Incorporation Of Carbon Nanoparticles Research Articles

State-of-the-art of electrospun nanocomposite nanofibers and membranes with carbon nanoparticles—Prevailing progressions

This state-of-the-art overview emphasizes electrospinning technique and resulting electrospun nanofibers and nanofibrous membranes. Consequently, the electrospinning method as well as the formation and features of the electrospun nanofiber/membrane nanomaterials have been described. Properties of the electrospun nanofibers have found to be enhanced several folds through the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles in the nanofibers. Important properties and utilizations of carbon nanocomposite electrospun nanofibers were seemed to be affected by nanoparticle amount and dispersal. Importantly, diameter, microstructure, and physical features (thermal, mechanical, conductive, etc.) of the nanofibers and resulting membranes can be affected by the nanofiller behavior. The high performance electrospun nanofibers have been used to form efficient nanocomposite nanofibrous membranes. Sequentially, the electrospun nanocomposite nanofibrous membranes have been applied in technical membrane applications.

State-of-the-art of electrospun nanocomposite nanofibers and membranes with carbon nanoparticles—Prevailing progressions

This state-of-the-art overview emphasizes electrospinning technique and resulting electrospun nanofibers and nanofibrous membranes. Consequently, the electrospinning method as well as the formation and features of the electrospun nanofiber/membrane nanomaterials have been described. Properties of the electrospun nanofibers have found to be enhanced several folds through the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles in the nanofibers. Important properties and utilizations of carbon nanocomposite electrospun nanofibers were seemed to be affected by nanoparticle amount and dispersal. Importantly, diameter, microstructure, and physical features (thermal, mechanical, conductive, etc.) of the nanofibers and resulting membranes can be affected by the nanofiller behavior. The high performance electrospun nanofibers have been used to form efficient nanocomposite nanofibrous membranes. Sequentially, the electrospun nanocomposite nanofibrous membranes have been applied in technical membrane applications.

Flexible and Wearable Strain-Temperature Sensors Based on Chitosan/Ink Sponges.

A simple and economic strategy to construct a chitosan-ink carbon nanoparticle sponge sensor was proposed by freeze-drying of chitosan and Chinese ink mixture solution. The microstructure and physical properties of the composite sponges with different ratios are characterized. The interfacial compatibility of chitosan and carbon nanoparticles in ink is satisfied, and the mechanical property and porosity of chitosan was increased by the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles. Due to excellent conductivity and good photothermal conversion effect of the carbon nanoparticles in ink, the constructed flexible sponge sensor has satisfactory strain and temperature sensing performance and high sensitivity (133.05 ms). In addition, these sensors can be successfully applied to monitor the large joint movement of the human body and the movement of muscle groups near the esophagus. Dual functionally integrated sponge sensors show great potential for strain and temperature detection in real time. The prepared chitosan-ink carbon nanoparticle composite shows promising applications in wearable smart sensors.

Lung Surfactant Decreases Biochemical Alterations and Oxidative Stress Induced by a Sub-Toxic Concentration of Carbon Nanoparticles in Alveolar Epithelial and Microglial Cells.

Carbon-based nanomaterials are nowadays attracting lots of attention, in particular in the biomedical field, where they find a wide spectrum of applications, including, just to name a few, the drug delivery to specific tumor cells and the improvement of non-invasive imaging methods. Nanoparticles inhaled during breathing accumulate in the lung alveoli, where they interact and are covered with lung surfactants. We recently demonstrated that an apparently non-toxic concentration of engineered carbon nanodiamonds (ECNs) is able to induce oxidative/nitrosative stress, imbalance of energy metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction in microglial and alveolar basal epithelial cells. Therefore, the complete understanding of their “real” biosafety, along with their possible combination with other molecules mimicking the in vivo milieu, possibly allowing the modulation of their side effects becomes of utmost importance. Based on the above, the focus of the present work was to investigate whether the cellular alterations induced by an apparently non-toxic concentration of ECNs could be counteracted by their incorporation into a synthetic lung surfactant (DPPC:POPG in 7:3 molar ratio). By using two different cell lines (alveolar (A549) and microglial (BV-2)), we were able to show that the presence of lung surfactant decreased the production of ECNs-induced nitric oxide, total reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde, as well as counteracted reduced glutathione depletion (A549 cells only), ameliorated cell energy status (ATP and total pool of nicotinic coenzymes), and improved mitochondrial phosphorylating capacity. Overall, our results on alveolar basal epithelial and microglial cell lines clearly depict the benefits coming from the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles into a lung surfactant (mimicking its in vivo lipid composition), creating the basis for the investigation of this combination in vivo.

