Preparation and characterization of nematic polyazomethine/single‐walled carbon nanotube composites prepared by in situ polymerization

The synthesis and characterization of a series of nematic SWNT‐polyazomethine composites are described. The composites were prepared by in situ polymerization in the presence of 1 wt % of chemically modified SWNTs in such a way that they were either dispersed or covalently bonded to the polymeric matrix. The presence of the SWNTs did not alter the thermal behavior of the polymer matrix and, therefore, highly oriented fibers could be melt‐extruded from the composites at moderate temperatures, as revealed by structural and morphological studies. Preliminary tests on tensile properties indicate that strength and stiffness were improved when compared with fibers without CNTs, particularly when SWNTs were covalently bonded to the polymeric matrix. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2361–2372, 2009     

单壁碳纳米管与卤代烷的亲电加成反应

主要考察了以路易斯酸为催化剂,几种卤代烷烃为反应试剂的单壁碳纳米管侧壁的亲电加成反应,并通过傅立叶红外光谱、热失重分析和拉曼光谱验证了实验所得产物。此反应的目的是在单壁碳纳米管的侧壁连上烷基基团以提高其溶解性和分散性,并可使其更好地与聚烯烃相结合从而提高复合材料的性能,因而具有较高的研究和应用价值。     

Single-walled carbon nanotube combing during layer-by-layer assembly: from random adsorption to aligned composites

Oriented SWNTs in polymer composites have shown dramatic improvements in the physical properties of a composite because of the anisotropic shape and properties of SWNTs. Controlled alignment of SWNTs during composite fabrication implies better material function performance. This letter reports a new fabrication technique whereby aligned SWNTs and robust SWNT-polymer composites can be made using a fusion method of SWNT combing and layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly. As we previously reported, LBL assembly demonstrated exceptional processing ability in constructing the uniform distribution of a SWNT-polymer composite. Combined with this uniformity, this SWNT combing technique endows controlled alignment of single-stranded SWNTs in a SWNT-polymer composite system. SWNT combing employs air-water interfacial forces to change the molecular topography from the random adsorption state to the stretched alignment of SWNTs. More specifically, air-water interfacial forces are associated with an excess viscous drag force and an intrinsic dewetting rate along SWNTs. Moreover, the alignment efficiency of SWNTs is high enough to construct a multilayered LBL film with horizontal-linear weaving structures. This simple method also can be applied for aligning other nanowire materials because it utilizes simple geometric features of SWNTs.     

One-pot synthesis of carbon nanotube-polyaniline-gold nanoparticle and carbon nanotube-gold nanoparticle composites by using aromatic amine chemistry

Harsh oxidative treatment of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was used to generate carboxyl groups on SWNT sidewalls. The oxidized SWNTs can disperse well in ethanolic solutions containing aniline (or it derivative, 4-dodecylaniline), possibly due to the formation of proton-transfer complexes between carboxyl and amine groups. Addition of HAuCl 4 into the above-mentioned solutions can readily produce SWNT-polyaniline (PANI)-Au nanoparticle (NP) or SWNT-Au NP composites in an in situ one-pot fashion. Transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry have been employed to characterize the obtained composites. Our findings suggest that the obtained composites and electrodes modified with this material may find interesting applications in electrochemical sensors and conducting polymer coatings.     

Synthesis and characterization of conducting polythiophene/carbon nanotubes composites

Conducting polythiophene (PTh)/single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) composites were synthesized by the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method. The resulting cablelike morphology of the composite (SWNT–PTh) structures was characterized with elemental analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The standard four‐point‐probe method was used to measure the conductivity of the samples. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the SWNT–PTh composites were core (SWNTs) and shell (PTh) hybrid structures. Spectroscopic analysis data for the composites were almost identical to those for PTh, supporting the idea that SWNTs served as templates in the formation of a coaxial nanostructure for the composites. The physical properties of the composites were measured and also showed that the SWNTs were modified by conducting PTh with an enhancement of various properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5283–5290, 2006     

Protonation of carbon single-walled nanotubes studied using 13C and 1H-13C cross polarization nuclear magnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopies

