Oxidized carbon nanotubes as matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis of biomolecules

Oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which can form a stable homogeneous suspension in water close to a solution phase, were synthesized and used for matrix-assisted desorption/ionization mass spectrometric (MALDI-MS) analysis of biomolecules. Infrared (IR) spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis were used for the characterization of the oxidized CNTs. The results indicate that the physical structure of the CNTs was not damaged, but carboxylate groups were introduced onto the surface of the CNTs. In addition, impurities including amorphous carbon, which is one of the main reasons for ion source contamination, were destroyed by the oxidization. The carboxyl groups on the oxidized surface of the CNTs can not only provide an additional proton source, but can also increase the surface polarity and solubility of the CNTs, making it easier to manipulate which is important for MALDI analysis of some biomolecules, especially larger peptides and proteins. The oxidized CNTs were successfully applied to the analysis of neutral oligosaccharides, peptides, and insulin, and thus promise to be an efficient matrix for MALDI-MS analysis of biomolecules.     

β-环糊精包覆碳纳米管基质用于氨基酸及小分子聚合物的MALDI-FT MS研究

制备了可用作氨基酸及小分子聚合物的MALDI-FTMS分析基质的β-环糊精包覆多壁碳纳米管.通过引入β-环糊精改善其碳纳米管亲水性.所制备的β-环糊精包覆多壁碳纳米管的扫描电镜图表明,该碳纳米管呈现纳米带状结构.与通常的氧化碳纳米管相比,所制备的β-环糊精改性CNT具有更低的背景信号.进一步采用氨基酸及聚乙二醇等小分子化合物对所制备的碳纳米管进行评价,得到很强的氨基酸及聚乙二醇的碱金属离子加合峰,表明该材料可使小分子化合物解吸离子化,且背景干扰小不会影响到小分子化合物检测.由此可见,制备的β-环糊精包覆多壁碳纳米管适于小分子化合物的MALDI-MS分析.     

Analysis of dammar resin with MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS and APCI‐FT‐ICR‐MS

Comprehensive analysis of high‐resolution mass spectra of aged natural dammar resin obtained with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT‐ICR‐MS) using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) is presented. Dammar resin is one of the most important components of painting varnishes. Dammar resin is a terpenoid resin (dominated by triterpenoids) with intrinsically very complex composition. This complexity further increases with aging. Ten different solvents and two‐component solvent mixtures were tested for sample preparation. The most suitable solvent mixtures for the MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS analysis were dichloromethane‐acetone and dichloromethane‐ethanol. The obtained MALDI‐FTMS mass spectrum contains nine clusters of peaks in the m/z range of 420–2200, and the obtained APCI‐FTMS mass spectrum contains three clusters of peaks in the m/z range of 380–910. The peaks in the clusters correspond to the oxygenated derivatives of terpenoids differing by the number of C₁₅H₂₄ units. The clusters, in turn, are composed of subclusters differing by the number of oxygen atoms in the molecules. Thorough analysis and identification of the components (or groups of components) by their accurate m/z ratios was carried out, and molecular formulas (elemental compositions) of all major peaks in the MALDI‐FTMS and APCI‐FTMS spectra were identified (and groups of possible isomeric compounds were proposed). In the MALDI‐FTMS and APCI‐FTMS mass spectrum, besides the oxidized C₃₀, triterpenoids also peaks corresponding to C₂₉ and C₃₁ derivatives of triterpenoids (demethylated and methylated, correspondingly) were detected. MALDI and APCI are complementary ionization sources for the analysis of natural dammar resin. In the MALDI source, preferably polar (extensively oxidized) components of the resin are ionized (mostly as Na⁺ adducts), whereas in the APCI source, preferably nonpolar (hydrocarbon and slightly oxidized) compounds are ionized (by protonation). Either of the two ionization methods, when used alone, gives an incomplete picture of the dammar resin composition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

碳纳米管为基质对氨基酸的MALDI-FT MS分析

Twenty common amino acids have been analyzed successfully by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) using carbon nanotubes as matrix. From the spectra, little or no background interference or fragmentation of the analytes has been observed. This method was also applied to the analysis of amino acid mixture successfully. Carbon nanotubes have some features such as large surface area to disperse the analyte molecules sufficiently and prevent the sample aggregation and strong ultraviolet absorption to transfer energy easily to the analyte molecules. The present method has potential application for the rapid and sensitive analysis of amino acids and their mixture.     

