Carbon Nanotubes Research Articles

Recent Approaches on Molecular Markers, Treatment and Novel Drug Delivery System Used for the Management of Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Colorectal cancer affects 1 in 25 females and 1 in 24 males, making it the third most frequent cancer with over 6,08,030 deaths worldwide, despite advancements in detection and treatments, including surgery, chemotherapeutics, radiotherapy, and immune therapeutics. Novel potential agents have increased survival in acute and chronic disease conditions, with a higher risk of side effects and cost. However, metastatic disease has an insignificant long-term diagnosis, and significant challenges remain due to last-stage diagnosis and treatment failure. Early detection, survival, and treatment efficacy are all improved by biomarkers. The advancement of cancer biomarkers' molecular pathology and genomics during the last three decades has improved therapy. Clinically useful prognostic biomarkers assist clinical judgment, for example, by predicting the success of EGFR-inhibiting antibodies in the presence of KRAS gene mutations. Few biomarkers are currently used in clinical settings, so further research is still needed. Nanocarriers, with materials like Carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles, provide targeted CRC drug delivery and diagnostics. Light-responsive drugs with gold and silica nanoparticles effectively target and destroy CRC cells. We evaluate the potential use of the long non-coding RNA (non-coding RNA) oncogene plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarker, along with the latest nanotech breakthroughs in CRC diagnosis and treatment.

Electro-assisted carbon nanotube dual catalytic membrane system for high-efficiency and energy-efficient water treatment

Improving performance of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) catalytic membrane via electrochemical assistance renders an effective way for water decontamination. However, the current cathodic or anodic membrane based electro-assisted PMS catalytic single-membrane systems (EPSM) usually suffer from their inherent deficiencies. Herein, a novel electro-assisted PMS catalytic dual-membrane system (EPDM) was constructed by employing two electro-conductive carbon nanotube membranes as the anodic and cathodic membranes, in order to couple the advantages of anodic and cathodic catalytic membranes for enhanced water treatment. Moreover, the filtration sequence (anode–cathode (A-C) or cathode–anode (C-A)) was varied to explore its effect on EPDM performance. Results showed the EPDM operated in C-A mode achieved ultrafast (0.95 s−1) and energy-efficient (0.008 kWh m−3) removal towards sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and its SMX mineralization rate was 1.7 times higher than that of EPDM operated in A-C mode and 5.1 or 2.4 times higher than that of cathodic or anodic membrane based EPSM. Meanwhile, the EPDM also displayed efficient fouling mitigation on both membrane surface and pores. Furthermore, EPDM can maintain high performance and good stability in long-term actual surface water treatment. The outstanding performance of EPDM operated in C-A mode was attributed to the collaboration of cathodic and anodic membranes: For one thing, cathodic and anodic membranes sequentially activated PMS to produce radicals (OH and SO4−) and non-radicals (1O2 and electron transfer) for enhanced pollutant oxidation; for another, both membranes in C-A mode effectively resisted coexisting interferents in real water.

Emerging contaminants removal through fluorine-doped carbon hollow fiber microfiltration membrane based on metal-free electro-Fenton

The emerging contaminants with high toxicity and bioaccumulation potentially threaten to human health, which was difficult removed by traditional biological treatment or membrane separation. In view of this, a novel type of fluorine (F)-doped carbon hollow fiber microfiltration membrane was prepared for realizing emerging contaminants removal through metal-free electro-Fenton. Herein, polyaniline (PANI) was used as a precursor for preparation of porous carbon membrane. The graphitic N and pyridinic N on porous carbon were used as the active sites for H2O2 production and its further activation to ·OH, which realized metal-free electro-Fenton reaction. According to the results, the carbon nanotubes with F-PANI at the ratio of 1:1 and calcination temperature at 300°C endowed the membrane moderate resistance and pure water permeability of 430 Ω and 48.51 L/(m2·h·bar), respectively. Importantly, the intensity of ·OH generation was further significant enhanced by introducing C-F bonding into the membrane. Therefore, the bisphenol A (BPA), sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) and atrazine (ATZ) removal rates were 92.63%, 38.47% and 27.05%, respectively. For control group without bias, the removal rates of above contaminants were 0% removal rates. Moreover, the membrane permeate loss by filtrating BPA, SMZ and ATZ were 0.13, 0.15 and 0.05, which were 0.20, 0.24 and 0.21 for control group.