The effects of carbon nanoparticles on curing kinetics of epoxy modified with triblock copolymer

This work studies the effects of combining triblock copolymers with carbon nanoparticles (carbon nanotubes, graphene and carbon black) on curing kinetics. The chosen triblock copolymer was poly (propylene glycol)-block-poly (ethylene glycol)-block-poly (propylene glycol) (PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG), which has different contents of PEG in its structure. The main objective is to investigate the influence of the miscibility of the PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG copolymer in epoxy nanocomposites. The PEG fraction in the copolymer structure was determinant for miscibility. The copolymer with the highest PEG fraction (50%) in its structure showed miscibility. The copolymer miscibility was critical for nanoparticle–matrix synergy, and the PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG copolymer nanocomposite with 50 wt% PEG showed a greater increase in E’ in relation to the nanocomposite with PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG with 10% by weight of PEG. Cure kinetics results showed that the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles delays the kinetics as the temperature increases. Additionally, the miscible block copolymer delayed the curing reaction, whereas the immiscible one accelerated it, even with the addition of nanoparticles. Finally, DSC analysis allowed to verify that the cure kinetics of all studied copolymer nanocomposite systems satisfy Kamal’s autocatalytic model.

Electrospun nano-bio membrane for bone tissue engineering application- a new approach

The aim of this research study, develop electrospun nano-bio membrane (ENBM) from Poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA), nano-Demineralized Bone Matrix (nano-DBM) and to impart additional strength, incorporation of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) by elctrospinning machine for their potential application in bone tissue regeneration. The effective of ENBM for biocompatibility properties were evaluated using MG 63 osteoblast cell line, which showed 100% biocompatibility and more viable cell present in the electrospun nano-biomembrane. In vitro biomineralization, more apatite formation was observed SEM images. Electrospun nanoscaffold prepared using PVA, nano-DBM and CNP (0.6%) possessed improved mechanical properties viz. 14.58 ± 0.13 Mpa of tensile strength, 13.87 ± 0.05% of elongation at break and 36.84 ± 0.11% water absorption. This research study proved the bone formation of these ENBM in bone tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine.

Effects of aqueous carbon nanoparticles as a novel nanoadditive in water-emulsified diesel/biodiesel blends on performance and emissions parameters of a diesel engine

Biodiesel utilization is associated with reduced calorific value and increased nitrogen oxides emissions. Hence, various strategies are implemented to address these challenges such as water addition into diesel/biodiesel fuel blends. In line with that, this study was undertaken to explore the effect of water (3 wt.%) and aqueous carbon nanoparticles (38, 75, and 150 µM), as a novel fuel nanoadditive, on combustion and exhaust emissions of a diesel engine at a fixed engine speed of 1000 rev/min under four different engine loads ranging from 25% to 100% of full load conditions. Overall, the engine performance characteristics were improved by incorporating the aqueous carbon nanoparticles. In particular, the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles into water-emulsified biodiesel/diesel blends generally enhanced brake power and thermal efficiency while lowering specific fuel consumption. The most appealing performance features were observed for the emulsified fuel blend containing 38 µM carbon nanoparticles which increased brake power and brake thermal efficiency by 1.07 kW and 11.58% at full load operation, respectively, while it led to decreased brake specific fuel consumption by about 107.3 g/kWh. The addition of carbon nanoparticles to the water-emulsified fuel blends adversely affected unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions at full load conditions owing to an increase in carbon content of the fuel blends but it lowered nitrogen oxides emissions. The addition of water deteriorated the economic features of the fuel blend (i.e., the cost per kWh of power generated). However, carbon nanoparticles addition into the water-emulsified fuel blend partially neutralized the adverse economic effects of water due to its positive impacts on thermal efficiency. Overall, water-emulsified diesel/biodiesel containing 38 µM carbon nanoparticles could be regarded as the most promising emulsion fuel in terms of engine performance characteristics, nitrogen oxides emissions, as well as fuel economy.

Development of an electrochemical sensor of endocrine disruptor bisphenol A by reduced graphene oxide for incorporation of spherical carbon nanoparticles

This work describes the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and its reduction using only carbon nanoparticles with no conventional chemical reducer or external energy. The reduced graphene oxide formed through the incorporation of the carbon nanoparticles (rGO-CNPS) was characterized by HR-TEM techniques, UV–vis, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. The rGO-CNPS nanomaterial was incorporated on the surface of the printed carbon electrode and used to determine the endocrine interferent bisphenol A. The SPE-rGO-CNPS electrode presented excellent response for bisphenol A at concentrations varying from 7.5 × 10−9 to 2.6 × 10−7 mol L−1 in PBS, pH 7 with sensitivity 189.5 μmol L−1 and detection limit of 1 × 10−9 mol L−1. The electrode also presented excellent performance even in the presence of the main phenolic interferences and was used for determination of bisphenol A in plastic-bottled drinking water.

