Photo-directed organization of silver nanoparticles in mesostructured silica and titania films

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have the potential to enhance the strength, toughness, and multifunctional ability of composite materials. However, suitable dispersion and interfacial bonding remain as key challenges. Composites that are formed by reactions with water, like Portland cement concrete and mortar, pose a special challenge for dispersing the inherently hydrophobic nanotubes. The hydration of Portland cement also offers a specific chemical framework for interfacial bonding. In this study, nanoscale silica functional groups are covalently bonded to CNTs to improve their dispersion in water while providing interfacial bond sites for the proposed matrix material. The bond signatures of treated nanotubes are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In situ dispersion is characterized using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and point of zero charge (PZC) measurements. At the nanoscale, interparticle spacing was greatly increased. A slight increase in the PZC after treatment indicates the importance of steric effects in the dispersion mechanism. Overall, results indicate successful functionalization and dramatically improved dispersion stability in water.

     

Synthesis/structural and mesomorphic properties of substituted hydrazide based calamitic molecules

A set of rod-shaped molecules with central hydrazide moiety has been synthesized and characterized using standard spectroscopic techniques. The thermal behaviors of the final compounds were established by the combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and high-temperature powder X-ray method (XRD). The structure and conformation of the molecules were achieved by FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. It is found that two compounds are non-liquid crystalline and two compounds are liquid crystalline (LC). The structure property correlations with alkyl chain, connecting position, hydrogen bonding and without hydrogen bonding were established. The studies envisaged that LC properties are induced due to hydrogen bonding and elongation of the molecular length.     

Synthesis of high nitrogen doping of carbon nanotubes and modeling the stabilization of filled DAATO@CNTs (10,10) for nanoenergetic materials

In this work, we have performed synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition method. Morphology, structure and composition of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as well as concentration and distribution of nitrogen inside CNTs are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. A bamboo-like structure of the nitrogen-doped CNTs has been observed. Temperature dependency on the synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes has been investigated and discussed. Diameter and growth rate of these hybrid materials are obviously temperature dependent. Nitrogen concentration inside the CNTs increases with declining synthesis temperature. Nitrogen-doped CNTs with nitrogen content up to 10.4 at% can be achieved at a low temperature of 800 ^oC. Synthesis of the high nitrogen CNTs proposes a feasible way to develop novel nanoenergetic materials. Besides the experimental study, we have carried out Density Functional Theory calculations on five energetic molecules named n-oxides of 3,3′-azo-bis(6-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) (DAATO), where n=1-5 refer to oxygen atoms, encapsulated in CNTs (10,10), in order to investigate the chemical stabilization of filled DAATO_n inside CNTs (10,10). In fact, the predicted adsorption energy values confirmed the chemical stability of the hybrid systems DAATO_n@CNTs (10,10) under normal conditions.     

美国通用电气公司宝石级合成翡翠的振动谱学研究

对近来面市的美国通用电气公司的宝石级合成翡翠,使用傅里叶红外光谱仪、 激光拉曼光谱仪等谱学分析测试仪器进行测试,研究其振动光谱,试图从振动谱学的角度分析研究这种合成翡翠的特征,并比较它与天然翡翠的异同。研究结果表明： 在红外光谱方面： 美国通用电气公司宝石级合成翡翠的指纹区与天然翡翠的基本相同; 而在基团频率区,则有明显的不同： 在3 400～3 700 cm-1范围内显示一组由OH的伸缩振动导致的特征吸收谱带: 3 375,3 471和3 614 cm-1。揭示了合成翡翠中含有一定数量的羟基。在拉曼光谱方面,一组376,700,989和1 039 cm-1的尖锐吸收峰一方面显示了和天然翡翠的拉曼特征一致性,另一方面也显示其具有完好的结晶形态,红外光谱和拉曼光谱均显示了样品中重质量的阳离子的缺乏。     

Interfacial bonding characteristic of nanoclay/polymer composites

Using a small amount of nanoclay (montmorillonite (MMT)) can significantly enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of polymer-based composites. Therefore, an in depth understanding of the bonding characteristic between the nanoclay and its surrounding matrix is essential. In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were conducted to analyze the chemical composition between epoxy matrix and nanocomposite. These experiments revealed that a chemical bonding at an interface between the matrix and nanoclay of the composites did exist. Thus, such bonding can enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of resultant polymer composites as reported in many literatures.     

