Highly conductive cellulosic nanofibers for efficient water desalination

2H-MoS ₂ Modified Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Mesoporous Carbon Spheres as the Efficient Catalytic Cathode Catalyst for Aprotic Lithium-Oxygen Batteries

Confining SnS2 Ultrathin Nanosheets in Hollow Carbon Nanostructures for Efficient Capacitive Sodium Storage

Composites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and a poly(ethylene terephthalate)(PET), prepared by melt mixing, were uniaxially and biaxially deformed at 100 °C using a strain rate of 2 s−1 and at stretch ratios (SR) up to 2. A hierarchical organization of randomly well dispersed and distributed agglomerates, smaller bundles and individual MWCNTs was identified in the as extruded composite from extensive microscopic examination across the length scales using polarised optical microscopy (POM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Evidence from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the MWCNTs induced crystallization via a heterogeneous mechanism and altered the crystallization behaviour of PET. Uniaxial deformation of the composite materials resulted in orientation of the MWCNTs in the direction parallel to the applied strain and for biaxial deformation at an angle approaching 45° to the vertical axis (extrusion direction), evidence for the latter obtained by HRTEM and from small angle X-ray scattering experiments (SAXS). In both instances, XRD and DSC confirmed the occurrence of significant strain induced crystallization resulting in large increases in tensile mechanical properties. Evidence from wide angle X-ray scattering experiments (WAXS), supported by XRD and DSC showed the overall crystalline content and degree of long-range ordering increased with MWCNT addition. The decrease in diffraction (SAXS) associated with lamella spacing implies the MWCNTs disrupt formation of lamella and reside in the inter-lamellar spacing. Annealing the composites, particularly at Tm −50 °C, results in an increase in PET crystalline content. Prior to deformation the MWCNTs formed an electrically conducting interconnected network throughout the PET matrix, however, this was partially destroyed when the composite was uniaxially or biaxially deformed, as the probability of conductor–conductor contacts decreased. It was possible to restore a MWCNT conducting network similar to that achieved prior to uniaxial deformation only by annealing the sample at Tm −50 °C.

To improve compatibility of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with polymer matrix, chloride-functionals were applied to the MWCNTs by functionalization using HNO3/H2SO4 and thionyl chloride. The MWCNTs were conjunct by poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) surface via ionic mechanism using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in water during a high temperature refluxing process. The results of Fourier transform spectrometer (FT-IR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy images (FE-SEM) confirmed the linkage of the MWCNTs to the PVA via a covalent bond and the attributes of MWCNTs-PVA nanocomposite were recognized by electrical conductivity (EC), disperse stability measurements and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Improvement of energy conversion efficiency and power generation in direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell: The effect of Ni-M core-shell nanoparticles (M = Pt, Pd, Ru)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on the cell performance

The effect of different types of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the morphological, magnetic and viscoelastic properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are studied in this work. A series of natural rubber MRE are prepared by adding MWCNTs as a new additive in MRE. Effects of functionalized MWCNT namely carboxylated MWCNT (COOH-MWCNT) and hydroxylated MWCNT (OH-MWCNT) on the rheological properties of MREs are investigated and the pristine MWCNTs is referred as a control. Epoxidised palm oil (EPO) is used as a medium to disperse carbonyl iron particle (CIP) and sonicate the MWCNTs. Morphological and magnetic properties of MREs are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. Rheological properties under different magnetic field are evaluated by using parallel plate rheometer. From the results obtained, FESEM images indicate that COOH-MWCNT and CIP have better compatibility which leads to the formation of interconnected network in the matrix. In addition, by adding functionalized COOH-MWCNT, it is shown that the saturation magnetization is 5% higher than the pristine MWCNTs. It is also found that with the addition of COOH-MWCNT, the magnetic properties are improved parallel with enhancement of MR effect particularly at low strain amplitude. It is finally shown that the use of EPO also can contribute to the enhancement of MR performance.