Reinforcement effects of multiwall carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide on PDMS marine coatings

Poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) is a model silicon elastomer used as marine fouling-release coating, because it meets the fouling-release zone conditions of the Baier curve. However, weak mechanical properties limit its use. In this aspect, incorporation of carbon nanoparticles into PDMS is a common method for improving its mechanical properties. Since effective dispersion of nanofillers into polymer matrices is a challenge, a major aim of this study was to examine the PDMS mechanical reinforcement by developing different dispersing methods of pristine MWCNTs into PDMS matrix. SEM images of nanocomposites prepared using dispersion methods 1 and 2 revealed the formation of aggregates which subsequently affected the overall mechanical performance of the samples. Also, the effect of p-MWCNTs content and nanoparticle type [carboxyl-functionalized-MWCNTs, graphene oxide (GO)] on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was evaluated. Incorporation of p-MWCNTs did not alter drastically the critical surface energy value of neat PDMS, which subsequently influenced antifouling and cleaning performance of nanoreinforced coatings. To evaluate antifouling and cleaning performance of the nanocomposite coatings, seawater immersion tests were conducted. In conclusion, MWCNTs and GO increased the mechanical strength of the matrix, whereas they contributed to a small extent to the improvement in antifouling and cleaning performance of the composites.

Employing Easily Prepared Carbon Nanoparticles To Improve Performance of Inverted Organic Solar Cells

In this paper, we demonstrate that the efficiency of P3HT:ICBA blend -based organic solar cells (OSCs) was dramatically enhanced by introducing carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) into the active layer. At the optimal doping concentration, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of doped devices was increased from 4.12% up to 5.90%, accounting for a 43.20% PCE enhancement. CNPs serve as scattering centers to enlarge the light pathways, resulting in light-harvesting improvements. Meanwhile, the incorporation of CNPs in P3HT:ICBA blend can form a perfect homogeneous interpenetrating network, which is beneficial to improve exciton dissociation, charge transport, charge collection, and the photoconductive property of solar cells. This study establishes an efficient method for fabricating high-performance OSCs based on commercially available donor and acceptor materials.

Universal method for creating optically active nanostructures on layered materials.

The ability to form patterned surface nanostructures has revolutionized the miniaturization of electronics and led to the discovery of emergent behaviors unseen in macroscopic systems. However, the creation of such nanostructures typically requires multiple processing steps, a high level of technical expertise, and highly sophisticated equipment. In this work, we have discovered a simple method to create nanostructures with control size and positioning in a single processing step using a standard scanning electron microscope. The technique can be applied to a wide range of systems and was successful in every layered material tested. Patterned nanostructures were formed on graphite, topological insulators, novel superconductors, and layered transition metal dichalcogenides. The nanostructures were formed via the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles into the samples in a novel form of intercalation. It appears that the electron beam interacts with residual organic molecules available on the sample surface, making it possible for them to intercalate between the layers in their crystal structure and break down into carbon. These carbon nanoparticles have strong broad-wavelength interactions in the visible light range, making these nanostructures easily detectable in an optical microscope and of interest for a range of nanoscale electro-optical devices.

Study of the corrosion behavior of electrodeposited Ni–P and Ni–P–C nanocomposite coatings in 1 M NaOH

The corrosion protection performance of electrodeposited Ni–P and Ni–P–C composite coatings on copper substrates was studied. The effect of heat treatment on the coatings performance was also studied. The investigated coatings performance has been evaluated on the basis of electrochemical data obtained from the potentiodynamic polarization Tafel curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 1M NaOH solution at 298K. The results showed that incorporation of carbon nanoparticles from l-lysine source into Ni–P matrix increased significantly corrosion resistance of the coating. Based on these investigations, it was found that the Ni–P–C composite coatings after thermal treatment in air at 673K are more corrosion resistant in alkaline solution than the as-deposited coatings.

Optical Properties of Carbon thin films Containing Nanoparticles

ABSTRACTThe incorporation of carbon nanoparticles in the forms of nanotubes and bucky onions have shown to improve the mechanical properties of amorphous carbon (a-C) thin films. In this paper we report on the change in the optical properties of a-C films containg nanoparticles. The optical band gap, index of refraction and extinction coefficient are studied. The optical band gap in highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) is found to be around 2 eV. It decreases almost linearly with the sp2 fraction. It is theorized that the clustering of the sp2 sites leads to a reduction in the band gap. In this paper, we study the influence of large sp2 clusters in forms of graphitic nanoparticles on the optical of ta-C. We find that the optical gap remains around 1.8 eV even with the large inclusions of clustered nanoparticles. Furthermore, the gap remains close to 1.8 eV even when the sp2 fraction in the amorphous matrix is increased. The index of refraction however is found to decrease with the sp2 fraction indicating a reduction in density.