Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposites Research Articles

Tube-Like Copper Cobalt Oxide Anchored with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites Based on a Glassy Carbon Electrode for the Electrochemical Detection of Nilutamide

Abstract Developing a precise and effective method to detect Nilutamide (NIL) is essential due to its contamination of the environment, which poses significant risks to human health and the biosphere. In this study, we employed a simple hydrothermal technique to create a nanocomposite of CuCo2O4 (copper cobalt oxide) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), which was then anchored onto a glassy carbon electrode for NIL detection. Various spectroscopic techniques were employed to confirm the structure of the nanomaterial, and its electrochemical properties were examined using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The CuCo2O4/MWCNT nanocomposite-modified electrode exhibited a wide linear detection range from 0.01 to 170 µM, a high sensitivity of 1.50 μA μM−1 cm−2, a low detection limit of 0.01 μM, outstanding stability, repeatability, and practical applicability for NIL detection.

Electrochemical sensor based on nickel selenide/hydroxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites for sensitive detection of maltol

An effective electrochemical sensor based on electrodeposition of nickel selenide nanoparticles (Ni3Se4) on the surface of a glass carbon electrode (GCE) modified with hydroxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-OH) has been successfully developed for determination of maltol. The chemical composition and morphology of Ni3Se4/MWCNTs-OH composites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) are employed to investigate the electrochemical behavior of maltol at Ni3Se4/MWCNTs-OH/GCE. Consequently, electrochemical sensor based on Ni3Se4/MWCNTs-OH/GCE for detection of maltol displays good electrocatalyst performance. The obtained oxidation peak current of maltol at Ni3Se4/MWCNTs-OH/GCE increases linearly with the increase in concentration of maltol in the range of 0.1 μM–2000 μM, and the calculated detection limit (LOD) is 17.5 nM (S/N = 3). In addition, the fabricated electrochemical sensor shows satisfactory stability, reliable reproducibility and excellent selectivity, and is successfully used to detect maltol in real samples with acceptable accuracy.

Resilient forward osmosis membranes against microplastics fouling enhanced by MWCNTs/UiO-66-NH2 hybrid nanoparticles

The escalating presence of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater necessitates the investigation of effective tertiary treatment process. Forward osmosis (FO) emerges as an effective non-pressurized membrane process, however, for the effective implementation of FO systems, the development of fouling-resistance FO membranes with high-performance is essential. This study focuses on the integration of MWCNT/UiO-66-NH2 as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanocomposites in thin film composite (TFC) FO membranes, harnessing the synergistic power of hybrid nanoparticles in FO membranes. The results showed that the addition of MWCNT/UiO-66-NH2 in the aqueous phase during polyamide formation changed the polyamide surface structure, and enhanced membranes’ hydrophilicity by 44%. The water flux of the modified FO membrane incorporated with 0.1 wt% MWCNTs/UiO-66-NH2 increased by 67% and the reverse salt flux decreased by 22% as in comparison with the control membrane. Moreover, the modified membrane showed improved antifouling behavior against both organic foulant and MPs. The MWCNT/UiO-66-NH2 membrane experienced 35% flux decline while the control membrane experienced 65% flux decline. This proves that the integration of MWCNT/UiO-66-NH2 nanoparticles into TFC FO membranes is a viable approach in creating advanced FO membranes with high antifouling propensity with potential to be expanded further to other membrane applications.

Electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions in water using MWCNT/ZnO nanocomposite

A nanocomposite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was fabricated via an in-situ hydrothermal approach and implemented as a modified electrode for stripping voltammetric detection of dissolved heavy metal ions. The MWCNT/ZnO exhibited a high specific surface area of 53 m2/g and charge transfer conductivity amplified to 26 S/cm. By square wave voltammetry, the nanocomposite sensor achieved wide linear detection of Cu(II) from 1 to 800 ppb, Pb(II) from 5 to 1000 ppb, and Hg(II) from 1 to 900 ppb, along with low limits of detection reaching 0.8, 1.2, and 0.7 ppb, respectively. The 3–5X enhanced sensitivity versus an unmodified screen-printed carbon electrode confirms performance gains supplied by the tailored hybrid interface. Selectivity testing produced distinct, well-resolved oxidation peaks for each metal ion target that remained unaffected by high off-target concentrations of Mn(II), Co(II), and Fe(III) interferents. Accurate spike recoveries between 95% and 102% were obtained from quantifying ternary mixtures across various Cu(II):Pb(II):Hg(II) compositions, substantiating the capability for simultaneous multianalyte analysis. The simple preparation, high sensitivity and selectivity, and accuracy for direct water testing validates the nanocomposite as a practical portable sensor for on-site toxic heavy metal detection.

