Nonlinear optical absorption of nanocomposite films made from polymers and single-walled carbon nanotubes: The effect of nanotube type and polymer matrix

Nonlinear optical absorption at a wavelength of 1080 nm for nanocomposite thin films made from polymers and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was studied by the longitudinal scanning (z-scan) technique. Two SWNT types differing in the synthesis procedure (HipCO and arc evaporation techniques) were used for the preparation of nanocomposites based on the polymers carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL). The nonlinear absorption coefficients were measured to be ?5.0 × 10^?7 and ?3.9 × 10^?7 cm/W for the CMC-SWNT/HipCO and CMC-SWNT/Arc composite films and ?1.7 × 10^?7 and ?0.9 × 10^?7 cm/W for the PVAL-SWNT/HipCO and PVAL-SWNT/Arc films, respectively. It was found that the film nanocomposites based on carboxymethylcellulose had a higher absolute value of the nonlinear absorption coefficient than the films in which PVAL was used as the polymer matrix.     

Modifications of carbon nanotubes with polymers

The chemical functionalizations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could enhance their chemical compatibility and dissolution properties, which enable both a more extensive characterization and subsequent chemical reactivity. The modifications with polymers could not only improve CNTs’ solubility and dispersibility but also the interfacial interaction to polymeric matrices in its composites. The main methods for the modification of CNTs with polymers are noncovalent attachment (polymer wrapping and absorption) and covalent attachment (“grafting to”and “grafting from”). The current states of the literatures in the field are presented in this review.     

Temperature-responsive polymer/carbon nanotube hybrids: smart conductive nanocomposite films for modulating the bioelectrocatalysis of NADH

A temperature-sensitive polymer/carbon nanotube interface with switchable bioelectrocatalytic capability was fabricated by self-assembly of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT-g-PNIPAm) onto the PNIPAm-modified substrate. Electron microscopy and electrochemical measurements revealed that these fairly thick (>6?μm) and highly porous nanocomposite films exhibited high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. The morphological transitions in both the tethered PNIPAm chains on a substrate and those polymers wrapping around the MWNT surface resulted in the opening, closing, or tuning of its permeability, and simultaneously an electron-transfer process took place through the channels formed in the nanostructure in response to temperature change. By combining the good electron-transfer and electrochemical catalysis capabilities, the large surface area, and good biocompatibility of MWNTs with the responsive features of PNIPAm, reversible temperature-controlled bioelectrocatalysis of 1,4-dihydro-β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide with improved sensitivity has been demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The mechanism behind this approach was studied by Raman spectroscopy, in situ attenuated total reflection FTIR spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. The results also suggested that the synergetic or cooperative interactions of PNIPAm with MWNTs gave rise not only to an increase in surface wettability, but also to the enhancement of the interfacial thermoresponsive behavior. This bioelectrocatalytic "smart" system has potential applications in the design of biosensors and biofuel cells with externally controlled activity. Furthermore, this concept might be proposed for biomimetics, interfacial engineering, bioelectronic devices, and so forth.     

Ultrathin anisotropic films assembled from individual single-walled carbon nanotubes and amine polymers

Oxidized individual single-walled carbon nanotubes and amine polymers have been assembled into 11-32-nm-thick well-ordered conductive films. The films show highly anisotropic electrical conductivity, which is dominated by the nanotubes in the horizontal plane and by polymer-mediated tunneling in the vertical direction. The ratio of the "along" to "across" conductivity is approximately 10(3). The subnanometer thick polymer layers interleaved with monolayers of nanotubes show conductivity several orders of magnitude higher than films of pristine polymers.     

Electrodeposited conductive polymers for controlled drug release: polypyrrole

Over the last 40 years, electrically conductive polymers have become well established as important electrode materials. Polyanilines, polythiophenes and polypyrroles have received particular attention due to their ease of synthesis, chemical stability, mechanical robustness and the ability to tailor their properties. Electrochemical synthesis of these materials as films have proved to be a robust and simple way to realise surface layers with controlled thickness, electrical conductivity and ion transport. In the last decade, the biomedical compatibility of electrodeposited polymers has become recognised; in particular, polypyrroles have been studied extensively and can provide an effective route to pharmaceutical drug release. The factors controlling the electrodeposition of this polymer from practical electrolytes are considered in this review including electrolyte composition and operating conditions such as the temperature and electrode potential. Voltammetry and current-time behaviour are seen to be effective techniques for film characterisation during and after their formation. The degree of take-up and the rate of drug release depend greatly on the structure, composition and oxidation state of the polymer film. Specialised aspects are considered, including galvanic cells with a Mg anode, use of catalytic nanomotors or implantable biofuel cells for a self-powered drug delivery system and nanoporous surfaces and nanostructures. Following a survey of polymer and drug types, progress in this field is summarised and aspects requiring further research are highlighted.     

