Capacitive and Charge Transfer Effects of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in TiO2 Electrodes

The transfer of nanoscale properties from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to macroscopic systems is a topic of intense research. In particular, inorganic composites of SWCNTs and metal oxide semiconductors are being investigated for applications in electronics, energy devices, photocatalysis, and electroanalysis. In this work, a commercial SWCNT material is separated into fractions containing different conformations. The liquid fractions show clear variations in their optical absorbance spectra, indicating differences in the metallic/semiconducting character and the diameter of the SWCNTs. Also, changes in the surface chemistry and the electrical resistance are evidenced in SWCNT solid films. The starting SWCNT sample and the fractions as well are used to prepare hybrid electrodes with titanium dioxide (SWCNT/TiO₂). Raman spectroscopy reflects the optoelectronic properties of SWCNTs in the SWCNT/TiO₂ electrodes, while the electrochemical behavior is studied by cyclic voltammetry. A selective development of charge transfer characteristics and double-layer behavior is achieved through the suitable choice of SWCNT fractions.     

Functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with (R-)oxycarbonyl nitrenes

Sidewall functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via the addition of (R-)oxycarbonyl nitrenes allows for the covalent binding of a variety of different groups such as alkyl chains, aromatic groups, dendrimers, crown ethers, and oligoethylene glycol units. Such additions lead to a considerable increase in the solubility in organic solvents such as 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TCE), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and 1,2-dichlorobenzene (ODCB). The highest solubilities of 1.2 mg/mL were found for SWCNT adducts with nitrenes containing crown ether of oligoethylene glycol moieties in DMSO and TCE, respectively. The presence of chelating donor groups within the addends allowed for the complexation of Cu(2+) and Cd(2+). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the functionalized tubes form thin bundles with typical diameters of 10 nm. The presence of thin bundles in solution is supported by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The elemental composition of the functionalized SWCNT was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The use of Raman and electron absorption spectroscopy (UV/Vis-nIR) showed that the electronic properties of the SWCNTs are mostly retained after functionalization, indicating a low degree of addition within this series of SWCNT derivatives.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyethylene chains grafted onto the sidewalls of single‐walled carbon nanotubes via copolymerization

Polyethylene (PE) chains grafted onto the sidewalls of SWCNTs (SWCNT‐g‐PE) were successfully synthesized via ethylene copolymerization with functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐SWCNTs) catalyzed by rac‐(en)(THInd)₂ZrCl₂/MAO. Here f‐SWCNTs, in which α‐alkene groups were chemically linked on the sidewalls of SWCNTs, were synthesized by Prato reaction. The composition and microstructure of SWCNT‐g‐PE were characterized by means of ¹H NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Nanosized cable‐like structure was formed in the SWCNT‐g‐PE, in which the PE formed a tubular shell and several SWCNTs bundles existed as core. The formation of the above morphology in the SWCNT‐g‐PE resulted from successfully grafting of PE chains onto the surface of SWCNTs via copolymerization. The grown PE chains grafted onto the sidewall of the f‐SWCNTs promoted the exfoliation of the mass nanotubes. Comparing with pure PE, the physical mixture of PE/f‐SWCNTs and in situ PE/SWCNTs mixture, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of SWCNT‐g‐PE were higher because of the chemical bonding between the f‐SWCNTs and PE chains. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5459–5469, 2007     

Sexithiophene Encapsulated in a Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube: An In Situ Raman Spectroelectrochemical Study of a Peapod Structure

The interaction of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and α‐sexithiophene (6T) was studied by Raman spectroscopy and by in situ Raman spectroelectrochemistry. The encapsulation of 6T in SWCNT and its interaction causes a bleaching of its photoluminescence, and also small shifts of its Raman bands. The Raman features of the SWCNT with embedded 6T (6T‐peapods) change in both intensity and frequency compared to those of pristine SWCNT, which is a consequence of a change of the resonant condition. Electrochemical doping demonstrated that the electrode potential applied to the SWCNT wall causes changes in the embedded 6T. The effects of electrochemical charging on the Raman features of pristine SWCNT and 6T@SWCNT were compared. It is shown that the interaction of SWCNT with 6T also changes the electronic structure of SWCNT in its charged state. This change of electronic structure is demonstrated both for semiconducting and metallic tubes.     

