Low Dimension Semiconducting Composite Nanomaterials

Recently, low dimension nanostructures have gained considerable attention due to their technological potential as unique types of nanoscale building blocks for future optoelectronic devices and systems. Semiconducting composite nanomaterials, which can combine the advantages of two or more components, have been the focus in the area of nanomaterials synthesis and device application.In this paper, we report our work on the preparation of composite nanomaterials based on CNTs.CNTs were coated by organic or inorganic species via novel and facile methods (Fig. 1 and Fig.2).These functional CNTs based composites show eminent prospects and opportunities for new applications in a wide variation of areas.     

Strain rate effects on compressive behavior of covalently bonded CNT networks

In this study, strain rate effects on the compressive mechanical properties of randomly structured carbon nanotube (CNT) networks were examined. For this purpose, three-dimensional atomistic models of CNT networks with covalently-bonded junctions were generated. After that, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of compressive loading were performed at five different strain rates to investigate the basic deformation characteristic mechanisms of CNT networks and determine the effect of strain rate on stress–strain curves. The simulation results showed that the strain rate of compressive loading increases, so that a higher resistance of specimens to deformation is observed. Furthermore, the local deformation characteristics of CNT segments, which are mainly driven by bending and buckling modes, and their prevalence are strongly affected by the deformation rate. It was also observed that CNT networks have superior features to metal foams such as metal matrix syntactic foams (MMSFs) and porous sintered fiber metals (PSFMs) in terms of energy absorbing capabilities.     

Thermal stability,morphology and electronic band gap of Zn(NCN)

The thermal behavior of zinc carbodiimide Zn(NCN) was examined in the temperature range between 200 and 1100 °C in Ar atmosphere. The material starts to partially decompose at about 800 °C. Heat treatment at temperatures beyond 800 °C results in the formation of the byproducts nitrogen-containing bamboo-like multiwall carbon-nanotubes of 20–50 nm in diameter due to a partial decomposition of Zn(NCN) into dicyan (CN)₂, zinc and nitrogen gas followed by the polymerization of the former product to paracyanogen (CN)_n. At 1100 °C, the yield of the residual carbodiimide depends on the dwelling time and the initial amount of powder used for pyrolysis. One hour dwelling at 1100 °C yields ∼50% of the Zn(NCN) separated as pure material. Temperature-induced change in the band structure, namely indirect-to-direct band gap transition, is registered when compared the Zn(NCN) at room temperature with the residual material annealed at 1100 °C. The transition from indirect (E_g = 4.32 eV) to direct band gap (E_g = 4.93 eV) is due to the thermal annealing process which results in healing of crystal defects.     

Enhanced dielectric and electro-optical properties of a newly synthesised ferroelectric liquid crystal material by doping gold nanoparticle-decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes

In this article, a newly synthesised ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) material, namely LAHS 22, has been characterised. The characterisation of the FLC material has been performed using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and polarisation optical microscopy. We observed an enhancement in the dielectric and electro-optical properties of the FLC material by incorporating gold nanoparticles (GNPs)-decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The GNPs-decorated MWCNTs cause an increment in dielectric dispersion (up to kHz), absorption, spontaneous polarisation and rotational viscosity of the FLC material. The pure and GNPs-decorated MWCNTs doped FLC cells were analysed by means of various dielectric spectroscopic and optical measurements. The observed enhancement in the dielectric and electro-optical properties of the FLC material has also been studied with concentration of GNPs-decorated MWCNTs in FLC material. The GNPs-decorated MWCNTs/FLC composites are not only of fundamental importance, but also useful materials for device applications such as liquid crystal displays and memory devices.     

Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Titanium Metal Matrix Composites Prepared by Powder Metallurgy—A Review

Titanium-based metal composites (TMCs) are showing great potential to replace existing traditional materials in aerospace, automotive, and other high temperature engineering applications. This is due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, and physical properties and improved strength to weight ratio. Weight savings in the aerospace industry results in higher efficiency. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), because of their low density and high Young's modulus, are considered to be an excellent reinforcement for metal matrix composites (MMCs). In the last 20 years extensive research has been carried out to investigate the combination of carbon nanotubes with aluminum, nickel, copper, magnesium, and other metal matrices. The production techniques such as mechanical alloying through powder metallurgy routes and their effects on the mechanical properties of CNT reinforced TMCs are reviewed in this article. The role of the volume fraction of carbon nanotubes and their dispersion into the metal matrix are highlighted. Governing equations to predict the mechanical and tribological properties of CNT reinforced titanium matrix composites are deduced. With the help of this initial prediction of properties, the optimal processing parameters can be optimized. Successful development of CNT reinforced TMCs would result in better wear and mechanical behavior and enhance their ability to withstand high temperature and structural loading environments.     