Carbon nanotube–polyurethane shape memory nanocomposites with low trigger temperature

Ester-based polyurethane (PU) with low glass transition temperature was used to develop shape memory nanocomposites with low trigger temperature. Pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and oxidized CNTs (ox-CNTs) were introduced by melt mixing to improve the mechanical and shape memory properties of the PU matrix. The dispersion of CNTs on the mechanical properties and shape memory behaviors of the nanocomposites were also investigated. The results show that better dispersion of ox-CNTs contributes to more stiffness effect below glass transition temperature (T_g) while lower storage modulus (E′) above T_g. The nanocomposites exhibit high shape fixity and recovery ratio above 98%. The ox-CNT/PU nanocomposite shows higher shape recovery ratio for the first cycle, faster recovery due to better dispersion of CNTs and have potential applications for controlling tags or proof marks in the area of frozen food. The trigger temperature can be tailored by controlling the T_g of the PU matrix or the content of the nanofillers.     

Polymerized ionic liquid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyetherimide composites

Thin polyetherimide (PEI) films containing 0.1–3 wt.% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), have been prepared from three types of MWCNTs, namely pristine, oxidized and polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) functionalized CNTs. Oxidized and PIL functionalized CNTs (CNT–PIL) showed better dispersion in the matrix compared to pristine CNTs. For CNT–PIL, alignment of CNTs has been observed in the matrix. Regardless of the type of CNTs, their incorporation led to an increased thermal stability of the polymer matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that storage modulus increased by up to 25% (3 wt.% CNT–PIL) and an increase in the height of the damping peaks (tan δ). The addition of CNTs did not have any significant influence on the tensile properties and T_g of the polymer, and the electrical conductivity did not decrease in the case of modified CNTs.     

Detection of Radical Adducts with Small Molecular Weights by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization with Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry

As an alternative method, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with Fourier transform mass spectrometry （MALDI-FTMS） has been successfully used to detect and identify free radical adducts with small molecular weights of hydroxyl and 2-cyano-2-propyl radicals trapped with 5,5-dimethylpyrroline N-oxide （DMPO）. The detection and identification by MS/MS experiments using sustained offresonance irradiation collision-induced dissociation （SORI-CID） of [（DMPO＋·OH-·H）＋H^＋] （m/z 130.0868） and [DMPO＋2 ·CH（CH3）2CN＋H^＋] （m/z 250.1917） have demonstrated that MALDI-FTMS could be an effective method for detection and identification of free radical adducts. Other radical adducts have been also detected and identified. The approach of MALDI-FTMS is simple, fast, and sensitive which has potential for high-throughput analysis.     

Semi-Continuous Heterophase Polymerization to Synthesize Nanocomposites of Poly(acrylic acid)-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Two materials, pure poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and nanocomposites with a matrix of PAA and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcing agent were synthesized by semi-continuous heterophase polymerization (SHP). CNTs were prepared by a chemical vapor deposition technique and purified by steam. CNTs were characterized by a high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Nanocomposites were prepared with: (i) purified CNTs (CNTs_p) or (ii) purified and functionalized CNTs possessing an acyl chloride moiety (CNTs_OCl). In both cases, the nanocomposites synthesis was carried out by in situ polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) by SHP. When CNTs_OCl were used previously to the polymerization of AA, a series of specific amounts of CNTs_OCl and AA were mixed to induce a chemical reaction between the carboxyl group of AA and the acyl chloride group of the CNTs_OCl. The product, acrylic acid grafted to CNTs_OCl (CNTs_OCl-AA), was used to prepare the PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites. The PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites were characterized by HRSEM, Raman, FTIR and CPMAS ¹³C-NMR spectroscopies and also by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results reveal that PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites were formed by PAA macromolecules grafted to CNTs_OCl. The kinetic behavior observed for the synthesis of pure PAA or PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites by SHP was similar. Latexes of PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites were stable without formation of a precipitate of CNTs_OCl for over 1.5 years, while latex prepared with CNTs_p and PAA, was unstable and formation of a precipitate of CNTs_p was observed immediately after its preparation. PAA-CNTs_p nanocomposites were characterized only by TGA. Moreover, latex of the PAA-CNTs_p nanocomposite that did not precipitate immediately after its preparation, turned into a gel; this gelation never occurred with the PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposite latex.     