Critical impact of biochar on hydroxyl radical generation during humin oxidation

The production of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) via reduced humin oxygenation is well established. As biochar is widely used in environmental restoration, its coexistence with humin in restored soils may affect ·OH generation due to its electron transfer ability. However, the role of biochar in ·OH generation remains largely unexplored. Herein, we investigated the ·OH generation by humin-biochar at different mass ratios. Our results indicated that biochar could significantly enhance the ·OH production by humin when the mass of humin exceeded that of biochar. Notably, when the mass ratio of humin to biochar was 50, the ·OH produced reached 67.3 μM, which is nearly 1.5 times the amount generated by humin alone (43.1 μM). Both single-electron and two-electron transfer pathways coexisted in ·OH generation by humin-biochar. C = O in humin were necessary conditions for the production of ·OH, while the presence of C = C in biochar promoted the generation of ·OH. Using graphene and carbon nanotubes both rich in C = C groups as the model compounds, humin-graphene and humin-carbon nanotubes produced ·OH at 122 μM and 98.8 μM, respectively, significantly higher than those generated by humin alone (43.1 μM). This result confirmed the promoting effect of aromatic C = C bonds on ·OH generation. By contrast, when the biochar mass was greater than or equal to that of humin, ·OH generation was inhibited due to the significant reduction of C = O. In this case, environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) in biochar were the primary structures responsible for ·OH production. This study provides comprehensive insights for the first time into the influence of biochar on ·OH generation by humin and offers a new potential method for the green and efficient removal of pollutants.

Nanometer-Scale Tunable mesopores in silica fillers for Facile enhancement of epoxy adhesion

Epoxy resins are essential polymeric materials for various industrial applications owing to their excellent adhesion, thermal properties, and processability. Reported improvement methods for overcoming the limitations of epoxy-resin adhesives involve incorporating fillers such as silica, clay, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. While silica nanoparticles are commonly used in industrial applications, their properties often require enhancement. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and novel swelling agents, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid and decane, to control pore sizes within the 2–4 nm range. Transmission electron microscope and nitrogen adsorption analyses confirmed pore sizes of 2.0, 3.1, and 3.9 nm. Applying MSNs as nanofillers to epoxy resin adhesive resulted in enhanced adhesive properties with increasing pore size, particularly with 0.5 wt% MSN-4 nm, achieving a 51.4 % improvement in shear strength compared to that of bare epoxy resin. This enhancement is attributed to the increased specific surface area of the MSNs, providing more interaction sites with the epoxy resin and improving resin penetration and interaction. These findings highlight the critical role of nanopore size in optimizing adhesion in nanofiller applications and emphasize the potential of MSNs as superior nanofillers for future industrial applications.

3D-printed Bio-inspired porous electrode by bidirectional enhancement strategy with high mass loading and enhanced energy density for supercapacitors

The effective strategy for increasing areal capacity involves the use of 3D printed thick-electrode with high mass loading. However, thick-electrode still encounters challenges such as incomplete electrolyte penetration and slow ion transport. Here, we successfully prepared lignocellulosic nanofibrils (LCNFs) from abundant bamboo biomass and developed functional ink composed of LCNFs/ carbon nanotubes (CNTs) / polyaniline (PANI) / polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for printing. An innovative 3D printing bidirectional enhancement strategy was proposed to increase the mass loading of active materials in the vertical direction and construct ion transport channels in the transverse direction. The biomimetic porous N-doped electrode obtained after annealing treatment exhibits a more continuous conductive network, larger surface area, higher utilization of active materials, and smoother ion transport pathways compared to thick-electrode. Therefore, the Triangles biomimetic electrode exhibits an enhanced areal/specific capacitance compared to thick-electrode, reaching 5.30F·cm−2 (184.03F·g−1) and 4.40F·cm−2 (122.22F·g−1) at 2 mA·cm−2, respectively. The symmetric device demonstrates an areal capacitance of 1.34F·cm−2 at 1 mA·cm−2 and achieves an energy density of 0.186 mWh·cm−2 at a power density of 0.49 mW·cm−2. The work provides valuable insights into the design of electrode structures for high-performance supercapacitors.

