Applications Of Carbon Nanomaterials Research Articles

Carbon-based nanocomposites for biomedical applications.

Carbon nanomaterials have attracted significant attention in the biomedical field, including for biosensing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications. Based on their inherent properties such as their unique structure and high conductivity, carbon nanomaterials can overcome the current limitations in biomedical research such as poor stability of biomolecules, low sensitivity and selectivity of biosensors, and difficulty in precise drug delivery. In addition, recently, several novel nanomaterials have been integrated with carbon nanomaterials to develop carbon-based nanocomposites for application in biomedical research. In this review, we discuss recent studies on carbon-based nanocomposites and their biomedical applications. First, we discuss the representative carbon nanomaterials and nanocomposites composed of carbon and other novel nanomaterials. Next, applications of carbon nanomaterials and nanocomposites in the biomedical field are discussed according to topics in the biomedical field. We have discussed the recent studies on biosensors, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. In conclusion, we believe that this review provides the potential and applicability of carbon nanomaterials and their nanocomposites and suggests future directions of the application of carbon-based nanocomposites in biomedical applications.

Cobalt-doped carbon nanodots as an interfacial modifier for efficient solar-driven water splitting

Photoelectrochemical water splitting with bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photoanodes is a promising strategy for solar-driven hydrogen production. However, the unfavorable interfacial charge behavior causes severe charge recombination and photocorrosion issue of BiVO4. Herein, cobalt-doped carbon nanodots (CoCDs) are employed for efficient charge extraction due to Co impurity level, which form band alignment with BiVO4, as well as accelerate surface reaction. As a result, the obtained CoCDs/BVO photoanode demonstrates an outstanding photocurrent density of 5.26 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode under AM 1.5 G illumination, superior to most BiVO4 photoanodes with cocatalysts. Carbon nanodots turn out to be an excellent matrix to activate and stabilize Co atoms and tightly anchor onto BiVO4, which makes them good interfacial modifier. This work paves an avenue for the optimization of semiconductor/liquid interface and the application of carbon nanomaterials in photoelectrodes.

Application of carbon nanotechnology in conductive composites

Conductive composites play a significant role in today's world. Conductive composites made of composite conductive polymers are improved by adding conductive materials. Carbon nanomaterials have stable chemical properties, light weight and good conductive properties, so that they can be used as excellent fillers of conductive composites. In this paper, the principle and application of conductive composites in the practical scientific field are reviewed. Graphene, CNTs, activated carbon, carbon aerogel and their preparation methods in carbon materials are introduced, and their structures, advantages and disadvantages are analyzed. The application of carbon nanomaterials in conductive composites is discussed. It is found that carbon materials can significantly change the conductive and mechanical properties of conductive composites, and the performance of conductive composites can be improved. Finally, the shortcomings and prospects of the application of carbon materials in conductive composites are analyzed.

A review on adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater using carbon nanotube and graphene-based nanomaterials.

The rampant rise in world population, industrialization, and urbanization expedite the contamination of water sources. The presence of the non-biodegradable character of heavy metals in waterways badly affects the ecological balance. In this modern era, the unavailability of getting clear water as well as the downturn in water quality is a major concern. Therefore, the effective removal of heavy metals has become much more important than before. In recent years, the attention to better wastewater remediation was directed towards adsorption techniques with novel adsorbents such as carbon nanomaterials. This review paper primarily emphasizes the fundamental concepts, structures, and unique surface properties of novel adsorbents, the harmful effects of various heavy metals, and the adsorption mechanism. This review will give an insight into the current status of research in the realm of sustainable wastewater treatment, applications of carbon nanomaterials, different types of functionalized carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and their adsorption capacity. The importance of MD simulations and density functional theory (DFT) in the elimination of heavy metals from aqueous media is also discussed. In addition to that, the effect of factors on heavy metal adsorption such as electric field and pressure is addressed.