Nano cerium oxide loaded magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite for anti-cancer and anti-bacterial applications

Our study describes the hydrothermal synthesis of CeO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), and CeO2-loaded magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanocomposites (NCs). The obtained CeO2-MMCNTs NC was physicochemically characterized by XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, and UV–visible spectroscopy to assess the NC's crystalline size, functional group, shape, elemental content, and optical characteristics. Further, the disc diffusion method and bacterial reduction assay were used to assess the antibacterial activity of the CeO2-MMCNTs NC. The results showed that NC exhibited better antibacterial activity than cerium oxide NPs. The antioxidant activity of NC was also assessed using the DPPH test, and the findings revealed that the CeO2-MMCNTs NC had stronger scavenging activity than cerium oxide NPs. Next, the MTT test was used to assess the anticancer activity of the NC, and the findings indicated that the CeO2-MMCNTs NCs killed human colon cancer cells with a low IC50 value. These results suggested that CeO2-MMCNTs NC can be used for biomedical applications.

A facile, environmentally-benign, green and a novel synthesis of tert-butyl-quinolines by using Fe3O4-MWCNT@CeO2 as recyclable catalyst

The aim of the present work is to examine the catalytic activity of ceria (CeO2) supported on a nano-composite of iron oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4-MWCNT). A simple impregnation protocol was used to synthesize Fe3O4-MWCNT@CeO2 nano-composite, and a diversity of analytical techniques (including XRD, BET, TGA, SEM, TEM, and EDS) were used to thoroughly describe the catalyst material. The CeO2 supported on Fe3O4-MWCNT were found to be uniformly distributed throughout the nano-composite, irregular spherical in shape, and ranged in size from 5 to 15 nm, according to high-resolution TEM image. Afterwards, the synthesis of novel tert-butyl-quinoline analogues via a multi-component condensation comprising substituted aldehydes, dimedone, 3°-butylacetoacetate, and NH4OAc was used to evaluate the catalytic performance of the Fe3O4-MWCNT@CeO2 nano-composite. Their large specific surface area, porosity, unique exposed surfaces, and stability all contribute to their effectiveness. The catalyst's extremely active surfaces are highlighted by the notably high turn-over frequency. Thus, using ethanol as the green solvent, we suggest an effective and reusable catalytic approach that works at mild reaction condition with excellent product yields (90–97 %). This makes that nano-composite inexpensive, safe for the environment, and very atom-efficient. When compared to existing commercial approaches, our protocol is found to be more sustainable and efficient.

Preparation and Characterization of Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) Incorporated in Gelatin-Based Hydrogel Nanocomposites

This study prepared gelatin/functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) nanocomposites with different f-MWCNT concentrations using a simple solution casting method. For each f-MWCNT concentration of the gelatin/f-MWCNT nanocomposites, permittivity parameters were measured at five different locations on the sample surface. Cole–Cole graphs were obtained by plotting the imaginary permittivity as a function of the real permittivity. The Havriliak–Negami model was used to obtain the value of alpha, since the shape is a quasi-skewed semicircle. The average relaxation time was τ = 12.6 ps and was roughly constant with the addition of f-MWCNTs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed increased interactions between the carbon nanotubes and polymers.

Microfluidic paper-based analysis device applying black phosphorus nanosheets@MWCNTs-COOH: A portable and efficient strategy for detection of β-Lactoglobulin in dairy products

This study prepared a novel, portable and cost-effective microfluidic paper-based electrochemical analysis device (μ-PAD) using black phosphorus nanosheets@carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (BPNSs@MWCNTs-COOH) nanocomposites for β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) detection. At the appreciate ratio, the synthesized BPNSs@MWCNTs-COOH was demonstrated to not only serve as a high-quality substrate for the specific aptamer immobilization, but also improve the electron transfer capability of the sensing interface. The μ-PADs, utilizing BPNSs@MWCNTs-COOH and aptamer recognition, exhibited a wider detection range (10–1000 ng mL−1) and lower detection limit (LOD: 0.12 ng mL−1) for β-LG, and demonstrated enhanced specificity, satisfactory anti-interference ability and stability. When applied to the β-LG determination in dairy samples, the μ-PAD yielded β-LG concentrations highly correlated with those obtained using the HPLC method (R2: 0.9982). These results emphasized the reliable performance of the developed μ-PADs in β-LG allergen quantification, highlighting their potential as an efficient platform for the rapid screening of β-LG allergens.