Chemically assisted directed assembly of carbon nanotubes for the fabrication of large-scale device arrays

We report the directed assembly of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) at lithographically defined positions on gate oxide surfaces, allowing for the high yield ( approximately 90%) and parallel fabrication of SWCNT device arrays. SWCNTs were first chemically functionalized through diazonium chemistry with a hydroxamic acid end group that both renders the SWCNTs water-soluble and discriminately binds the SWCNTs to basic metal oxide surfaces (i.e., hafnium oxide (HfO2)). The functionalized SWCNTs are then assembled from an aqueous solution into narrow trenches etched into SiO2 films with HfO2 at the bottom. The side walls of the patterned trenches induce alignment of the SWCNTs along the length of the trenches. Heating the structures to 600 degrees C removes the organic moieties, leaving pristine SWCNTs as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy and electrical measurements. Palladium source-drain electrodes deposited perpendicular to the trench length readily contact the ends of the aligned SWCNTs. The resultant devices exhibit the electrical performance expected for SWCNT devices, with no performance deterioration as a result of the placement process. This technique allows for the directed assembly and alignment of SWCNTs over a large area and results in a high yield of working devices, presenting a promising path toward large-scale SWCNT device integration.     

Synthesis and gas-sensing properties of phenylhydrazine-functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix

Gas sensor material was prepared by encapsulation of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) into a gas-permeable polymer poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP). A phenylhydrazino group was used for the functionalization of SWCNTs to improve their solubility and compatibility with polymers. Syntheses were carried out in aqueous surfactant solutions and in pure phenylhydrazine without surfactant. Two different temperatures (24 and 50°C) and two surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate and tricaprylmethylammonium chloride — Aliquat®336) were compared. Functionalized SWCNTs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron (XPS), Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Analyses showed that the synthesis at higher temperature in pure phenylhydrazine resulted in the highest functionalization yield. Phenylhydrazine itself proved to be a good solvent for SWCNTs. The functionalized nanotubes were soluble in organic solvents that under the same conditions were appropriate solvents for polymers. The sensitivity of functionalized SWCNT-PTMSP thin film composite to NO₂ gas at room temperature was significantly higher than that of the similar sensor material containing the pristine SWCNTs.      

Shear piezoelectricity in single‐wall carbon nanotube/poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate) composites

Single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been added to high molecular weight poly(γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamate), or PBLG, to evaluate their effects on the polymer's shear piezoelectricity. While the addition of SWCNTs increased various PBLG physical properties such as electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, several mechanical properties, and electrostriction coefficient, the shear piezoelectricity remained constant up to a 0.3 wt % SWCNT concentration. The composite crystallinity, orientation, and SWCNT alignment (measured by X‐ray diffraction, birefringence, and polarized Raman spectroscopy, respectively) were found to be constant up to this same concentration, corroborating the shear piezoelectric findings. PBLG composites made with acid‐treated (and therefore less electrically conductive) SWCNTs exhibited similar shear piezoelectric behavior, indicating that neither the SWCNT type, concentration (up to the percolation threshold), nor electrical conductivity influences PBLG shear piezoelectricity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010     

Poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate)‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes from surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerizations of N‐carboxylanhydride

