其对气相苯的降解

利用共沉淀法和柠檬酸法制备YFeO3并以其为载体,将TiO2溶胶负载在其表面,制备了复合光催化剂TiO2/YFeO3.在紫外灯的照射下,考察对气相苯的降解效果并利用N2吸附、X射线衍射(XRD)、拉曼光谱、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、UV-Vis漫反射光谱等手段对催化剂进行了表征.结果表明,以共沉淀法制备的YFeO2为载体的复合催化剂,180 min内苯的降解率达到44.7%,表现出更好的光催化活性.两种方法制备的YFeO3均为斜方晶相,TiO2分散在载体的表面,并与YFeO3存在一定的相互作用;两种复合催化剂均具有较窄的带隙能.     

Pt–Ni alloy nanoparticles supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes for methanol oxidation in alkaline media

The Pt–Ni alloy nanoparticles with different Pt/Ni atomic ratios supported on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes surface were synthesized via an impregnation-reduction method. The nanocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical techniques. XRD demonstrated that Pt was alloyed with Ni. TEM showed that the Pt–Ni alloy nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) surface, indicating appropriate amount of Ni in Pt–Ni alloy which facilitates the dispersion of nanoparticles on the MWCNT surface. XPS revealed that the Pt 4f peak in Pt–Ni/MWCNT (4:1) catalyst shifted to a lower binding energy compared with Pt/MWCNT catalyst, and nickel oxides/hydroxides such as NiO, Ni(OH)₂, and NiOOH were on the surface of Pt–Ni nanoparticles. Electrochemical data based on cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometric curves indicated that Pt–Ni (4:1) alloy nanoparticles exhibited distinctly higher activity and better stability than those of Pt/MWCNTs toward methanol oxidation in alkaline media.     

Synthesis of a hybrid assembly composed of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes using "click chemistry"

A hybrid assembly composed of thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes (t-MWCNT) and titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) has been prepared by using "click" chemistry for photocatalytic applications. TiO(2)-decorated t-MWCNT hybrids with anatase phase TiO(2) were obtained from the reaction of an azide moiety-containing TiO(2) with alkyne-functionalized t-MWCNTs. The hybrids were systematically characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The nanohybrid has been proved to be highly active and robust for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange. The click coupling approach is a simple and convenient route to efficiently assemble TiO(2) on the surface of carbon nanotubes, and can be extended to obtain many other nanoparticle hybrids based on carbon nanotubes.     

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.     

聚苯乙炔包覆多壁碳纳米管的制备及其分散性

用苯乙炔合成聚苯乙炔(PPA), 对多壁碳纳米管进行纯化、氧化, 然后将多壁碳纳米管与PPA一起在甲苯中超声分散. 结果显示氧化多壁碳纳米管已被PPA包覆且能够稳定分散于甲苯溶液中, 一个多月不沉降. 分别采用傅立叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱、酸碱滴定、拉曼光谱分析氧化后多壁碳纳米管的结构变化. 利用高分辨透射电镜(HRTEM)分别观察纯化、氧化、PPA包覆多壁碳纳米管的分散情况.     

Supramolecular architectures of beta-cyclodextrin-modified chitosan and pyrene derivatives mediated by carbon nanotubes and their DNA condensation

Beta-cyclodextrin-modified chitosan 1 was synthesized via the Schiff base reaction between 6-O-(4-formylphenyl)-beta-cyclodextrin and chitosan (CHIT), and then the supramolecular dyad assemblies 2 and 3 were respectively fabricated from the subunit 1 through the inclusion of adamantane-modified pyrene into the beta-cyclodextrin cavity and the wrapping of a CHIT chain on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The water-soluble dyad 3 further interacted with adamantane-modified pyrene, forming a stable triad assembly 4. They were extensively characterized by NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, UV-vis, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, the DNA condensation abilities of 1-4 were validated by AFM and dynamic light scattering, which indicates that the DNA-condensing capability of CHIT can be pronouncedly improved by either the pyrene grafts or the MWCNT medium. The cooperation between cationic and aromatic groups as well as the dispersion of CHIT agglomerates by MWCNTs are the key factors to enhance DNA condensation of cationic polymers.     

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.     

In situ quantum dot growth on multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The generation of nanoscale interconnects and supramolecular, hierarchical assemblies enables the development of a number of novel nanoscale applications. A rational approach toward engineering a robust system is through chemical recognition. Here, we show the in situ mineralization of crystalline CdTe quantum dots on the surfaces of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). We coordinate metallic precursors of quantum dots directly onto nanotubes and then proceed with in situ growth. The resulting network of molecular-scale "fused" nanotube-nanocrystal heterojunctions demonstrates a controlled synthetic route to the synthesis of complex nanoscale heterostructures. Extensive characterization of these heterostructures has been performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD).     