Application of self-sensing cement-stabilized sand for damage detection

The sensing ability induced by carbon nanomaterials has attracted considerable attention in the scientific community for use in cement and concrete. However, the application of carbon nanomaterials in stabilized soils has been scarce. Therefore, in this study, the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplates (GNPs) in cement-stabilized sand was investigated. MWCNTs and GNPs not only improve the mechanical characteristics of cement-stabilized sand but also can change conventional cement-stabilized sand into an intrinsic self-sensing material, which is important for structural health monitoring (SHM). The proposed composite was submitted from small to large stresses under cyclic loading to detect strain, cracks, and damage. To identify different levels of damage, various macro- and microscale analyses were carried out to explain the composite self-sensing ability. The key results used in the analysis were from the fractional changes in resistivity (FCR) and digital image correlation (DIC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements. These results demonstrate the capability of the proposed MWCNT/GNP cement-stabilized sand for detecting the strain, stress, and damage of materials through different self-sensing trends in the elastic and plastic regions. It is very important to monitor the serviceability of a composite in a real structure through different self-sensing trends in the elastic and plastic regions.

Carbon nanomaterials: Types, synthesis strategies and their application as drug delivery system for cancer therapy

Inorganic and organic nanoparticles are used for abundant number of applications due to their novelty, surface charge, alloys, and oxides. Among the different types of nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials (CNM) are gaining constant attention for biomedical applications. Their unique physical and chemical characteristics, like electrical, thermal, structural, and optical diversity, make them suitable materials. Selecting CNM for the treatment and diagnosis of disease and infection will provide controlled, predictable, low cytotoxic, and target-specific delivery of drugs for biomedical applications. Different types of CNM, like graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes, nanorods, nanowires, and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), need to be investigated for application in Cancer treatment. Therefore, this review focuses on the different types of synthesis, drug loading, surface coating, and application of CNM as a drug delivery agent for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Synergistic Lubrication and Antioxidation Efficacies of Graphene Oxide and Fullerenol as Biological Lubricant Additives for Artificial Joints

The service life of artificial joints has gradually failed to meet the needs of patients. Herein, the synergistic lubrication and antioxidant efficacies of graphene oxide (GO) and fullerenol (Fol) as biological lubricant additives for artificial joints were investigated. The lubrication mechanisms of biological lubricant containing GO and Fol at the friction interface of artificial joints were then revealed. Tribological tests showed that the average friction coefficients of Al2O3–Ti6Al4V pairs and Ti6Al4V–UHMWPE pairs for artificial joints could be reduced by 30% and 22%, respectively, when GO and Fol were used as biological lubricant additives simultaneously. The lubrication mechanism showed that some incommensurate sliding contact surfaces could be formed between the GO nanosheets and spherical Fol at the interface, which reduced the interaction forces of friction pairs. The maximum scavenging rates of •OH and DPPH free radicals by the biological lubricant containing GO and Fol were 35% and 45%, respectively, showing a good antioxidant efficacy of the biological lubricant. This can be attributed to the GO and Fol scavenging free radicals through electron transfer and hydrogen transfer. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of carbon nanomaterials as biological lubricant additives for artificial joints in the future.

Zero to Three Dimension Structure Evolution from Carbon Allotropes to Phosphorus Allotropes

AbstractAs the promising and highly‐focused materials after silicon, carbon, and phosphorus promote the development of nanotechnology due to its allotropes with unique structures and properties. The carbon allotropes of 0D fullerene, 1D carbon nanotube, and 2D graphene stimulate the investigation of structures, synthesis, properties, and further applications of carbon nanomaterials. Analogous to carbon, phosphorus is demonstrated to have a rich phase diagram. 0D phosphorus fullerenes, 1D phosphorus nanotubes and fibrous red phosphorus, and recently 2D black phosphorene and violet phosphorene have unique structures analogous to carbon fullerene, carbon nanotube, and graphene, is developed. The photoelectronic properties and further applications of the phosphorus allotropes as semiconductors, energy storage materials, biomaterials, and sensors are also investigated. Great efforts are dedicated to studies of the synthesis, structure, and properties of carbons and phosphorus. However, there is no systematic review of the structure of phosphorus allotropes compared to carbon allotropes. Herein, the structures along with possible future perspective of carbon and phosphorus allotropes review and compare in this work based on the classification of different dimensions.