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.     

Carbon nanotubes as affinity probes for peptides and proteins in MALDI MS analysis

Recently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been reported to be an effective MALDI matrix for small molecules (Anal. Chem.2003, 75, 6191). In a somewhat related study, we have employed CNTs produced by using NaH-treated anodic aluminum oxide (Na@AAO) as a reactive template as the assisting matrix for MALDI analysis upon the addition of high concentrations of citrate buffer. Our results indicate that the mass range can be extended to ca. 12,000 Da and that alkali metal adducts of analytes are effectively reduced. Furthermore, we have employed citric acid-treated CNTs as affinity probes to selectively concentrate traces of analytes from aqueous solutions. High concentrations of salts and surfactants in the sample solutions are also tolerated. This approach is very suitable for the MALDI analysis of small proteins, peptides, and protein enzymatic digest products.     

A novel silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotube with CdTe quantum dots nanocomposite

A novel silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNTs) with CdTe quantum dots nanocomposite was synthesized in this paper. Here, we show the in situ growth of crystalline CdTe quantum dots on the surfaces of oxidized MWNTs. The approach proposed herein differs from previous attempts to synthesize nanotube assemblies in that we mix the oxidized MWNTs into CdCl₂ solution of CdTe nanocrystals synthesized in aqueous solution. Reinforced the QD–MWNTs heterostructures with silica coating, this method is not invasive and does not introduce defects to the structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and it ensures high stability in a range of organic solvents. Furthermore, a narrow SiO₂ layer on the MWNT–CdTe heterostructures can eliminate the biological toxicity of quantum dots and carbon nanotubes. This is not only a breakthrough in the synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures, but also taking new elements into bio-nanotechnology.     

Critical aspects related to processing of carbon nanotube/unsaturated thermoset polyester nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have outstanding mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. As a result, particular interest has been recently given in exploiting these properties by incorporating carbon nanotubes into some form of matrix. Although unsaturated polyesters with styrene have widespread use in the industrial applications, surprisingly there is no study in the literature about CNT/thermoset polyester nanocomposite systems. In the present paper, we underline some important issues and limitations during the processing of unsaturated polyester resins with different types of carbon nanotubes. In that manner, 3-roll mill and sonication techniques were comparatively evaluated to process nanocomposites made of CNTs with and without amine (NH₂) functional groups and polyesters. It was found that styrene evaporation from the polyester resin system was a critical issue for nanocomposite processing. Rheological behaviour of the suspensions containing CNTs and tensile strengths of their resulting nanocomposites were characterized. CNT/polyester suspensions exhibited a shear thinning behaviour, while polyester resin blends act as a Newtonian fluid. It was also found that nanotubes with amine functional groups have better tensile strength, as compared to those with untreated CNTs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was also employed to reveal the degree of dispersion of CNTs in the matrix.     