碳纳米管结构对碳纳米管载Pt催化剂电催化性能的影响

在制备单、双壁及不同管径的多壁碳纳米管(CNTs)的基础上, 用液相还原法把Pt沉积到单、双壁和管径不同的多壁CNTs上. 发现制得的CNTs载Pt(Pt/CNTs)催化剂对甲醇氧化的电催化活性随CNTs管径减小而增加. 这归结于管径小的CNTs的比表面积较大, 含氧基团多, 有利于提高Pt粒子分散度, 加上管径小的单壁CNTs具有更高的导电性, 这些因素都有利于提高Pt/CNTs催化剂对甲醇氧化的电催化活性.     

Enhanced electrochemical performance of SnS nanoparticles/CNTs composite as anode material for sodium-ion battery

SnS/CNTs composite as anode for SIBs exhibits high reversible capacity, good cyclability as well as rate performance, which is superior to that of pure SnS. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be attributed to the adding of CNTs as a flexible and conductive structure supporter and the formation of SnS nanoparticles with small diameter.     

Effect of transition metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) on selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde over Pt/CNTs catalyst

Summary The effect of transition metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) on the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde (CMA) to the corresponding semi-hydrogenated product over Pt/CNTs catalyst has been studied in ethanol at 343 K under 2.0 MPa H₂ pressure. PtNi/CNTs catalyst shows good catalytic activity and selectivity of C=C bond hydrogenation, 68.4% for conversion of CMA and 97.0% for selectivity of hydrocinnamaldehyde (HCMA). PtCo/CNTs catalyst shows good catalytic activity and selectivity of C=O bond hydrogenation, 91.3% for conversion of CMA and 88.2% for selectivity of cinnamylalcohol (CMO).     

Beyond labels: A review of the application of quantum dots as integrated components of assays, bioprobes, and biosensors utilizing optical transduction

A comprehensive review of the development of assays, bioprobes, and biosensors using quantum dots (QDs) as integrated components is presented. In contrast to a QD that is selectively introduced as a label, an integrated QD is one that is present in a system throughout a bioanalysis, and simultaneously has a role in transduction and as a scaffold for biorecognition. Through a diverse array of coatings and bioconjugation strategies, it is possible to use QDs as a scaffold for biorecognition events. The modulation of QD luminescence provides the opportunity for the transduction of these events via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), charge transfer quenching, and electrochemiluminescence (ECL). An overview of the basic concepts and principles underlying the use of QDs with each of these transduction methods is provided, along with many examples of their application in biological sensing. The latter include: the detection of small molecules using enzyme-linked methods, or using aptamers as affinity probes; the detection of proteins via immunoassays or aptamers; nucleic acid hybridization assays; and assays for protease or nuclease activity. Strategies for multiplexed detection are highlighted among these examples. Although the majority of developments to date have been in vitro, QD-based methods for ex vivo biological sensing are emerging. Some special attention is given to the development of solid-phase assays, which offer certain advantages over their solution-phase counterparts.     

碳纳米管薄膜微光纤气体传感器的模场分析

基于包层薄膜折射率对微光纤中传输光能量分布的影响,进一步用模场分析仪观察碳纳米管薄膜微光纤在与二甲苯气体接触时,输出光的能量分布和倏逝场的变化。实验结果显示,未镀膜的微光纤暴露在一定浓度的二甲苯气体环境下时,表现出对光很弱的约束能力;而把碳纳米管薄膜微光纤置于与之相同浓度的气体环境时,微光纤的输出光强减小,高阶模的能量发生不稳定的变化,最后待气体挥发完全至浓度稳定后,薄膜微光纤输出光场高阶模能量减小,微光纤的能量分布趋向于高斯分布。