On the Application of Carbon Nanomaterials as Modifying Additives in Cement-Based Composites

This article presents the results of a study on the effect of carbon nanosized additives on the structure and properties of cement-based materials. The use of a carbon black dispersion as an alternative to an expensive dispersion of carbon nanotubes is proposed. Based on the experimental data, it is proven that the introduction of carbon black particles into the composition of the cement matrix in an amount of 0.2% by the weight of cement leads to an increase in strength of the cement stone, in both compression and bending, by 21% and 8%, respectively. This increase is compatible with the results obtained when cement matrix was modified with a dispersion of carbon nanotubes.IR spectral and thermal analysis of the modified cement matrix, as well as the study of its microstructure, confirm the formation of a dense net of cement hydration products, including low-basic calcium silicate hydrates and secondary nanosized globular thaumasite formations that contribute to the compaction of the material structure and the following increase in strength.

Preparation and application of nanostructured carbon from oil fly ash for growth promotion and improvement of agricultural crops with different doses

Application of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) in agricultural production has piqued the interest of researchers. However, despite the enormous importance of CNMs in plant development, little is known about the effects of carbon nanoparticle (CNP) doses on plant physiological responses. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to check the effects of nanostructured carbon derived from oil fly ash (COFA), which was derived for the first time from high-energy ball-milling followed by a sonication process, on Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Cicer arietinum L. plants. We evaluated the plant physiological and biochemical parameters of the COFA-treated seedlings. Two different doses (4 mg L−1 and 8 mg L−1) of COFA and a control were studied. The results indicated that the germination rate (%), shoot length, root length, pod length, leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight were increased with the addition of COFA. Likewise, COFA increased the contents of chlorophyll pigments (Chla, Chlb, carotenoids), proteins, and carbohydrates in both species compared to the control. Finally, these findings showed that a COFA treatment at 4 mg L−1 after ball milled-sonication in water (BMW4) constituted the best dose for growth and physiology. Our findings reveal that the novel strategy of COFA engineering led to a boost in the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris and Cicer arietinum. Our results have high potential for agricultural research and provide an impact on food security.

Recent Advances on Membranes for Water Purification Based on Carbon Nanomaterials.

Every year the problem of water purification becomes more relevant. This is due to the continuous increase in the level of pollution of natural water sources, an increase in the population, and sharp climatic changes. The growth in demand for affordable and clean water is not always comparable to the supply that exists in the water treatment market. In addition, the amount of water pollution increases with the increase in production capacity, the purification of which cannot be fully handled by conventional processes. However, the application of novel nanomaterials will enhance the characteristics of water treatment processes which are one of the most important technological problems. In this review, we considered the application of carbon nanomaterials in membrane water purification. Carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene oxide, and activated carbon were analyzed as promising materials for membranes. The problems associated with the application of carbon nanomaterials in membrane processes and ways to solve them were discussed. Their efficiency, properties, and characteristics as a modifier for membranes were analyzed. The potential directions, opportunities and challenges for application of various carbon nanomaterials were suggested.

Effect of chemical treatment of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the specific capacitance of supercapacitors

To date, the research on carbon nanomaterials has progressed rapidly. More than 400 papers were written in 2021 on the application of carbon nanomaterials in various fields. The high demand for the use of such materials has increased due to a sharp increase in the demand for semiconductor materials and materials for supercapacitor electrodes and other electrical devices. Despite the unique physical properties of carbon nanomaterials, there are limitations to their use. To solve this problem, various methods of modifying the surface, both through chemical interactions and physical adsorption, were proposed. One of these methods is chemical modification. The evaluation of effect of chemical treatment parameters on the properties of carbon nanomaterials is an urgent task due to the fact that the chemistry of the processes is poorly understood. In this work, the effect of concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids on the change of specific surface area, elemental composition, composition of functional groups, and also on the change of specific capacitance was considered. It is believed that both the porosity and the functional groups formed during oxidation contribute to the change in specific capacitance. The specific surface area of all samples decreased on average by a factor of 1.5–3 after the chemical treatment. Different oxygen and sulfur-containing functional groups are observed after the chemical treatment. The highest specific capacitance of the treated carbon nanofibers was 114 F/g.