共聚物模板辅助合成高倍率性能多孔Li2FeSiO4@C/CNTs纳米复合正极材料

通过溶胶-凝胶法制备了Li₂FeSiO₄@C/CNTs(LFS@C/CNTs)纳米复合材料,其中三嵌段共聚物P123用作结构导向剂和碳源,碳纳米管作为导电线提高材料的导电性。LFS@C/CNTs不仅具有海绵状纳米孔,能够与电解液充分接触改善锂离子的传输路径,同时由非晶碳和碳纳米管构成的三维桥联导电网络利于电子的快速传递,提高了材料大电流充放电能力和循环稳定性。复合后的LFS@C/CNTs的高倍率性能相比LFS@C明显提高, 当CNTs的掺量为4%,电压窗口为1.5~4.5 V,0.1C电流密度下放电比容量为182 mAh·g^-1。在10C经70次循环后该材料的放电比容量能保持在117 mAh·g^-1,是LFS@C放电比容量(55 mAh·g^-1)的两倍。     

Rhodamine B Photodegradation in Aqueous Solutions Containing Nitrogen Doped TiO2 and Carbon Nanotubes Composites

In this work, new results concerning the potential of mixtures based on nitrogen doped titanium dioxide (TiO₂:N) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as possible catalyst candidates for the rhodamine B (RhB) UV photodegradation are reported. The RhB photodegradation was evaluated by UV–VIS absorption spectroscopy using samples of TiO₂:N and CNTs of the type of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), double-wall carbon nanotubes (DWNTs), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and single-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxyl groups (SWNT-COOH) having various concentrations of CNTs. The best photocatalytic performance was obtained for sample containing TiO₂:N and 2.5 wt.% SWNTs-COOH, when approx. 85% of dye removal was achieved after 300 min. of UV irradiation. The reaction kinetics of RhB aqueous solutions containing TiO₂:N/CNT mixtures followed a complex first-order kinetic model. The TiO₂:N/CNTs catalyst induced higher photodegradation efficiency of RhB than TiO₂:N due to the presence of CNTs, which act as adsorbent and dispersing agent and capture the photogenerated electrons of TiO₂:N hindering the electron–hole recombination.     

Fabrication and properties of MgF<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite film modified with carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to modify magnesium fluoride (MgF₂) film via the spin coating technique. Nanoparticles of MgF₂ were in situ synthesized on surfaces of CNTs resulted in the composites (MgF₂–CNTs) by means of sol–gel technique. The sizes of the MgF₂ nanoparticles in situ synthesized on CNTs surfaces could be modulated by processing the MgF₂ sol–gel in different ways. The MgF₂–CNTs as prepared was mixed with MgF₂ sol to fabricate composite films (MgF₂–CNTs/MgF₂). Instead of adding directly CNTs, adding MgF₂–CNTs, into MgF₂ sol could effectively improve the dispersion of CNTs, avoid emergence of carbon clusters in the compsite film, decrease surface roughness of the film, and enhance the interaction between the CNTs and MgF₂ matrix. In the paper, the MgF₂ nanoparticles were in situ synthesized on the surfaces of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) respectively to prepare MgF₂–SWCNTs/MgF₂ and MgF₂–MWCNTs/MgF₂ composite films. Experimental results showed that the transparency of the MgF₂–SWCNTs/MgF₂ composite film was higher than that of the MgF₂–MWCNTs/MgF₂ film in the range of ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The results showed SWCNTS could be an ideal reinforcement of MgF₂ films to get good toughness, and retain its optical transmittance at the same time.     

Effect of oxygen-containing functional groups of carbon materials on the performance of Li–O2 batteries

In this communication, we present some new findings on surface oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) when used as cathode of Li–O₂ batteries. It is found that the content of oxygen-containing functional groups has a significant influence on the electrochemical performance of Li–O₂ batteries, by altering the electrical conductivity and density of electrocatalytically active sites of the CNTs and promoting side reactions of the electrolyte. An optimal surface oxygen atomic content of 6.0 at.% on CNTs is found to reach a balance and give the best cycling stability of the Li–O₂ battery under constant capacity and constant current density tests.     