Synthesis of polyaniline tannate-modified carbon nanotubes by oxidative copolymerization as highly efficient corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in HCl solution

Corrosion is a prevalent issue in industrial production, directly impacting the production process and causing severe damages. To mitigate this problem, corrosion inhibitors are highly desired. Herein, a novel type of nano corrosion inhibitor, referred to as PTCNT, was synthesized through an oxidative copolymerization method utilizing aniline, ammonium persulfate (APS), and tannic acid (TA)-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The results demonstrated that the PTCNT effectively inhibited the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl solution, achieving the corrosion inhibition efficiency of 90.6 % at the concentration of 75 mg/L. Characterization results implied that the PTCNT adsorbed onto the surface of the mild steel, forming a protective shielding layer. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements proved that the PTCNT functioned as the hybrid corrosion inhibitor. Furthermore, the adsorption of PTCNT on the mild steel surface was investigated using adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetic modeling. Quantum chemical calculations were used to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of PTCNT. These findings raise new avenues for the development of highly efficient corrosion inhibitors for the mild steel in HCl solutions.

Novel drug delivery to the brain for neurodegenerative disorder treatment using carbon nanotubes

Novel drug delivery to the brain for neurodegenerative disorder treatment using carbon nanotubes

Improving Liquid Desiccant Dehumidifiers through Square Baffle Plate Design and Nanofluid Innovation

Enhancing the performance of the liquid desiccant dehumidifier (LDDs) is pivotal, with mass transfer playing a significant role. Compared to the previous method, using a baffles plate improved liquid desiccant dehumidification performance. The study utilized an aqueous solution containing nanocarbon tubes (NCTs) in LiCl/H2O as the desiccant, cascading over baffles plate with a square profile. The performance of this system was determined using numerical methods. The concentrations of NCTs ranged from 0.03% to 0.5% by weight. Furthermore, this paper investigates the impact of nanoparticles and parameters, including flow rates, solution concentration, humidity, solution temperature, etc. on the analysis through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. The study shows a 29% increase in moisture removal and humidity change, along with a 15.57% improvement in film thickness. These findings are underpinned by the principle of a reduced in contact angle from 57° to 29°, resulting in reduced partial pressure of water vapor from the solution, thereby enhancing the mass transfer mechanism. Consequently, the utilization of baffles plate demonstrates a significant improvement in the moisture removal performance of the LDDs.

The effect of carbon supports on the electrocatalytic performance of Ni-N-C catalysts for CO2 reduction to CO

Carbon-supported nickel and nitrogen co-doped (Ni-N-C) catalysts have been extensively studied as selective and active catalysts for CO2 electroreduction to CO. Most studies have focused on adjusting the coordination structure of Ni-Nx active sites, while the impact of the carbon supports has often been overlooked. In this study, a series of Ni-N-C catalysts on different carbon supports, including carbon black (CB), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT), and activated nitrogen-doped biochar (ANBC), were synthesized using a ligand-mediated method. The effect of the carbon support on the electrocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction was investigated at both low current densities, in a H-cell, and high current densities, in a MEA electrolyzer. All of the prepared Ni-N-C catalysts show good faradaic efficiencies (FE) toward CO production (up to ~90%), however, the onset potentials and partial current densities for CO production vary greatly. The textural properties of the carbon support and the distribution of Ni-Nx active sites on the carbon support are demonstrated as the main factors behind the performance differences. In particular, hierarchical porous structures with large specific surface area are helpful to facilitate mass transport and improve the dispersion of active sites, which allows for a better CO2 reduction performance of Ni-N-ANBC compared to Ni-N-CB and Ni-N-CNT. This study demonstrates the importance of the carbon support for Ni-N-C catalysts and provides new insights into the design of efficient Ni-N-C catalysts for the CO2RR.