State of the Art in Carbon Nanomaterials for Photoacoustic Imaging.

Photoacoustic imaging using energy conversion from light to ultrasound waves has been developed as a powerful tool to investigate in vivo phenomena due to their complex characteristics. In photoacoustic imaging, endogenous chromophores such as oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, melanin, and lipid provide useful biomedical information at the molecular level. However, these intrinsic absorbers show strong absorbance only in visible or infrared optical windows and have limited light transmission, making them difficult to apply for clinical translation. Therefore, the development of novel exogenous contrast agents capable of increasing imaging depth while ensuring strong light absorption is required. We report here the application of carbon nanomaterials that exhibit unique physical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties as imaging probes in photoacoustic imaging. Classified into specific structures, carbon nanomaterials are synthesized with different substances according to the imaging purposes to modulate the absorption spectra and highly enhance photoacoustic signals. In addition, functional drugs can be loaded into the carbon nanomaterials composite, and effective in vivo monitoring and photothermal therapy can be performed with cell-specific targeting. Diverse applied cases suggest the high potential of carbon nanomaterial-based photoacoustic imaging in in vivo monitoring for clinical research.

Opportunities for graphene, single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotube applications in agriculture: A review

Nanotechnology is an important driver leading to the revolution in the fields of agriculture. Here, we presented insights into the application of carbon nanomaterials (single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene) in biomolecule delivery for crop breeding. We also reviewed the application of graphene to biosensors and the utilization efficiency of water, fertilizers and insecticides in agriculture to better manage environmental stresses. Finally, potential molecular interaction mechanisms between graphene and plant roots were discussed. It can be expected that carbon nanomaterials will hold strong promise in developing a more efficient agricultural production system.

Carbon Nanomaterials towards Transformation in Agriculture : A Review

Population problem is a global crisis. It is a challenge to ensure supply food towards massive population through the utilization of limited resources. Nanotechnology is a potential tool in employ in attaining sustainability in food and feed production. Thus, with advancement in nanotechnology, application of carbon nanomaterials (CNMS) has become a promising technique in enhancing agricultural production. CNMs with their excellent physico-chemical properties, possess various positive impacts in growth and development of crop plants through regulation of different processes of plant physiology and genetics. Despite some challenges, there is potentiality of carbon-based nanomaterials application in agricultural and environmental aspects regarding climate changing issue. Therefore, this review paper evaluatefirstly, the impact of CNMs plant biotechnology for developing of crop species with desired gene; secondly promoting crop tolerate against different stresses; and finally pledging a better environment withsome prospects of transformation crop production in a sustainable way.

Copper stress alleviation in corn (Zea mays L.): Comparative efficiency of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanoparticles

Copper (Cu) stress is one of the predominant crop yield-reducing factors in agriculture. Application of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) could have promotive effects on crop growth; however, their effects on alleviation of Cu stress for plants have rarely been documented. In this study, we investigated the comparative role of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) in corn (Zea mays) seed germination, seedling growth as well as Cu stress alleviation. The results showed that CNTs and CNPs stimulated corn seed germination by significantly increasing germination rate (GR), shortening the mean germination time (MGT), and increasing overall germination index (GI). They also significantly elongated seedling length and increased fresh biomass with optimal application rates ranging from 50 to 100mgL-1. Principle component analysis (PCA) confirmed that seed germination indexes and seedling growth were positively affected by CNTs or CNPs, but inversely influenced by high levels of Cu stress (> 20mgL-1). Furthermore, higher Cu accumulation and anti-oxidative enzyme activity (SOD, POD, CAT) were observed in plants co-exposed to Cu2+ and either CNTs or CNPs compared to plants exposed to Cu2+ alone. CNPs had stronger improvement on plant growth and Cu stress alleviation than CNTs, which suggest they may be cost-effective agriculture amendments to improve plant growth under heavy metal stress.