共聚物模板辅助合成高倍率性能多孔Li2FeSiO4@C/CNTs纳米复合正极材料

通过溶胶-凝胶法制备了Li₂FeSiO₄@C/CNTs(LFS@C/CNTs)纳米复合材料,其中三嵌段共聚物P123用作结构导向剂和碳源,碳纳米管作为导电线提高材料的导电性。LFS@C/CNTs不仅具有海绵状纳米孔,能够与电解液充分接触改善锂离子的传输路径,同时由非晶碳和碳纳米管构成的三维桥联导电网络利于电子的快速传递,提高了材料大电流充放电能力和循环稳定性。复合后的LFS@C/CNTs的高倍率性能相比LFS@C明显提高, 当CNTs的掺量为4%,电压窗口为1.5~4.5 V,0.1C电流密度下放电比容量为182 mAh·g^-1。在10C经70次循环后该材料的放电比容量能保持在117 mAh·g^-1,是LFS@C放电比容量(55 mAh·g^-1)的两倍。     

Synthesis and characterization of ferromagnetic Fe3C/C composite nanoparticles as a catalyst for carbon nanotube growth

Polystyrene template microspheres of narrow size distribution were prepared by dispersion polymerization of styrene in a mixture of ethanol and 2-methoxy ethanol. These template particles dispersed in aqueous solution have been used for the entrapment of ferrocene by a swelling process of methylene chloride emulsion droplets containing ferrocene within these particles, followed by evaporation of methylene chloride. The effects of CH₂Cl₂ volume and the [CH₂Cl₂]/[FeC₁₀H₁₀] (w/w) ratio on the size and size distribution of the swollen template particles were elucidated. Air-stable Fe₃C nanoparticles embedded in amorphous carbon matrix (Fe₃C/C) have been prepared by thermal decomposition of the ferrocene-swollen template polystyrene particles at 500 °C for 2 h in a sealed cell. Decomposition of these swollen template particles for 2 h at higher temperatures led to the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in addition to the Fe₃C/C composite nanoparticles. The yield of the CNTs increased as the annealing temperature was raised. An opposite behavior was observed for the diameter of the formed CNTs. The size and size distribution, crystallinity, and magnetic properties of the different Fe₃C/C composite nanoparticles have also been controlled by the annealing temperature.     

Flame retardancy of epoxy resin nanocomposite with a novel polymeric nanoflame retardant

A wrapped nanoflame retardant, designated as polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐poly(4‐bromostyrene) (PBS)‐carbon nanotubes (CNTs), was synthesized via π‐π stacking interactions between the walls of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and the silicon‐bromine containing hybrid copolymer (designated as POSS‐PBS) that was copolymerized by 4‐bromostyrene and acryloyloxyisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane. The POSS‐PBS‐CNTs exhibited good dispersibility in epoxy resin (EP) without obvious aggregation. Furthermore, the fire behaviors of this flame‐retardant EP (FR‐EP) nanocomposites were examined via limited oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter (CONE) tests. The FR‐EP had an ideal LOI value of 35.3% and its residual char yield obtained from CONE test was significantly enhanced from 5.9% to 15.3% with the incorporation of 4 wt% POSS‐PBS‐CNTs and 1.33 wt% Sb₂O₃ into EP matrix. Additionally, the addition of 4 wt% POSS‐PBS‐CNTs or POSS‐PBS can efficiently decrease the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of EP matrix by 41.0% or 45.6%, respectively.     

Surface initiated ring-opening polymerization of l-proline N-carboxy anhydride from single and multi walled carbon nanotubes

Ring-opening surface initiated polymerization of l-proline N-carboxyanhydride was performed from amine functionalized single (SWNTs) and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The primary amines were grafted on the surfaces via a well-studied Diels–Alder cycloaddition. The initiator attachment helped the debundling of carbon nanotubes as shown by atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies where only small aggregates were observed. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed high wt% of grafted polyproline on the carbon nanotubes surface after the ring-opening polymerization. AFM studies showed a rather uniform layer of grafted polyproline from both MWNTs and SWNTs. The grafting of PLP on the surface was also verified by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy as well as ¹H NMR in CDCl₃/d-TFA. The polyproline grafted carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were readily dissolved in organic solvents in contrast to the insoluble pristine and amine-functionalized CNTs.