A novel photocurable polymeric solid–solid phase change material for intelligent temperature regulators

The advancement of solid–solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) with crystalline segments embedded onto crosslinked polymer backbones offers a promising solution to the leakage problems associated with traditional phase change materials. Despite its potential, this technology faces challenges, including energy-intensive synthesis processes of SSPCMs and difficulties in custom designing materials for confined spaces. Herein, we introduce a novel strategy for the rapid preparation of polyurethane acrylate-based SSPCMs via UV-initiated polymerization. By leveraging crystalline segments from polyethylene glycol, the resulting SSPCM exhibits an impressive enthalpy of 110.4 J⋅g−1, enabling seamless transitions from rigid to soft states during solid–solid phase changes. When applied in portable electronic devices, this SSPCM can be synthesized in-situ to meet various size requirements, demonstrating exceptional temperature regulation performance based on latent thermal energy storage mechanisms. Furthermore, by integrating thin layers of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto the rough surfaces of SSPCM films and employing a face-to-face configuration to convert temperature-sensitive mechanical changes into electric resistance variations, we have engineered high-temperature alarms for SSPCM-based temperature regulators. The advantages of this preparation strategy, combined with the thermal regulation capabilities and innovative temperature alarm design, underscore the significant potential for intelligent and adaptive applications of SSPCMs in advanced technological landscapes.

Carbon primer layer morphological effect on the lithium manganese iron phosphate positive electrode performances for lithium-ion batteries

The use of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) electrodes is important for enhancing the energy density of phosphate-based positive electrodes. However, their practical application is hindered by the deteriorating collector–electrode interface caused by submicron-sized particles with carbon-coated surfaces. The morphology of these carbon particles affects the efficiency of the primer layer, despite its role in strengthening the electrical contact between LMFP and the aluminum (Al) current collector. Incorporating carbon nanotube (CNT)-type carbon into the primer layer weakens the electrical connection between the electrode mass and current collector, indicating that CNT-coated Al does not effectively reduce contact resistance. In contrast, the planar shape of graphene-type carbon provides a more effective connection between LMFP and the Al plate, resulting in minimal contact resistance. This improvement in contact resistance enhances cycleability by significantly reducing polarization during cycling, which prevents electrolyte decomposition on the LMFP surface. Given the significant impact of carbon morphology on interfacial contact, it is essential to rationally control the morphology of the carbon primer layer to optimize the properties of the positive electrode.

Simultaneous realization of efficient solar evaporation and electricity collection through dual regulation of chemical composition and pore channels

The solar-driven interfacial evaporation is a recently developed zero-energy technology for seawater desalination. However, the low evaporation rate poses a significant obstacle to its industrial application, and the collection of streaming potential formed during the evaporation process remains challenging. In this paper, we constructed a solar evaporator capable of simultaneously achieving efficient solar evaporation and electricity collection. Specifically, a double network structure hydrogel comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanoparticles nanofibers (TOCNFs) was fabricated using ice templating, with the addition of sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) to further modulate water distribution within the network. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enabled the achievement of a PVA/TOCNFs/SLS (PTFS) gel-based solar evaporator. The strong electronegativity carried by the TOCNFs enhances the electrostatic repulsion in the PVA-TOCNFs network, thus improving the mechanical properties of PTFS evaporator. The introduction of SLS, which contains abundant sulfonate groups, provides certain antibacterial properties to PTFS evaporator. Due to the presence of numerous hydrophilic groups, both TOCNFs and SLS can form weak hydrogen bonds with water. Through the synergistic effect of TOCNFs and SLS, the latent heat of water in PTFS evaporator is reduced to 924 kJ kg−1, enabling an evaporation rate of 3.70 kg m−2h−1 under 1 sun irradiation. Owing to the smaller pore size relative to the Debye radius and the presence of electronegative functional groups within the pores of PTFS evaporators, an overlapping bilayer is formed when water flows through, resulting in an open-circuit voltage increase of up to 270 mV. The integration of high-efficiency solar evaporation with streaming potential collection presents a novel avenue for enhancing the utilization of solar energy.