Thermal and FTIR spectral characterisation of diammonium tetrachlorocobaltate(II) monohydrate crystals

Single crystals of a novel compound, diammonium tetrachlorocobaltate(II) monohydrate, were grown by slow evaporation method at room temperature. The crystals belong to a class of compounds that show interesting properties like ferroelectricity at low temperatures. The grown crystals were characterised through powder XRD, thermogravimetric (TG-DTA), low temperature differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analyses and FTIR spectroscopy. While the powder XRD pattern of the compound confirms its crystallinity, the TG-DTA studies confirm the stoichiometry of the compound. The thermal anomalies observed in DSC curve at −4°C and −39.1°C in the cooling cycle indicate a first order phase transition. The FTIR spectrum of the compound characterizes the various chemical bonding and water of crystallization. Further investigation of the low temperature properties of the compound is under progress.     

Preparation and characterization of carbon nanotubes/epoxy resin nano-prepreg for nanocomposites

The surface carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were modified to generate functional reactors by using the sonicication method to distribute CNTs evenly among epoxy resin, which was prepared into nano-prepreg with carbon fibers. Additionally, based on various proportions of modified and unmodified CNTs, the mechanical properties and conductivities of the composite, as well as, the characteristics of material subjected to various temperature conditions were investigated. Experimental results indicate that increasing CNT content enhances the mechanical strength and electrical properties. At various temperatures, the mechanical strength drops with increase in temperature because different expansion coefficients differ between fiber and epoxy resin. Finally, the failure surface of nanocomposite was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally we provide a discussion of the failure mechanism of the material.     

Carbon nanotube chemistry and assembly for electronic devices

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have exceptional physical properties that make them one of the most promising building blocks for future nanotechnologies. They may in particular play an important role in the development of innovative electronic devices in the fields of flexible electronics, ultra-high sensitivity sensors, high frequency electronics, opto-electronics, energy sources and nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS). Proofs of concept of several high performance devices already exist, usually at the single device level, but there remain many serious scientific issues to be solved before the viability of such routes can be evaluated. In particular, the main concern regards the controlled synthesis and positioning of nanotubes. In our opinion, truly innovative use of these nano-objects will come from: (i) the combination of some of their complementary physical properties, such as combining their electrical and mechanical properties; (ii) the combination of their properties with additional benefits coming from other molecules grafted on the nanotubes (this route being particularly relevant for gas- and bio-sensors, opto-electronic devices and energy sources); and (iii) the use of chemically- or bio-directed self-assembly processes to allow the efficient combination of several devices into functional arrays or circuits. In this article, we review our recent results concerning nanotube chemistry and assembly and their use to develop electronic devices. In particular, we present carbon nanotube field effect transistors and their chemical optimization, high frequency nanotube transistors, nanotube-based opto-electronic devices with memory capabilities and nanotube-based nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS). The impact of chemical functionalization on the electronic properties of CNTs is analyzed on the basis of theoretical calculations. To cite this article: V. Derycke et al., C. R. Physique 10 (2009).     

Local probe of the interlayer coupling strength of few-layers SnSe by contact-resonance atomic force microscopy

The interlayer bonding in two-dimensional (2D) materials is particularly important because it is not only related to their physical and chemical stability but also affects their mechanical, thermal, electronic, optical, and other properties. To address this issue, we report the direct characterization of the interlayer bonding in 2D SnSe using contact-resonance atomic force microscopy (CR-AFM) in this study. Site-specific CR spectroscopy and CR force spectroscopy measurements are performed on both SnSe and its supporting SiO₂/Si substrate comparatively. Based on the cantilever and contact mechanic models, the contact stiffness and vertical Young’s modulus are evaluated in comparison with SiO₂/Si as a reference material. The interlayer bonding of SnSe is further analyzed in combination with the semi-analytical model and density functional theory calculations. The direct characterization of interlayer interactions using this non-destructive methodology of CR-AFM would facilitate a better understanding of the physical and chemical properties of 2D layered materials, specifically for interlayer intercalation and vertical heterostructures.     