Surfactants for CNTs dispersion in zirconia-based ceramic matrix by sol–gel method

Zirconium oxide is a ceramic material widely studied due to its mechanical and electrical properties that can be improved with the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcement. The synthesis of CNT/zirconia composites by sol–gel method is still very scarce, due to the hydrophobic nature of the CNTs, being their dispersion in aqueous medium an intrinsic difficulty to the synthesis. In this work, we present a sol–gel synthesis for MWCNTs/zirconia composites, where two kinds of surfactants, sodium and ammonium stearates dissolved in water (1 g/100 mL), were used as dispersant agents for multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). They are cheap and easy to prepare, and were very effective in dispersing the MWCNTs. Different quantities of MWCNTs (up to 5 wt%) were added in the solution of stearate/water and this solution with the highly dispersed MWCNTs was added to the zirconia sol–gel, producing composites of MWCNTs/zirconia with different concentrations of MWCNTs. All the powders were heat treated at 300 and 500 °C and the powder characterization was performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The composite MWCNTs/zirconia remained amorphous at 300 °C and presented a tetragonal phase at 500 °C with an average grain size of about 20 ± 3 nm, determined by the Scherrer equation from the XRD patterns. For these crystalline samples, TEM images suggest a more effective interaction between MWCNTs with ZrO₂ matrix, where it can be observed that the carbon nanotubes are fully coated by the matrix.     

聚乙酰苯胺修饰碳纳米管载铂催化剂对甲醇电催化氧化

以原位化学聚合的聚乙酰苯胺/多壁碳纳米管(PAANI-MWCNTs)复合纳米材料作为载体,采用硼氢化钠还原法将Pt纳米粒子担载到PAANI-MWCNTs复合纳米材料表面,制备了Pt/PAANI-MWCNTs复合纳米催化剂.样品的结构和形貌用紫外-可见(UV-Vis)光谱、拉曼光谱、扫描电镜(SEM)、透射电镜(TEM)和X射线衍射(XRD)进行了表征.结果表明,聚乙酰苯胺与碳纳米管之间存在较强的π-π相互作用,使其能牢固地吸附于多壁碳纳米管表面,对碳纳米管的结构完整性和导电性有一定的改善作用.同时,金属Pt纳米颗粒较为均匀地分散在PAANI-MWCNTs表面,粒径分布范围较窄.采用循环伏安法和计时电流法在酸性溶液中研究了Pt/PAANI-MWCNTs催化剂对甲醇的电催化氧化活性,结果表明Pt/PAANI-MWCNTs复合纳米催化剂比用混酸处理的碳纳米管载铂催化剂对甲醇呈现出更高的电催化氧化活性和更好的抗中毒能力及稳定性.     

多壁碳纳米管负载TiO_2复合器件可见光光催化降解RhB

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)负载的ITO/MWCNTs-TiO2/ITO复合器件,利用SEM、XPS、UV-Vis光谱等技术对复合样品进行形貌和结构表征,以液相罗丹明B(RhB)的可见光光催化降解为探针反应,评价MWCNTs-TiO2复合薄膜的催化活性.XPS结果表明MWCNTs与TiO2之间没有形成Ti-C键.I-V特性表明负载了MWCNTs的ITO/MWCNTs-TiO2/ITO复合器件的光电流增强.与空白TiO2薄膜相比,MWCNTs-TiO2复合薄膜的可见光光催化降解RhB的速率提高了3.2倍.MWCNTs并没有掺杂到TiO2晶格中,而是起到了类似光敏剂的作用,可在可见光激发下将导带电子转移到TiO导带上,经一系列反应降解RhB有机物.     

溶胶-凝胶-水热晶化法制备锐钛矿TiO2纳米膜的耐蚀性能

以钛酸正丁酯为前驱体, 采用溶胶-凝胶-水热晶化法在不锈钢(SS)表面制备TiO₂纳米膜. 利用X射线衍射(XRD)、Raman光谱、场发射扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、原子力显微镜(AFM)和俄歇电子能谱(AES)表征了TiO₂纳米膜的晶型、表面形貌和表面化学组成. 通过极化曲线和电化学阻抗谱(EIS)研究了TiO₂纳米膜的耐蚀性能. 170 °C下水热晶化制备的锐钛矿TiO₂与450 °C焙烧制备的锐钛矿TiO₂的结晶度类似, 但两种TiO₂薄膜的表面结构存在明显差异, 水热晶化法制备的TiO₂纳米膜在3.5% (w) NaCl溶液中的耐蚀性能优于焙烧法制备的.     