The reversible protonation of carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) in sulfuric acid and Nafion was investigated using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Raman spectroscopies. Magic-angle spinning (MAS) was used to obtain high-resolution 13C and 1H-13C cross polarization (CP) NMR spectra. The 13C NMR chemical shifts are reported for bulk SWNTs, H2SO4-treated SWNTs, SWNT-Nafion polymer composites, SWNT-AQ55 polymer composites, and SWNTs in contact with water. Protonation occurs without irreversible oxidation of the nanotube substrate via a charge-transfer process. This is the first report of a chemically induced change in a SWNT 13C resonance brought about by a reversible interaction with an acidic proton, providing additional evidence that carbon nanotubes behave as weak bases. Cross polarization was found to be a powerful technique for providing an additional contrast mechanism for studying nanotubes in contact with other chemical species. The CP studies confirmed polarization transfer from nearby protons to nanotube carbon atoms. The CP technique was also applied to investigate water adsorbed on carbon nanotube surfaces. Finally, the degree of bundling of the SWNTs in Nafion films was probed with the 1H-13C CP-MAS technique.     

聚(2-甲氧基-5-辛氧基)对苯乙炔/单壁碳纳米管复合材料的光物理性能研究

采用原位脱氯化氢缩合聚合法制备了聚(2-甲氧基-5-辛氧基)对苯乙炔/单壁碳纳米管(PMOCOPV/SWNTs)复合材料. 红外光谱和拉曼光谱证实了在SWNTs表面的包覆层为PMOCOPV. 高分辨透射电子显微镜观察发现, PMOCOPV/SWNTs复合材料直径为4~7 nm, 其中PMOCOPV包覆层厚度约为2~5 nm. 紫外-可见吸收光谱表明, 随着SWNTs含量的增加, PMOCOPV/SWNTs的吸收发生蓝移且强度提高. 荧光光谱研究表明, 随着SWNTs含量的增加, PMOCOPV/SWNTs的最大发射波长发生蓝移且强度减小, SWNTs与PMOCOPV之间形成了光致电子转移体系, 使π电子离域程度增加, 导致荧光量子效率降低. 根据E_g与入射光子能量hν的关系, 拟合了PMOCOPV/SWNTs薄膜的光学禁带宽度, 发现随着SWNTs含量的增加, E_g逐渐减小. 采用简并四波混频方法测试其三阶非线性极化率χ⁽³⁾, 结果表明, 随着SWNTs含量的增加, PMOCOPV/SWNTs复合体的非线性光学响应逐渐增强, 说明PMOCOPV与SWNTs之间形成了分子间光致电子转移体系, 产生了复杂的分子间π-π电子非线性运动.     

超浓乳液聚合制备PU/PS的SIPN粉状树脂研究

将聚氨酯予聚体 (PU ) 苯乙烯 (St)的复合体系 ,用超浓乳液聚合方法制备了半互穿聚合物网络(SIPN)复合聚合物 ,得到了用聚氨酯予聚体改性的聚苯乙烯 (PU/PS)SIPN粉状树脂 .研究了分散相的比例(α)和聚合温度对聚合稳定性及聚合转化率 -时间的关系 ;测定了聚合物胶乳粒子的大小、形态 ,玻璃化温度 ,动态力学性能等 .结果表明 ,超浓乳液聚合较之本体聚合具有较高的聚合速率 ,容易控制所制备的胶乳粒径 ,能够制得PU/PS复合聚合物的SIPN粉状树脂 .该粉状树脂便于加工 ,具有良好的强韧性 ,有利于扩大应用     

Coagulation method for preparing single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(methyl methacrylate) composites and their modulus,electrical conductivity,and thermal stability

A coagulation method providing a better dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in a polymer matrix was used to produce SWNT/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed an improved dispersion of SWNTs in the PMMA matrix, a key factor in composite performance. Aligned and unaligned composites were made with purified SWNTs with different SWNT loadings (0.1–7 wt %). Comprehensive testing showed improved elastic modulus, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability with the addition of SWNTs. The electrical conductivity of a 2 wt % SWNT composite decreased significantly (>10⁵) when the SWNTs were aligned, and this result was examined in terms of percolation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 3333–3338, 2003     

Facile deposition of [60]fullerene and carbon nanotubes on ITO electrode by electrochemical oxidative polymerization of ethylenedioxythiophene