表面修饰纳米碳管复合二氧化硅凝胶玻璃的制备研究

采用羧基化、酰氯化和酰胺化等三步化学反应实现了r-氨基丙基三乙氧基硅烷(NH₂(CH₂)₃Si(OC₂H₅)₃,APTES)对纳米碳管(CNTs)的表面修饰。在此基础上,采用溶胶-凝胶工艺将其引入到二氧化硅凝胶玻璃中,并通过红外IR光谱、扫描电子显微镜SEM分析测试方法对所得样品的组成和结构进行表征。结果表明,经过一系列的化学处理,成功实现了CNTs与APTES的共价键合而达到表面修饰的效果。溶胶-凝胶过程中,先驱液中正硅酸乙酯(Si(OC₂H₅)₄,TEOS)、r-缩水甘油醚基丙基三甲氧基硅烷(CH₂OCHCH₂O(CH2)₃Si(OCH₃)₃,GPTMS)、CNTs-APTES分别发生水解,并经过共同聚合反应形成二氧化硅三维网络结构,而CNTs也借助于APTES而被化学键合到二氧化硅网络中,实现了在二氧化硅凝胶玻璃基质中的均匀分散,从根本上克服了CNTs在固相基质中团聚的问题。     

Prediction of Cassava Starch Edible Film Properties by Chemometric Analysis of Infrared Spectra

Cassava starch has been shown to make transparent and colorless flexible films without any previous chemical treatment. The functional properties of edible films are influenced by starch properties, including chain conformation, molecular bonding, crystallinity, and water content. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) has been applied for the elucidation of the structure and conformation of carbohydrates. This technique associated with chemometric data processing could indicate the relationship between the structural parameters and the functional properties of cassava starch–based edible films. Successful prediction of the functional properties values of the starch–based films was achieved by partial least squares regression data. The results showed that presence of the hydroxyl group on carbon 6 of the cyclic part of glucose is directly correlated with the functional properties of cassava starch films.     

Improving the Performance of Nafion®-Based Fuel Cell Membranes by Introducing Histidine Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

A new polymer nanocomposite membrane based on Nafion and functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was developed for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. Histidine, an imidazole-based amino acid, was used for modifying the surface of CNTs. The modification of CNTs was characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and their Zeta potential. The imidazole groups, due to forming and breaking of hydrogen bonding, can facilitate proton transport across the polymer matrix by the Grotthuss mechanism. The final structure of the Nafion/CNT nanocomposites was investigated by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The results confirm that the transport properties of the fabricated new membranes were significantly improved in comparison with unmodified and conventional Nafion® membranes. The power density of the imidazole-CNT (Im-CNT) Nafion® composite membranes was about three times more than Nafion® membranes. Also, the experimental results showed that the proton conductivity for the conventional Nafion® membranes decreased over 100°C but the conductivity for the Nafion®/Im-CNT remained at a nearly constant value above 100°C up to 120°C. Thus, the nanocomposite based on Nafion/imidazole functionalized CNT can be considered as an anhydrous PEMFC membrane for high-temperature applications.     

One-pot synthesis of one-dimensional array Pt nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes via a facile microwave polyol method

High-density attachment and one-dimensional array Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to generate Pt/CNTs heterostructures are obtained via one-pot microwave polyol method. The morphology, composition of as-obtained Pt/CNTs heterostructures is characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Raman spectrum and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum show the introduction of defects or functional groups on CNTs surface, which are crucial factors to assist the nucleation and growth of Pt NPs along the skeleton of CNTs.     