Fe掺杂对纳米TiO2薄膜的结构与光催化性能的影响

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了Fe掺杂的TiO2薄膜,利用X射线光电子能谱、X射线衍射技术、显微共聚焦拉曼光谱、紫外可见光谱和原子力显微镜等对薄膜进行表征,以甲基橙为反应模型对光催化活性进行测试。 结果表明,在300~600 ℃焙烧时,TiO2以锐钛矿结构存在,700 ℃焙烧时出现金红石结构。 随掺铁量和焙烧温度的增加,Fe/TiO2薄膜的表面粗糙度和晶粒尺寸均逐渐增大;随镀膜层数的增加,Fe/TiO2薄膜光谱吸收向可见光方向移动;较低含量的铁掺杂改善了TiO2薄膜的光催化活性,而较高含量的铁掺杂则使TiO2薄膜的光催化活性下降,掺铁量为0.1%时Fe/TiO2薄膜的光催化活性最好。     

Effective functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotube with amphiphilic poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer carrying silver nanoparticles for better dispersability and antimicrobial activity

Two multiwalled carbon nanotube hybrids have been prepared: (a) multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with amphiphilic poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer (APPI), viz. MWCNTs-APPI, and (b) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-deposited multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with an amphiphilic poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer (MWCNTs-APPI-AgNPs). The degree of covalent functionalization of APPI in MWCNTs and deposition of AgNPs in MWCNTs-APPI were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The amount of APPI functionalized on MWCNTs determined by thermal gravimetric analysis was about 67% which enables an effective dispersability in aqueous and organic solvents without sonication and these solutions were stable for 6 months without undergoing aggregation of MWCNTs. The electronic properties of the hybrid materials were not altered drastically as verified by the Raman studies. The antimicrobial activities of MWCNTs-APPI and MWCNTs-APPI-AgNPs against three different bacteria, viz. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escheriachia coli illustrated excellent activity.     

N-TiO_2/ZnO复合纳米管阵列的掺杂机理及其光催化活性

以ZnO纳米柱阵列为模板,采用溶胶-凝胶法制备出TiO2/ZnO和N掺杂TiO2/ZnO的复合纳米管阵列.扫描电镜(SEM)、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)和紫外-可见漫反射吸收光谱(UV-Vis)的结果表明:两种阵列的纳米管均为六角形结构,直径约为100nm,壁厚约为20nm;在N-TiO2/ZnO复合纳米管阵列中,掺入的N离子主要是以N-Ox、N-C和N-N的形式化学吸附在纳米管表面,仅有少量的N离子以取代式掺杂的方式占据TiO2晶格O的位置;表面N物种形成的表面态能级和取代式掺杂导致带隙的窄化,增强了纳米管阵列的光吸收效率,促进了光生载流子的分离.光催化实验结果表明,N离子的掺杂有利于N-TiO2/ZnO复合纳米管阵列光催化活性的提高.     

Modification of multiwall carbon nanotubes via soap‐free emulsion polymerization of acrylonitrile

A novel method for the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐coated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via a simple soap‐free emulsion polymerization is presented for the first time. The polymerization was initiated with conventional anionic ammonium persulfate (APS) at 65 °C. The modification of PAN on MWCNT surfaces was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Raman spectroscopy. It is found that all the surfaces of the MWCNTs were coated by PAN chains, and the PAN coating thickness could be controlled by simply adjusting the polymerization time. The obtained PAN‐coated MWCNTs could be well dispersed in water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2057–2062, 2010     

Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of sol–gel-derived RuO2/carbon nanotube composites

Ruthenium oxide was coated on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to obtain nanocomposite electrode which has a good response to the pH. To synthesize this electrode, gold and cobalt were coated on a stainless steel 304 substrates, respectively, and then, vertically aligned carbon nanotubes were grown on the prepared substrates by chemical vapor deposition. Gold reduced activity of the stainless steel, while cobalt served as a catalyst for growth of the carbon nanotube. Ruthenium oxide was then coated on MWCNTs via sol–gel method. At last, different techniques were used to characterize the properties of synthesized electrode including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and cyclic voltammetry. SEM results showed that the length of the carbon nanotubes varied with reaction time, and in this research, it was maintained around 9 μm with a diameter about 100 nm. Electrochemical analysis revealed that optimum sol concentration and heat treatment temperature to meet the best pH sensing response were 0.1 M RuCl₃ sol and 200 °C, respectively. Moreover, the obtained electrode represented a linear and near-Nernstian response (about ?63 mV/pH) throughout the whole pH range (2–12) of Britton–Robinson buffer solutions.