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with poly(γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamate) (PBLG) by ring‐opening polymerizations of γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamic acid‐based N‐carboxylanhydrides (NCA‐BLG) using amino‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐NH₂) as initiators. The SWCNT functionalization has been verified by FTIR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The FTIR study reveals that surface‐attached PBLGs adopt random‐coil conformations in contrast to the physically absorbed or bulk PBLGs, which exhibit α‐helical conformations. Raman spectroscopic analysis reveals a significant alteration of the electronic structure of SWCNTs as a result of PBLG functionalization. The PBLG‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐PBLG) exhibit enhanced solubility in DMF. Stable DMF solutions of SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG with a maximum SWCNTs concentration of 259 mg L^?1 can be readily obtained. SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG solid composites have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide/small‐angle X‐ray scattering (W/SAXS), scanning electron microscopy, and polarized optical microscopy for their thermal or morphological properties. Microfibers containing SWCNT‐PBLG and PBLG can also be prepared via electrospinning. WAXS characterization reveals that SWCNTs are evenly distributed among PBLG rods in solution and in the solid state where PBLGs form a short‐range nematic phase interspersed with amorphous domains. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2340–2350, 2010     

Double Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes with Purine and Pyrimidine Derivatives

Herein, we have developed a synthetic strategy for the covalent double functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a combination of purine–pyrimidine and purine–purine nucleobase systems. The nucleobases were introduced on the sidewall of oxidized SWCNTs through 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition and by amidation of the carboxylic acids located at the tips and defect sites of the nanotubes. The new nanohybrids were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, magic‐angle spinning NMR spectroscopy, and Kaiser test. The nucleobase/SWCNT conjugates can be envisaged for the modulation of the interactions with nucleic acids by means of base pairing, thereby opening new possibilities in the development of DNA/CNT nanobioconjugates.     

一维碳纳米管/二维二硫化钼混合维度异质结的原位制备及其电荷转移性能

一维(1D)材料与二维(2D)材料的结合可形成独特的混合维度异质结,其在继承2D/2D范德瓦尔斯异质结的独特物性之外,还具有丰富的堆叠构型,为进一步调控异质结的结构及性能提供了新的可操控自由度。p型1D单壁碳纳米管(SWCNT)与n型2D二硫化钼(MoS₂)的结合,为调控异质结的能带结构及器件性能提供了丰富的选择。本文直接在高密度、手性窄分布的SWCNT定向阵列及无序薄膜表面原位生长MoS₂,制备出高质量1D SWCNT/2D MoS₂混合维度异质结。深入分析形核点的表面形貌与结构,提出了“吸附-扩散-吸附”生长机制,用于解释混合维度异质结的生长。利用拉曼光谱分析,证实SWCNT与MoS₂间存在显著的电荷转移作用,载流子可在界面处快速传输,为后续基于此类1D/2D异质结的新型电子及光电器件的设计与制备提供了新思路。     

Investigation of field emission and photoemission properties of high-purity single-walled carbon nanotubes synthesized by hydrogen arc discharge

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were directly synthesized by a hydrogen arc-discharge method by using only Fe catalyst. The synthesized carbon materials indicated high-purity SWCNTs without amorphous carbon materials from SEM observation. The SWCNTs had diameters of 1.5-2.0 nm from TEM and Raman observation. After a simple purification, TGA indicated that SWCNTs had a purity of ca. 90.1 wt %. Field emission from the SWCNT emitters which were fabricated by using a spray method was measured by a diode structure. The vertically aligned SWCNT emitters showed the low turn-on voltage of 0.86 V/microm and a high emission-current density of 3 mA/cm2 at an applied field of about 3 V/microm. From a Fowler-Nordheim plot, the vertically aligned SWCNT revealed a high field enhancement factor of 2.35 x 10(4). The photoemission measurements, excited by a photon energy of 360 eV, showed significantly delocalized graphite-pi states at the purified SWCNTs. Here, we investigated that the field-emission properties of SWCNTs would be attributed to the high electronic density of states near Fermi energy, including the delocalized graphite-pi states.     

Single-wall carbon nanotube-based proton exchange membrane assembly for hydrogen fuel cells

A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for hydrogen fuel cells has been fabricated using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) support and platinum catalyst. Films of SWCNTs and commercial platinum (Pt) black were sequentially cast on a carbon fiber electrode (CFE) using a simple electrophoretic deposition procedure. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy showed that the nanotubes and the platinum retained their nanostructure morphology on the carbon fiber surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that the carbon nanotube-based electrodes exhibited an order of magnitude lower charge-transfer reaction resistance (R(ct)) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) than did the commercial carbon black (CB)-based electrodes. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) assembly fabricated using the CFE/SWCNT/Pt electrodes was evaluated using a fuel cell testing unit operating with H(2) and O(2) as input fuels at 25 and 60 degrees C. The maximum power density obtained using CFE/SWCNT/Pt electrodes as both the anode and the cathode was approximately 20% better than that using the CFE/CB/Pt electrodes.     