It was found that [60]fullerene encapsulated in p-sulfonatocalix[8]arene and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) solubilized by sodium dodecylsulfate can be readily deposited on the ITO electrode by electrochemical oxidative polymerization of ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) without chemical modification of these carbon clusters. The driving force for the deposition is an electrostatic interaction between the anionic complexes and the cationic charges of poly(EDOT) formed in the oxidative polymerization process. The surface morphology was thoroughly characterized by scanning electron micrograph: the [60]fullerene/poly(EDOT) film is covered by nano-particles with 20-100 nm diameters whereas the SWNTs/poly(EDOT) film is covered by nanorods with several microm length and ca. 100 nm diameter. The results indicate that the anionic complexes act as nuclei for the polymer growth in the oxidation polymerization. Interestingly, when these modified ITO electrodes were photoirradiated, the appearance of a photocurrent wave was observed. The action spectra showed that the photoexcited energy of [60]fullerene or SWNTs is efficiently collected by the electroconductive poly(EDOT) film and transferred to the ITO electrode.     

The radiation degradation of a nanotube-polyimide nanocomposite

The radiation degradation of a nanotube-polyimide nanocomposite was studied. Radiation chemistry was observed that was not present in the unmodified polymer or in the imbedded single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) themselves. The tensile properties were found to be improved by the addition of SWNTs in the unirradiated materials, and no deterioration in these properties with irradiation was observed. The SWNTs were found to have a detrimental effect on the optical properties however. The transparency of the composite was degraded significantly faster by electron-beam radiation than the neat polymer was. This may make the SWNT/polyimide composites unsuitable for some space applications. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) measurements determined that the SWNTs interfere with the radical chemistry in the irradiated materials. This could be due to energy dissipation by the SWNT network, preventing the formation of radical species, or alternatively, preferential reaction or termination of radicals by the nanotubes. FT-Raman spectroscopy was found to be a very useful tool for examining SWNTs embedded at low concentrations. It revealed no signs of SWNT degradation up to 10 MGy.     

Enhanced sensitivity for biosensors: multiple functions of DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes in self-doped polyaniline nanocomposites

A nanocomposite of poly(anilineboronic acid), a self-doped polyaniline, with ss-DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (ss-DNA/SWNTs) was fabricated on a gold electrode by in situ electrochemical polymerization of 3-aminophenylboronic acid monomers in the presence of ssDNA/SWNTs. We used this nanocomposite to detect nanomolar concentrations of dopamine and found that the sensitivity increased 4 orders of magnitude compared to the detection at an electrode modified with only poly(anilineboronic acid). For the first time, this work reports the multiple functions of the ss-DNA/SWNTs in the fabrication and biosensor application of a self-doped polyaniline/ss-DNA/SWNT nanocomposite. First, the ss-DNA/SWNTs acted as effective molecular templates during polymerization of self-doped polyaniline so that not only was the polymerization speed increased but also the quality of the polymer was greatly improved. Second, they functioned as novel active stabilizers after the polymerization, significantly enhancing the stability of the film. Furthermore, the ss-DNA/SWNTs also acted as conductive polyanionic doping agents in the resulting polyaniline film, which showed enhanced conductivity and redox activity. Finally, the large surface area of carbon nanotubes greatly increased the density of the functional groups available for sensitive detection of the target analyte. We envision that polyaniline with other functional groups as well as other conducting polymers may be produced for different targeted applications by this approach.     

Catalytic polymerization and facile grafting of poly(furfuryl alcohol) to single-wall carbon nanotube: preparation of nanocomposite carbon

A nanocomposite carbon was prepared by grafting a carbonizable polymer, poly(furfuryl alcohol) (PFA), to a single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT). The SWNT was first functionalized with arylsulfonic acid groups on the sidewall via a method using a diazonium reagent. Both Raman and FTIR spectroscopies were used to identify the functional groups on the nanotube surface. HRTEM imaging shows that the SWNT bundles are exfoliated after functionalization. Once this state of the SWNTs was accomplished, the PFA-functionalized SWNT (PFA-SWNT) was prepared by in situ polymerization of furfuryl alcohol (FA). The sulfonic acid groups on the surface of the SWNT acted as a catalyst for FA polymerization, and the resulting PFA then grafted to the SWNTs. The surfaces of the SWNTs converted from hydrophilic to hydrophobic when they were wrapped with PFA. The formation of the polymer and the attraction between it and the sulfonic acid groups were confirmed by IR spectra. A nanocomposite carbon was generated by heating the PFA-SWNT in argon at 600 degrees C, a process during which the PFA was transformed to nanoporous carbon (NPC) and the sulfonic acid groups were cleaved from the SWNT. Based upon the Raman spectra and HRTEM images of the composite, it is concluded that SWNTs survive this process and a continuous phase is formed between the NPC and the SWNT.     