基于碳纳米管和导电聚合物电刺激释放地塞米松导电生物膜的制备

为了降低植入式神经电极引起的炎性组织反应,通过层叠法构建可电刺激释放抗炎药物地塞米松的碳纳米管与聚吡咯双层导电生物膜(MWCNTs/Dex@PPy/Dex).并采用场发射扫描电镜(FESEM)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FT-IR)、紫外分光光度法(UV)、循环伏安扫描(CV)和交流阻抗(EIS)对生物膜表面形貌、成分组成、...     

Polymer-masking for controlled functionalization of carbon nanotubes

An effective and versatile method for tube-length-specific functionalization of carbon nanotubes through a controllable embedment of vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes into polymer matrices is reported, which allows not only asymmetric functionalization of nanotube sidewalls, but also facile introduction of new properties (e.g. magnetic) onto the region-selectively functionalized carbon nanotubes.     

Development of temperature-responsive semi-IPN hydrogels from PVA-PNVC-PAm for controlled release of anti-cancer agent

A series of semi-interpenetrating polymeric network (semi-IPN) hydrogels were synthesized using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), monomers N-vinylcaprolactam (NVC) acrylamide (Am), and cross-linker bis[2-methacryloyloxy] ethyl phosphate (BMEP). The hydrogels were synthesized by using free-radical polymerization using ammonium persulphate (APS) as an initiator at 60°C. The hydrogels were characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to confirm the formation, crystallinity, and morphological behavior. The swelling behavior at various temperatures and pH conditions showed that the semi-IPN hydrogels were good candidates for temperature-responsive nature. 5-Flurouracil (FU), a model anticancer drug, was successfully encapsulated and the encapsulation efficiency was found in range of 50–74% for different hydrogels. Further, in-vitro release studies were performed to investigate the release mechanism. The cumulative release studies showed that the developed hydrogels are potentially efficient for the gastrointestinal drug delivery of FU.     

Electrochemically deposited nanocomposite of chitosan and carbon nanotubes for biosensor application

A simple and controllable electrodeposition method for the formation of a chitosan-carbon nanotube nanocomposite film on an electrode surface was proposed and further used for the construction of an electrochemical biosensor.     

Combining single wall carbon nanotubes and photoactive polymers for photoconversion

A combination of van der Waals and electrostatic interactions was used to integrate SWNT and a suitably functionalized polythiophene into nanostructured ITO electrodes. In the resulting electron donor/acceptor nanocomposites, polythiophene represents the light-harvesting chromophore that readily donates an excited-state electron to the ground-state electron-accepting SWNT. Upon illumination, monochromatic incident photoconversion efficiencies between 1.2 and 9.3% were determined for single and eight-sandwiched layers, respectively.     

Carbohydrate polymers as controlled release devices for pesticides

Controlled release technology addresses problems associated with excessive use of toxic agricultural chemicals. This paper reviews the studies on the use of carbohydrate polymers as controlled release matrices for pesticides. Alginates, starch and its derivatives, chitosan, carboxymethylcellulose and ethylcellulose are some of the natural polymers discussed in this review. The advantages and disadvantages of these polymeric systems as well as the factors that affect pesticide release are presented. A discussion on the polymers’ encapsulation efficiency and release profile is also included, which will aid future researchers in identifying the suitable formulation for controlled release of pesticides. Combination of two polymers, incorporation of sorbents into polymer matrices, and modification of polymer systems are some of the strategies also discussed herein. Recent trends in this area of research include nanoformulation, nanoencapsulation, and the development of polymeric systems with dual properties such as controlled release with photo-protective property and the attract-and-kill strategy. Cytotoxicity studies are being conducted to address safety issues of pesticide handlers as well as to determine the toxicity of the formulation to non-target organisms such as the plant itself.     

In vitro drug release characteristic and cytotoxic activity of silibinin-loaded single walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with biocompatible polymers

In this paper, we demonstrate the preparation of silibinin-loaded carbon nanotubes (SWSB) with surface coating agents via non-covalent approach as an effective drug delivery system. The resulting surface-coated SWSB nanocomposites are extensively characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The FTIR and Raman studies show that an additional layer is formed by these coating agents in the prepared nanocomposites during the coating treatment and these results are confirmed by FESEM. Drug loading and release profiles of the coated SWSB nanocomposites in phosphate buffered saline solution at pH 7.4 is evaluated by UV–Vis spectrometry. The in vitro results indicate that the surface-modified nanocomposites, with SB loading of 45 wt%, altered the initial burst and thus, resulted in a more prolonged and sustained release of SB. In addition, these nanocomposites exhibit a pseudo-second-order release kinetic which was driven by the ion exchange between the ionized SWSB and the anions in the release medium. The cytotoxicity effect of the resulting nanocomposites on normal mouse fibroblast cells is evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. It is observed that the surfactant and polymer coating improved the biocompatibility of the SWSB nanocomposites significantly, which deem further exploitation for their application as potential anticancer drug delivery system.     