The present work reports the preparation of hybrids by simple dry grinding of titanium sulfide (TiS2) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in different weight ratio and their characterization. X-ray diffraction and Raman studies indicated the presence of interaction between the TiS2 and MWCNT. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of three-dimensional architecture and co-dispersion in TiS2–MWCNT (1:1) hybrid. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy also confirmed the presence of TiS2 and MWCNT in the prepared hybrid. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated an increase in thermal stability with higher MWCNT content. The results of the electrochemical analyses indicated that TiS2–MWCNT (1:1) hybrid exhibited an enhanced performance as lithium-ion battery anode. The initial specific capacity was found to be ≈450 mAh g−1 with 80 % retention in capacity after 50 discharge–charge cycles. These values are significantly higher compared to those for TiS2, MWCNT or other TiS2–MWCNT hybrids. Such improved performance is attributed to the presence of a synergistic effect between TiS2 and MWCNT.

Preparation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes grafted with synthetic poly(l-lysine) through surface-initiated ring-opening polymerization

The present work reports a novel synthesis procedure to decorate multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) via silver nitrate (AgNO3) followed by incorporation of these decorated MWCNTs into polymers to form the nanocomposite. The samples of functionalized MWCNTs (FMWCNTs), Ag-decorated MWCNTs (Ag-MWCNTs) and polymer/Ag-MWNCT composites were investigated using various characterization techniques. The field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) image of Ag-MWCTs reveals the uniform distribution of Ag nanoparticles over the surface of MWCNTs. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of Ag-decorated MWCNTs. FESEM images and UV–Vis absorption spectra of polymer/Ag-MWNCTs composites clearly validates the development of polymer/Ag-MWCNT composites. Finally, the polymer/Ag-MWCNT-based devices were fabricated to compare the electrical performance with those comprising the pristine polymers. The 3D conducting pathways formed by MWCNT and extremely high conductivity of Ag contribute to the improved current levels and reduced cut-in voltage in the Ag-MWCNTs compared to the pristine devices. The electrical transport study also shows a significant modification in the dominant transport mechanism by addition of Ag-MWCNT in the polymer matrix. The present study could pave the path for the development of various cost-effective high-performance electronic devices based on Ag-MWCNT/polymer composites.

Preparation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes incorporated silk fibroin nanofibers by electrospinning

In this paper, europium hydroxide (Eu(OH)3) was introduced onto multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by the MWCNTs and europium nitrate (Eu(NO3)3•6H2O) on a mild conditions in the alkalescence solution. The influence of the different pH value on the product was analyzed. Characterizations of the products were performed using raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high resolution thermal field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Those results indicated that oxygen-containing groups such as -OH, -C=O, and -COOH generated on the surface of the MWCNTs treated with nitric acid. Those functional groups can attract Eu, and provide the position to Eu(OH)3. When the pH value situation of the reaction is 7-8, the MWCNTs deposited by Eu(OH)3 were obtained. Furthermore, there is the weak interaction between Eu and the functional groups of the MWCNTs. In addition, the integrity of the MWCNTs was not damaged during the whole preparation.

Dye-sensitized solar cells based on multiwalled carbon nanotube–titania/titania bilayer structure photoelectrode

Improved mechanical properties of NbC-M2 high speed steel-based cemented carbide by addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Ethylene–methyl acrylate copolymer and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were melt processed in order to determine the structure–property relationship of the resulting nanocomposites. The effect of MWNT loading on the thermomechanical and rheological properties of the nanocomposites is systematically investigated. Morphological characteristics these reinforced were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies showed that the MWNTs affect the crystallisation process. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the storage modulus of the composites was significantly increased particularly at high temperatures. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the MWNTs stabilise the ethylene–methyl acrylate matrix. The influence of concentration of filler was also realised by a frequency sweep experiment. Storage modulus (in dynamic shear) value increases especially at higher frequency levels due to increased polymer–filler interactions. Both the unfilled and filled composites exhibit rheological behaviour of non-Newtonian fluids. The dynamic and steady shear rheological properties register a good correlation in regard to the viscous versus elastic response of such systems.

<title/>Water dispersibility of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) has been achieved by functionalisation of the MWNTs with sodium gluconate (SOGL). The chemical grafting of SOGL onto the surfaces of MWNTs was carried out by producing acyl chloride groups on the oxidised MWNTs, and then, anhydride bond was formed between the SOGL and functionalised MWNTs. In addition, we also studied the chemical stability of anhydride bond in acid solution, base solution and neutral water with pH values of 5, 9 and 7 respectively. On the other hand, boronic acid functionalised gold nanoparticles were prepared for the decoration of gold nanoparticles to yield novel hybrid nanostructures via the formation of boroester bonds. The resulting novel hybrid nanostructures were investigated in detail using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV visible spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.