“Click” generation of a conjugated polymer library for SWNT dispersion

Noncovalent functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with conjugated polymers enhances SWNT processability and allows for selective dispersion of various SWNT species. Selective dispersions can be obtained by tuning the nature of the polymer, which can involve using various polymer backbones or side‐chains. However, a clear understanding of selectivity determinants is elusive, as the degree of polymerization (DP) has a large effect on SWNT selectivity. Additionally, preparing libraries of conjugated polymers with varying functionality while keeping DP consistent is difficult. Here, we report the utilization of a strained cyclooctyne‐containing conjugated polymer that serves as a versatile scaffold, enabling systematic preparation of a small library of conjugated polymers with different side‐chain functionality, while maintaining a consistent DP. The resulting polymers were used as dispersants for SWNTs, forming supramolecular polymer‐SWNT complexes that were characterized by UV‐Vis‐NIR absorption and Raman spectroscopy. In the series of polymers, we were able to probe the effect of small changes within the side chains, such as the incorporation of a carbonyl group or an aromatic unit, on the quality of the polymer‐SWNT dispersion. The results of these studies provide new insight into the factors that dictate the ability of a polymer to form strong interactions with SWNTs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 2053–2058     

Continuous spinning of a single-walled carbon nanotube-nylon composite fiber

We report a chemical processing technology that allows the continuous spinning of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)-nylon 6 (PA6) fibers by the in-situ polymerization of caprolactam in the presence of SWNTs, which simultaneously optimizes the morphology of the composite. We show that caprolactam is an excellent solvent for carboxylic-acid-functionalized SWNTs (SWNT-COOH) and that this allows the efficient dispersal of the SWNTs and subsequent grafting of PA6 chains to the SWNTs through condensation reactions between the carboxylic-acid group on SWNT-COOH and the terminal amine group of PA6. The existence of a graft copolymer between the PA6 chains and the SWNTs is demonstrated by IR, TGA, and AFM studies, and we show that the solubility of the polymerized material in formic acid is controlled by the degree of graft copolymerization. The amount of grafted PA6 chains that are attached to the SWNTs can be adjusted by controlling the concentration of the initiator (6-aminocaproic acid). The process leads to a uniform dispersion of the SWNTs, and the presence of the graft copolymer increases the polymer/SWNT compatibility while strengthening the interfacial interaction between the nanotube and matrix. The Young's modulus, tensile strength, and thermal stability of the SWNT-reinforced composite fibers produced by this process are significantly improved.     

Improving dispersion and integration of single‐walled carbon nanotubes in epoxy composites by using a reactive noncovalent dispersant

Uniform dispersion and strong interfacial interaction are two critical prerequisites for application of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in polymer composites. To endow the composites with multifunctional feature, no damage on the chemical/electronic structure of SWNTs is also usually required. With these ends in view, two epoxide‐containing pyrene derivatives (EpPys) were designed, synthesized, and used as reactive noncovalent dispersants for developing multifunctional epoxy/SWNT composites. One having longer chain length between epoxide group and pyrene moiety, that is, EpPy‐16, shows higher dispersing efficiency and provides the nanotube dispersion with better stability, thus picking up for subsequent studies. Systematic characterization on SWNT/EpPy‐16 hybrid demonstrates that 13.2 wt % of EpPy‐16 is adsorbed on the SWNT surface through strong π‐stacking interaction, and intrinsic electronic structure of SWNTs is basically reserved. The solution‐based process adopted here preserves the good SWNT dispersing state in dispersion into the composites. Simultaneously, enhanced interfacial interaction is also realized by using EpPy‐16, which interacts noncovalently with SWNT but connects covalently to epoxy network. As a result, the composites acquire 37 and 22% increments in tensile strength and Young's modulus, respectively, relative to that of neat resin. A low‐electrical percolation threshold of 0.1 wt % SWNTs and improved thermal properties were also observed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