Applications of Pristine and Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes, Graphene, and Graphene Nanoribbons in Biomedicine.

This review is dedicated to a comprehensive description of the latest achievements in the chemical functionalization routes and applications of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and graphene nanoribbons. The review starts from the description of noncovalent and covalent exohedral modification approaches, as well as an endohedral functionalization method. After that, the methods to improve the functionalities of CNMs are highlighted. These methods include the functionalization for improving the hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, blood circulation time and tumor accumulation, and the cellular uptake and selectivity. The main part of this review includes the description of the applications of functionalized CNMs in bioimaging, drug delivery, and biosensors. Then, the toxicity studies of CNMs are highlighted. Finally, the further directions of the development of the field are presented.

Graphene Nanoribbon-Fullerene (GNR-C60) Heterostructure for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction

Ammonia is the second most produced chemical in the world and is imperative to increase the food supply for the growing population. The current industrial method for ammonia production is energy intensive and relies on fossil fuels, which are responsible for environmental pollution. Electro-catalytic fixation of nitrogen is a form of artificial synthesis that mimics the natural nitrogen enzymatic process and it is of paramount importance to develop an efficient electrocatalyst for the same. Applications of carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and fullerenes) in numerous areas have received considerable attention due to their unique physicochemical properties. Moreover, the incorporation of these carbon nanomaterials can develop the existing features or benefit from their excellent properties. Therefore, in recent years, efforts have been being made to develop various carbon nanomaterial hybrids with each other to extend their applications. Herein, we propose to synthesize van-der waals heterostructure of Graphene nanoribbon and Fullerene (GNR-C60) and demonstrate its efficiency and applicability to produce ammonia via nitrogen reduction reaction. Graphene nanoribbons will be synthesized via oxidative unzipping of carbon nanotubes. We will evaluate the ammonia yield rate, faradaic efficiency and explore the mechanism behind the ammonia production by the heterostructures.

Applications of carbon nanomaterials in perovskite solar cells for solar energy conversion

The energy issues and environmental concern have led to intense research activities in renewable energy conversion, such as photovoltaic (PV) to convert solar energy into electricity. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on metal halides are rapidly emerging as the most promising and competing PV technology due to its high record power conversion efficiencies and potentially low production costs. Conductive carbon materials, which are abundantly available and low-cost, are introduced into the PSCs. This article provides a mini review of applications of carbon materials for perovskite solar cells. Firstly, a brief introduction of the development of perovskite solar cell is provided. Secondly, applications of carbon nanomaterials in perovskite solar cells are presented and discussed. Finally, an outlook and perspective on the future research directions of carbon nanomaterial for perovskite solar cells is provided.

Effect of Nano Dispersant Additions to the Electrodes for Aluminum Electrolysis

Over the next half decade, significant changes expected in global carbon structures, carbon products and applications. Technological advances that improve the structure-property relationship of advanced carbon materials and breakthrough in manufacturing processes resulting in lower cost, leads to availability of carbon nano materials for applications in the metallurgical industry with a reference to electrodes for the metallurgical industry.In the current work we synthesized pitch-based C/C nano composite lab scale electrodes, partially replacing petroleum coke with nanofibers, by using a ball milling dispersion and high energy milling technique. The effect of different processing variables including the amount of binder and dispersants as well as mixing conditions is investigated. Low vacuum -SEM analyses of green pitch and dispersant samples show the pitch coating on dispersants. Field emission gun (FEG)-SEM is used to analyse dispersants, baked pitch/dispersant system as well baked electrodes. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) is applied to investigate in detail the primary structure of the dispersants, as well as the fiber/matrix interface and the alignment of binder with the fibres in graphitized and un-graphitized electrodes.