High-Performance PEEK/MWCNT Nanocomposites: Combining Enhanced Electrical Conductivity and Nanotube Dispersion.

High-performance engineering thermoplastics offer lightweight and excellent mechanical performance in a wide temperature range. Their composites with carbon nanotubes are expected to enhance mechanical performance, while providing thermal and electrical conductivity. These are interesting attributes that may endow additional functionalities to the nanocomposites. The present work investigates the optimal conditions to prepare polyether ether ketone (PEEK)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites, minimizing the MWCNT agglomerate size while maximizing the nanocomposite electrical conductivity. The aim is to achieve PEEK/MWCNT nanocomposites that are suitable for melt-spinning of electrically conductive multifilament's. Nanocomposites were prepared with compositions ranging from 0.5 to 7 wt.% MWCNT, showing an electrical percolation threshold between 1 and 2 wt.% MWCNT (107-102 S/cm) and a rheological percolation in the same range (1 to 2 wt.% MWCNT), confirming the formation of an MWCNT network in the nanocomposite. Considering the large drop in electrical conductivity typically observed during melt-spinning and the drawing of filaments, the composition PEEK/5 wt.% MWCNT was selected for further investigation. The effect of the melt extrusion parameters, namely screw speed, temperature, and throughput, was studied by evaluating the morphology of MWCNT agglomerates, the nanocomposite rheology, and electrical properties. It was observed that the combination of the higher values of screw speed and temperature profile leads to the smaller number of MWCNT agglomerates with smaller size, albeit at a slightly lower electrical conductivity. Generally, all processing conditions tested yielded nanocomposites with electrical conductivity in the range of 0.50-0.85 S/cm. The nanocomposite processed at higher temperature and screw speed presented the lowest value of elastic modulus, perhaps owing to higher matrix degradation and lower connectivity between the agglomerates. From all the process parameters studied, the screw speed was identified to have the higher impact on nanocomposite properties.

Improvement of the Piezoresistive Behavior of Poly (vinylidene fluoride)/Carbon Nanotube Composites by the Addition of Inorganic Semiconductor Nanoparticles.

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs), obtained by incorporating conductive fillers into a polymer matrix, are suitable for producing strain sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM) in infrastructure. Here, the effect of the addition of inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles (INPs) to a poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite filled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the piezoresistive behavior is investigated. INPs with different morphologies and sizes are synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The added inorganic oxide semiconductors showed two distinct morphologies, including different phases. While particles with flower-like plate morphology contain phases of orth-ZnSnO3 and SnO, the cauliflower-like nanoparticles contain these metal oxides and ZnO. The nanoparticles are characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the nanocomposites by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Cyclic tensile testing is applied to determine the strain-sensing behavior of PVDF/1 wt% MWCNT nanocomposites with 0-10 wt% inorganic nanoparticles. Compared to the PVDF/1 wt% MWCNT nanocomposite, the piezoresistive sensitivity is higher after the addition of both types of nanoparticles and increases with their amount. Thereby, nanoparticles with flower-like plate structures improve strain sensing behavior slightly more than nanoparticles with cauliflower-like structures. The thermogravimetric analysis results showed that the morphology of the semiconductor nanoparticles added to the PVDF/MWCNT matrix influences the changes in thermal properties.

Poly(ether-sulfone)/MWCNT nanocomposites manufactured by powder metallurgy route and their dynamic mechanical properties

Dynamic mechanical properties of the poly(ether-sulfone) (PES)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites manufactured by powder metallurgical route was discussed for the first time. The structural investigation of the nanocomposites was analysed by x-ray diffraction. At room temperature, both storage modulus and microhardness of the nanocomposites increased by more than 60% while the strengthening efficiency at higher temperatures is several-folds compared to that of neat PES. The nanocomposites exhibited better damping behaviour compared to neat PES. The Cole–Cole plot indicated a good interaction between the PES and the MWCNT. Moreover, the coefficient of reinforcement decreased by 42% while the degree of entanglement increased.