ZnO纳米线基MWNTs/PVDF复合热电材料的制备及特性研究

将不同比例的多壁碳管(MWNTs)与聚偏二氟乙烯(PVDF)聚合物混合后,喷涂于n型ZnO半导体纳米线阵列上,制备了一种新型ZnO纳米线基MWNTs/PVDF热电复合材料.与以往采用价格昂贵的p型与n型单壁碳纳米管(SWNTs)与聚合物混合制备的复合热电材料特性相比,这种新型热电复合材料在降低制造成本的同时,利用分散于聚合物中MWNTs的一维电子传输特性及形成的大量界面势垒,加上ZnO半导体纳米线具有的较高载流子密度与迁移率,提高了复合热电材料中电子的输运特性,增加了材料对声子的散射强度.测试发现,在一定的温度梯度下,随着MWNTs添加质量百分比的增加,热电材料的温差电动势和电导率也随之增加,但其Seebeck系数变化量不大.研究表明,这种热电材料有望替代采用p型与n型SWNTs构建的SWNTs/PVDF复合热电材料.研究结果对开发超轻、无毒、廉价、可应用于各种微纳电子领域的新型电源具有重要的参考价值.     

Aligned single‐wall carbon nanotube polymer composites using an electric field

While high shear alignment has been shown to improve the mechanical properties of single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWNT)‐polymer composites, this method does not allow for control over the electrical and dielectric properties of the composite and often results in degradation of these properties. Here, we report a novel method to actively align SWNTs in a polymer matrix, which permits control over the degree of alignment of the SWNTs without the side effects of shear alignment. In this process, SWNTs were aligned via AC field‐induced dipolar interactions among the nanotubes in a liquid matrix followed by immobilization by photopolymerization under continued application of the electric field. Alignment of SWNTs was controlled as a function of magnitude, frequency, and application time of the applied electric field. The degree of SWNT alignment was assessed using optical microscopy and polarized Raman spectroscopy, and the morphology of the aligned nanocomposites was investigated by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy. The structure of the field induced aligned SWNTs was intrinsically different from that of shear aligned SWNTs. In the present work, SWNTs are not only aligned along the field, but also migrate laterally to form thick, aligned SWNT percolative columns between the electrodes. The actively aligned SWNTs amplify the electrical and dielectric properties of the composite. All of these properties of the aligned nanocomposites exhibited anisotropic characteristics, which were controllable by tuning the applied field parameters. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1751–1762, 2006     

单壁碳纳米管自还原法制备负载Pt催化剂及其催化性能

金属Pt是良好的催化加氢、脱氢催化剂, 利用单壁碳纳米管(SWNTs)自身的还原性, 将K2PtCl6溶液中的Pt直接还原并负载在SWNTs表面上, 制备了具有良好催化性能的SWNTs/Pt负载型催化剂. 通过TEM, XPS和TG对材料进行了表征, 研究了K2PtCl6浓度及溶剂对Pt负载量、粒径的影响, 并测试了SWNTs/Pt的催化性能. 实验结果表明, SWNTs负载的Pt颗粒小, 分散均匀, 负载量高, 与SWNTs结合紧密, 催化性能好, 是催化加氢和脱氢反应的良好催化剂.     

Pegylated single-walled carbon nanotubes with gelable block copolymers

Functional amphiphilic block copolymer poly（ethylene glycol）-block-poly[（3-（triethoxysilyl）propyl methacrylate）-co -（1-pyrene-methyl） methacrylate],PEG₁₁₃-b-P(TEPM₂₆-co-PyMMA₄),was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization（ATRP） initiated by monomethoxy capped poly（ethylene glycol） bromoisobutyratc.This polymer exhibited strong ability to disperse and exfoliate single-walled carbon nanotubes（SWNTs） in different solvents due to the adhesion of pyrene units to surface of SWNTs.In aqueous solution,the PTEPM segments that were located on the nanotube surfaces with the pyrene units could be gelated and,as a result,the silica oxide networks with PEG coronas were formed on the surface of nanotubes,which ensured the composites with a good dispersibility and stability.Furthermore,functional silane coupling agents,3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilanc,were introduced during dispersion of SWNTs using the block copolymers.They were co-gelated with PTEPM segments,and the-SH and-NH₂ functionalities were introduced into the silica oxide coats respectively.