Synthesis of pH-responsive mesoporous silica nanotubes for controlled release

A novel mesoporous silica tubes (MMT) which possessed pH-sensitive controlled release ability had been fabricated and synthesized by using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as template. The sample replicated the morphologies of the CNTs successfully. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of the materials can reach 1,017 m² g^?1 with the pore size of 3.8 nm. As a model drug, metformin HCl was applied to study the drug loading and control release ability of the materials. MMT possesses higher drug loading ratio (36 %) than that of MCM-41 (27.5 %). The release kinetics were studied in simulated gastric fluid (pH = 1.2) and in simulated proximal intestine fluid (pH = 7. 4), respectively. The result shows that the delivery systems exhibit well pH-sensitive control release ability and the as-synthesized materials have potential application in biomedical field.     

Interactions between polymers and carbon nanotubes: a molecular dynamics study

We used force-field-based molecular dynamics to study the interaction between polymers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The intermolecular interaction energy between single-walled carbon nanotubes and polymers was computed, and the morphology of polymers adsorbed to the surface of nanotubes was investigated. Furthermore, the "wrapping" of nanotubes by polymer chains was examined. It was found that the specific monomer structure plays a very important role in determining the strength of interaction between nanotubes and polymers. The results of our study suggest that polymers with a backbone containing aromatic rings are promising candidates for the noncovalent binding of carbon nanotubes into composite structures. Such polymers can be used as building blocks in amphiphilic copolymers to promote increased interfacial binding between the CNT and a polymeric matrix.     

A nanocomposite made from conducting organic polymers and multi-walled carbon nanotubes for the adsorption and separation of gold(III) ions

We describe a new method for the separation and preconcentration of traces of Au(III) in environmental samples. Sorbents made from modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes and conducting polymers (PANI and PEDOT) were used for solid-phase extraction. The Au(III) ions are adsorbed as a result of the interaction with the electron pairs of =N- and -S- groups. Effects of pH value, flow rate and volume of sample, type, volume and concentration of eluent, and the adsorption capacity were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of MWCNTs/PANI and MWCNTs/PEDOT are 159 and 176?mg?g^?1, and the detection limits of this method are below 0.3 and 0.5?ng?mL^?1, respectively. The procedure was successfully applied to the determination of traces of Au(III) in a reference material and in environmental samples.

Sponge-like nanostructured conducting polymers for electrically controlled drug release

An electrically controlled drug release (ECDR) system based on sponge-like nanostructured conducting polymer (CP) polypyrrole (PPy) film was developed. The nanostructured PPy film was composed of template-synthesized nanoporous PPy covered with a thin protective PPy layer. The proposed controlled release system can load drug molecules in the polymer backbones and inside the nanoholes respectively. Electrical stimulation can release drugs from both the polymer backbones and the nanoholes, which significantly improves the drug load and release efficiency. Furthermore, with one drug incorporated in the polymer backbone during electrochemical polymerization, the nanoholes inside the polymer can act as containers to store a different drug, and simultaneous electrically triggered release of different drugs can be realized with this system.     

Sol-gel thin films with anti-reflective and self-cleaning properties

Self-cleaning photocatalytic TiO₂ films are beneficial since they reduce the maintenance cost and enhance the efficiency of various optical systems, especially thermal and photovoltaic solar systems. However, the presence of a TiO₂ layer on glass reduces the transmission of incident light, which leads to a decrease in efficiency. This drawback can be overcome by applying a layer of anti-reflective coating beneath the TiO₂ layer. Generally, the anti-reflective layer is porous silica. The presence of the anti-reflective layer compensates for the loss of light transmittance caused by the photocatalytic TiO₂ top layer. This paper reviews some of the previous and the latest fundamental studies in the literature on anti-reflective, self-cleaning and multi-functional films.     

Electronic conduction in polymers, carbon nanotubes and graphene

In the years since the discovery of organic polymers that exhibited electrical conductivities comparable to some metals, other novel carbon-based conductors have been developed, including carbon nanotubes and graphene (monolayers of carbon atoms). In this critical review, we discuss the common features and the differences in the conduction mechanisms observed in these carbon-based materials, which range from near ballistic and conventional metallic conduction to fluctuation-assisted tunnelling, variable-range hopping and more exotic mechanisms. For each category of material, we discuss the dependence of conduction on the morphology of the sample. The presence of heterogeneous disorder is often particularly important in determining the overall behaviour, and can lead to surprisingly similar conduction behaviour in polymers, carbon nanotube networks and chemically-derived graphene (122 references).     

Modification of epoxy polymers with small additives of multiwall carbon nanotubes

The effect of small additives of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes used as a modifier on the formation and properties of epoxy polymers cured with diaminodiphenyl sulfone is investigated. In the range of additive concentrations 0.01–0.50 wt %, there are extreme dependences of dynamic storage modulus and the glass-transition temperature on modifier concentration. As shown by electron microscopy and X-ray scattering, regions with increased packing densities of macromolecules are formed in the polymers in the presence of the modifier. The effect of the specific surface on the kinetics of curing of epoxy resins is observed. A mechanism controlling the formation of the epoxy matrix that is responsible for the inhomogeneous polymer structuring that defines the final properties of the polymers is suggested.