Insights for improving the electromagnetic properties of conductive nanocomposites manufactured with carbon nanotubes

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies offer many advantages that are attractive for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in industrial environments, and possibilities include customizable sizes and new complex internal shapes (infill) for parts. The polymeric nanocomposites with carbon-based nanomaterials, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), are of great interest and can be used for the development of functional electromagnetic components using the material extrusion (MEX) technique,. However, the literature lacks a deeper understanding of the relationship between the MEX process, the slicing parameters, the structure generated, and the electromagnetic behavior of the nanocomposite-based parts. This work studied the influence of building direction, various infill patterns, and orientations of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS)/MWCNT nanocomposite with 3 wt% of MWCNT on the manufacture of samples by additive manufacturing, with the evaluation of the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) and reflection loss (RL) performances of the prepared materials. The correlation between geometric parameters and the EM response was explored and corroborated with computational simulations. The results pointed out that parts using the building direction (ZX and XY) may achieve similar shielding results depending mainly on the infill orientation. When the deposited filament (or the entire layer) is aligned with the electric field, the EM shielding behavior is maximized. In contrast, when the deposited filaments are orthogonal to the electric field, the behavior is impaired. The computational simulation of the rheological flow of the nanocomposite and the EM behavior corroborated these findings, and the MEX sample matched the attenuation of the injection molded sample behavior for a greater thickness (16 dB at 9 mm). Additionally, the RL behavior of the parts with different infill patterns and thicknesses was studied. These results indicated that the MEX process might be a promising way to promote the reflection loss (RL) behavior of conductive materials that, in bulk, would not promote such a good response. The best RL performance found was − 18 dB and 1.4 GHz bandwidth for the 50 wt% hexagonal infill pattern with an extra layer in the middle of the body sample.

An electrochemical biosensor for T4 polynucleotide kinase activity assay based on host-guest recognition between phosphate pillar[5]arene@MWCNTs and thionine.

T4 polynucleotide kinase helps with DNA recombination and repair. In this study, an electrochemical biosensor was developed for a T4 polynucleotide kinase activity assay and inhibitor screening based on phosphate pillar[5]arene and multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites. The water-soluble pillar[5]arene was employed as the host to complex thionine guest molecules. The substrate DNA with a 5'-hydroxyl group initially self-assembled on the gold electrode surface through chemical adsorption of the thiol group, which was phosphorylated in the presence of T4 polynucleotide kinase. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles served as a bridge to link phosphorylated DNA and phosphate pillar[5]arene and multi-walled carbon nanotube composite due to strong phosphate-Ti4+-phosphate chemistry. Through supramolecular host-guest recognition, thionine molecules were able to penetrate the pillar[5]arene cavity, resulting in an enhanced electrochemical response signal. The electrochemical signal is proportional to the T4 polynucleotide kinase concentration in the range of 10-5 to 15 U mL-1 with a detection limit of 5 × 10-6 U mL-1. It was also effective in measuring HeLa cell lysate-related T4 polynucleotide kinase activity and inhibitor screening. The proposed method offers a unique sensing platform for kinase activity measurement, holding great potential in nucleotide kinase-target drug development, clinical diagnostics, and inhibitor screening.

Detection of H. pylori outer membrane protein (HopQ) biomarker using electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor with polypyrrole nanotubes and carbon nanotubes nanocomposite on screen-printed carbon electrode

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is classified as a class I carcinogen that colonizes the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The detection at low concentrations is crucial in combatting H. pylori. HopQ protein is located on H. pylori's outer membrane and is expressed at an early stage of contamination, which signifies it as an ideal biomarker. In this study, we presented the development of an electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for the ultra-sensitive detection of HopQ at low concentrations. The sensor employed polypyrrole nanotubes (PPy-NTs) and carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) nanocomposite. PPy-NTs were chosen for their excellent conductivity, biocompatibility, and redox capabilities, simplifying sample preparation by eliminating the need to add redox probes upon measurement. MWCNT-COOH provided covalent binding sites for HopQ antibodies (HopQ-Ab) on the biosensor surface. Characterization of the biosensor was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), complemented by numerical semiempirical quantum calculations. The results demonstrated a dynamic linear range of 5 pg/mL to 1.063 ng/mL and an excellent selectivity, with the possibility of excluding interference using EIS data, specifically charge transfer resistance and double-layer capacitance as multivariants for the calibration curve. Using two EIS components, the limit of detection is calculated to be 2.06 pg/mL. The biosensor was tested with a spiked drinking water sample and showed a signal recovery of 105.5% when detecting 300 pg/mL of HopQ. This novel H. pylori biosensor offers reliable, simple, portable, and rapid screening of the bacteria.