大肠杆菌的直接比色检测及其机理

带有甘露糖的聚双炔薄膜能够识别大肠杆菌并与它们结合，更重要的是结合可以导致聚双炔薄膜的颜色发生改变，这种颜色变化很容易用裸眼观察到并且可以通过可见吸收光谱定量分析。这种通过聚双炔薄膜对分子识别的直接检测方法不仅为该薄膜在生物传感器发展领域中的应用开辟了一条新途径，而且为诊断应用和筛选新的连接配体提供了可能。此外，为了理解颜色变化的机理，我们用共振喇曼光谱和傅立叶变换红外光谱对聚双炔的亲合变色特性进行了检测。结果表明：当由蓝到红的颜色变化发生时，聚合物骨架的侧链进行了重新排列，同时聚合物骨架的电子结构由炔的形式转变为三烯的形式。     

Free Vibration Analysis of Nanocomposite Plates Reinforced by Graded Carbon Nanotubes Based on First-Order Shear Deformation Plate Theory

Based on the Mindlin's first-order shear deformation plate theory this paper focuses on the free vibration behavior of functionally graded nanocomposite plates reinforced by aligned and straight single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The material properties of simply supported functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced (FGCNTR) plates are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction. The effective material properties at a point are estimated by either the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach or the extended rule of mixture. Two types of symmetric carbon nanotubes (CNTs) volume fraction profiles are presented in this paper. The equations of motion and related boundary conditions are derived using the Hamilton's principle. A semi-analytical solution composed of generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method, as an efficient and accurate numerical method, and series solution is adopted to solve the equations of motions. The primary contribution of the present work is to provide a comparative study of the natural frequencies obtained by extended rule of mixture and Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka method. The detailed parametric studies are carried out to study the influences various types of the CNTs volume fraction profiles, geometrical parameters and CNTs volume fraction on the free vibration characteristics of FGCNTR plates. The results reveal that the prediction methods of effective material properties have an insignificant influence of the variation of the frequency parameters with the plate aspect ratio and the CNTs volume fraction.     

Preparation of highly conductive CNTs/polyaniline composites through plasma pretreating and in-situ polymerization

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were pretreated by plasma, and further in-situ polymerized with aniline to achieve uniform CNTs/polyaniline (PANI) composites with high conductivity. The highest conductivity (2.946 S/cm) of CNTs/PANI composites under optimum plasma treating parameters is much higher than those without CNTs pretreatment or premodified by acid oxidation method. The scanning electronic microscope (SEM) pictures indicate that smooth surfaces of pristine CNTs (diameter: 20-40 nm) changes into rough structures and the size increases to around 90 nm, which is further proved by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the Raman measurements. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results reveal that the thermal stability of CNTs/PANI composite is better than that of pure PANI.     

碳纳米管的表面修饰及FTIR,Raman和XPS光谱表征

用红外、拉曼光谱、X射线光电子能谱（XPS）研究了水热条件下碳纳米管在不同氧化剂中的表面修饰过程。结果表明水热条件下可以成功地实现碳纳米管的表面修饰,而且,通过控制反应条件可以改变反应产物中官能团的种类和数量。     

Nanoscale surface of carbon nanotube fibers for medical applications: Structure and chemistry revealed by TOF-SIMS analysis

Surface structure and related chemistry understanding is a vital element in the design of high biocompatible materials since adsorption and adhesion of biological components are involved. These features are even more important in the case of nanostructured materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) fibers. In our preliminary work we synthesised CNTs based fibers for medical applications. This new hybrid system combines polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with CNTs and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), a biodegradable copolymer. The surface properties of this material are investigated in order to guarantee a biocompatible response. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) was found to be an ideal tool for fiber characterisation owing to its capacity to provide chemical specificity combined with detection limits beyond the reach of techniques previously used. Complementary morphological information is provided by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The corroboration of both data enables us to define the chemistry and structure of this new formulation.     

Ultrasound-promoted direct functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in water via Diels-Alder “click chemistry”

A facile and environmentally friendly strategy for grafting polymers onto the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was demonstrated by Diels-Alder “click chemistry”. Firstly, the copolymers of poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PSM) were prepared by the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and subsequently functionalized with furfuryl amine to introduce anchoring groups. The copolymers were then grafted on CNTs via the Diels-Alder reaction in water through a conventional heating-stirring route and ultrasound-assisted method. The obtained nanocomposite materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the reaction rate under ultrasound irradiation was accelerated about 12 times than the one under the conventional heating-stirring condition without losing the grafting efficiency. The direct functionalization of CNTs formed a stably dispersed solution in water, promising a green and effective method for industrial process.