An insight into the toxicological impacts of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on human health: A review

An insight into the toxicological impacts of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on human health: A review

Static Approximate Modified Mirror—Full Adder for High Speed and Low Power Operations Using 32 nm CNTFET Technology

ABSTRACTThe error tolerance nature of the digital multimedia applications enables the implementation of approximate digital circuits to achieve the benefits of high speed of operation and low power consumption. This paper proposes a static approximate modified mirror full adder (SAMM‐FA) circuit designed using logic level approximation to reduce the number of transistors in the circuit. Owing to the balanced electrical characteristics, better stability and higher on‐current to off‐current ratio (Ion/Ioff), 32 nm carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) technology has been used for implementing the proposed circuit in the Cadence Virtuoso tool. Featuring only 10 transistors and operating at a supply voltage of 0.5 V, the proposed SAMM‐FA has a low power dissipation of just 4.14 nW, and propagation delay of just 3.82 ps. The power delay product and energy delay product figure of merits of the proposed circuit are found to be excellent when compared with the contemporary designs.

In-situ grown NiFeLDH nanosheets over nitrogen rich amorphous carbon nanotubes: An electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of depression biomarker

In this work, intrinsic conductivity mismatch of NiFe layered double hydroxide (NFL) catalysts and agglomeration of nanosheets were addressed by introducing N doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) which improves catalytic activity. Using a one-step wet chemical process, CNT-supported NiFeLDH nanosheets (NFL/NCNTx, x=20, 50 and 100) were effectively created. This work delves into the lower level sensitive electrochemical detection of serotonin (5-HT) by utilising synergy of CNT and LDH. The modified NFL/NCNT exhibits better electrochemical activity, appreciable sensitivity and spanned a concentration range of 0.01 - 400 μM with detection limit stood at 1.2 nM due to the plethora of electrochemical active surface area, remarkable conductivity and appreciable stability. Impressively, 96.0 - 96.8 % and 96.7 - 97.2 % recovery rates achieved in human urine and serum samples were well close to HPLC data, signifying its feasibility for real-time monitoring. The operational stability of the proposed sensor retained up to 89.13 % for 6 weeks. The present study highlights that tailoring NFL-NCNT heterojunction is an important strategy for the development of active and stable sensing platform.

N-doped carbon nanotubes and CoS@NC composites as a multifunctional separator modifier for advanced lithium-sulfur batteries

N-doped carbon nanotubes and CoS@NC composites as a multifunctional separator modifier for advanced lithium-sulfur batteries

Enhanced Toughness of KZr2(PO4)3 ceramics via hydrothermal Incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The multi-walled carbon nanotubes/KZr₂(PO₄)₃ (MWCNTs/KZP) composite ceramics were successfully prepared by introducing MWCNTs during the hydrothermal process. The impact of MWCNTs addition on the crystal structure, morphology, mechanical strength, and thermal expansion properties of KZP ceramics was investigated. XRD and SEM analyses revealed that the introduction of MWCNTs did not alter the phase and crystal structure of KZP. It was observed that the MWCNTs formed a strong interfacial bond with the KZP matrix and were uniformly dispersed. Mechanical testing showed that the composite ceramic with 0.3 wt% MWCNTs exhibited significantly improved flexural strength and fracture toughness, measuring 125.08 MPa and 2.57 MPa·m1/2, respectively, compared to the KZP ceramic. This enhancement was attributed to the refinement of KZP grain size and the formation of a high-strength bonding interface between MWCNTs and the KZP matrix. Moreover, the incorporation of MWCNTs not only improved the toughness of KZP ceramics but also imparted exceptional thermal properties, with a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) ranging from -0.30 to 0.49×10-6/K, demonstrating outstanding near-zero low thermal expansion characteristics.

Co–doped nitrogenated carbon nanotubes encapsulating CoNi alloys as bifunctional catalysts for urea-assisted rechargeable Zn-air battery

Co–doped nitrogenated carbon nanotubes encapsulating CoNi alloys as bifunctional catalysts for urea-assisted rechargeable Zn-air battery

Flexible electrochemical sensor based on N-doped helical carbon nanotubes coated manganese oxide nanoparticles for real-time monitoring of cellular hydrogen peroxide release

Flexible electrochemical sensor based on N-doped helical carbon nanotubes coated manganese oxide nanoparticles for real-time monitoring of cellular hydrogen peroxide release