Single-wall carbon nanotube-containing cathode interfacial materials for high performance organic solar cells

Water/alcohol soluble cathode interfacial materials(CIMs)are playing important roles in optoelectronic devices such as organic light emitting diodes,perovskite solar cells and organic solar cells(OSCs).Herein,n-doped solution-processable single-wall carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs)-containing CIMs for OSCs are developed by dispersing SWCNTs to the typical CIMs perylene diimide(PDI)derivatives PDIN and PDINO.The Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)measurement results illustrate the ndoped behavior of SWCNTs by PDIN/PDINO in the blend CIMs.The blended and n-doped SWCNTs can tune the work function and enhance the conductivity of the PDI-derivative/SWCNT(PDI-CNT)composite CIMs,and the composite CIMs can regulate and down-shift the work function of cathode,reduce the charge recombination,improve the charge extraction rate and enhance photovoltaic performance of the OSCs.High power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 17.1%and 17.7%are obtained for the OSCs based on PM6:Y6 and ternary PM6:Y6:PC₇₁ BM respectively with the PDI-CNTcomposites CIMs.These results indicate that the ndoped SWCNT-containing composites,like other n-doped nanomaterials such as zero dimensional fullerenes and two dimensional graphenes,are excellent CIMs for OSCs and could find potential applications in other optoelectronic devices.     

蒿甲醚在单壁碳纳米管修饰电极上的电催化还原

研制了单壁碳纳米管(SWCNTs)修饰玻碳电极。用交流阻抗谱法(EIS)和扫描电镜(SEM)研究了电极膜性能,应用循环伏安法(CV)、计时库仑法(CC)、计时电流法(CA)研究了蒿甲醚在修饰电极上的电化学行为。结果表明,SWCNTs修饰电极对蒿甲醚的还原有良好的电催化活性,其还原反应为双电子过程,电极反应的扩散系数及速率常数分别为6·67×10-4cm2·s-1及8·54×10-2mol·L-1·s-1。在优化实验条件下,还原峰的峰电位位于-0·85V,其峰电流与蒿甲醚浓度在6·71×10-7~2·45×10-4mol·L-1范围内呈良好线性,检出限达4·02×10-7mol·L-1,相对标准偏差(n=10)为4·2%,可用于蒿甲醚样品的含量测定。     

Single-walled carbon nanotube-facilitated dispersion of particulate TiO2 on ZrO2 ceramic membrane filters

We report that SWCNTs substantially improve the uniformity and coverage of TiO2 coatings on porous ZrO2 ceramic membrane filters. The ZrO2 filters were dip coated with 100 nm anatase TiO2, TiO2/SWCNT composites, a TiO2+SWCNT mixture, and a TiO2/MWCNT composite at pH 3, 5, and 8. Whereas the TiO2+SWCNT mixture and the TiO2/MWCNT composite promote better coverage and less clumping than TiO2 alone, the TiO2/SWCNT composite forms a complete uniform coating without cracking at pH 5 ( approximately 100% coverage). A combination of chemical and electrostatic effects between TiO2 and SWCNTs forming the composite as well as between the composite and the ZrO2 surface explains these observations.     

Selective polycarboxylation of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes by reductive sidewall functionalization

The efficient and controllable synthesis, the detailed characterization, and the chemical postfunctionalization of polycarboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes SWCNT(COOH)(n) are reported. This innovative covalent sidewall functionalization method is characterized by (a) the preservation of the integrity of the entire σ-framework of SWCNTs; (b) the possibility of achieving very high degrees of addition; (c) control of the functionalization degrees by the variation of the reaction conditions (reaction time, ultrasonic treatment, pressure); (d) the identification of conditions for the selective functionalization of semiconducting carbon nanotubes, leaving unfunctionalized metallic tubes behind; (e) the proof that the introduced carboxylic acid functionalities can serve as versatile anchor points for the coupling to functional molecules; and (f) the application of a subsequent thermal degradation step of the functionalized semiconducting tubes leaving behind intact metallic SWCNTs. Functional derivatives have been characterized in detail by means of Raman, UV-vis/nIR, IR, and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as by thermogravimetric analysis combined with mass spectrometry, atomic force microscopy, and zeta-potential measurements.     

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.     

Diameter Selection of Carbon Nanotubes in Polymer/SWCNT Nanowire Arrays Fabricated by Template Wetting

Arrays of polymer/SWCNT (single‐wall carbon nanotube) nanowires supported on a residual nanocomposite film are prepared by melt wetting using porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) as a template. The aggregation parameter of SWCNTs extracted from the analysis of their Raman radial breathing modes gives the highest value for native SWCNTs, indicating that they tend to organize into bundles giving rise to a high degree of aggregation. However, the lowest value achieved at the interface between the nanocomposite film and the nanoarray is explained considering that the forces acting during infiltration are able to disrupt the SWCNT bundles inducing nanotube dispersion. In addition, scanning the nanoarrays along the nanowires length by Raman microscopy has shown a diameter selection of SWCNTs by the AAO membrane. The results reported in this work reveal that it is possible to fabricate arrays of nanowires with homogeneous SWCNT distribution along tens of microns, optimizing nanotube dispersion.     

Supramolecular Surface Modification and Solubilization of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Cyclodextrin Complexation

A novel approach to solubilize single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in the aqueous phase is described by employing supramolecular surface modification. We use cyclodextrin complexes of synthetic molecules that contain a planar pyrene moiety or a bent, shape‐fitted triptycene moiety as a binding group connected through a spacer to an adamantane moiety that is accommodated in the cyclodextrin cavity. The binding groups attach to the sidewalls of SWCNTs through a π–π stacking interaction to yield a supramolecular system that allows the SWCNTs to dissolve in the aqueous phase through the formed hydrophilic cyclodextrin shell. The black aqueous SWCNT solutions obtained are stable over a period of months. They are characterized through absorbance, static, and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy as well as Raman spectroscopy, TEM, and fluorescence‐decay measurements. Furthermore, the shape‐fitted triptycene‐based system shows a pronounced selectivity for SWCNTs with a diameter of 1.0 nm.     

Double‐Wall Carbon Nanotube–Porphyrin Supramolecular Hybrid: Synthesis and Photophysical Studies

Double‐wall carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) with pyridyl units covalently attached to the external wall through isoxazolino linkers and carboxylic groups that have been esterified by pentyl chains are synthesized. The properties of these modified DWCNTs are then compared with an analogous sample based on single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Raman spectroscopy shows the presence of characteristic radial breathing mode vibrations, confirming that the samples partly retain the integrity of the nanotubes in the case of DWCNTs, including the internal and external nanotubes. Quantification of the pyridyl content for both samples (DWCNT and SWCNT derivatives) is based on X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric profiles, showing very similar substituent load. Both pyridyl‐containing nanotubes (DWCNTs and SWCNTs) form a complex with zinc porphyrin (ZnP), as evidenced by the presence of two isosbestic points in the absorption spectra of the porphyrin upon addition of the pyridyl‐functionalized nanotubes. Supramolecular complexes based on pyridyl‐substituted DWCNTs and SWCNTs quench the emission and the triplet excited state identically, through an energy‐transfer mechanism based on pre‐assembly of the ground state. Thus, the presence of the intact inner wall in DWCNTs does not influence the quenching behavior, with respect to SWCNTs, for energy‐transfer quenching with excited ZnP. These results sharply contrast with previous ones referring to electron‐transfer quenching, in which the double‐wall morphology of the nanotubes has been shown to considerably reduce the lifetime of charge separation, owing to faster electron mobility in DWCNTs compared to SWCNTs.