Evaluating the microwave absorbing performance of polymer-free thin Fe3O4−MWCNT NCs in X-band region

In the past decade, hierarchical structure formation of magnetic (Fe3O4) and carbon based electrically conducting nanocomposites (NCs) has been widely used in microwave shielding applications due to the presence of lightweight, huge surface area, heterogenous interface surface etc. Current research is focused on reducing the thickness of the shielding material without compromising its performance. Herein, the fabrication of a 500 μm thick, polymer-free, stand-alone electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding pellets of Fe3O4 - amine functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) NCs is reported with an average shielding efficiency of 60.7 dB for 8 to 12 GHz. The amine-functionalized MWCNT has superior electric conductivity due to the presence of reduced surface oxidation groups and superior charge carrying by free electrons in the amine groups. The structural and magnetic properties of all the materials were confirmed by XRD, Raman, FESEM, HRTEM, VSM and VNA techniques. The chemical interaction of Fe3O4−MWCNT was confirmed by the presence of the Fe–O–C bond from the O 1s spectrum from XPS analysis. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are homogeneously incorporated on the MWCNT surface, forming composite structures, which improve interface polarization, electron charge carrying, and impedance matching due to the presence of chemical interaction.

An Electrochemical Immunosensor with PEDOT: PSS/MWCNTs-COOH Nanocomposites as a Modified Working Electrode Material for Detecting Tau-441

The progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is positively correlated with the phosphorylation damage of Tau-441 protein, which is the marker with the most potential for the early detection of AD. The low content of Tau-441 in human serum is a major difficulty for the realization of content detection. Herein, we prepared an electrochemical immunosensor modified with Poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)-poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS)/Carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs-COOH) nanocomposites based on electrochemical immunoassay technology for the low-concentration detection of Tau-441. The immunosensor based on the nanocomposite can take advantage of the characteristics of conductive polymers to achieve electrical signal amplification and use MWCNTs-COOH to increase the contact area of the active site and bond with the Tau-441 antibodies on the electrode. The physicochemical and electrical properties of PEDOT: PSS/MWCNTs-COOH were studied by in situ characterization techniques and electrochemical characterization methods, indicating that the immunosensor has high selectivity and sensitivity to the Tau-441 immune reaction. Under optimized optimal conditions, the electrochemical immunosensor detected a range of concentrations of Tau-441 to obtain a low detection of limit (0.0074 ng mL−1) and demonstrated good detection performance through actual human serum sample testing experiments. Therefore, the study provides an effective reference value for the early diagnosis of AD.

Tailoring Optoelectronic Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles via Incorporation of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Contents on of ZnO/MWCNT Nanocomposites

The present study demonstrates the tailoring of optoelectronic properties of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at different weight ratios. ZnO/MWCNT nanocomposites were successfully prepared using the solution blending method, and the optical spectra of all samples were determined using a UV–vis spectrometer. An increase in the optical absorption coefficient (α) and extinction coefficient (k) was observed with an increase in MWCNT content, resulting in the significant ability to attenuate incident light in ZnO/MWCNT nanocomposites compared to pure ZnO NPs. The optical band gap of pure ZnO NPs decreased from 3.26 eV to 2.58 eV in the ZnO/50 wt% MWCNT nanocomposite. The refractive index values ranged from 1.66 to 1.61 as the wavelength varied between 400 nm and 700 nm. Furthermore, the incorporation of MWCNTs in the ZnO/MWCNT nanocomposite had an impact on various dispersion parameters related to the refractive index. With increasing MWCNT content, the dielectric constant (ε 0) decreased from 2.40 to 1.96, while the mean oscillator wavelength (λ 0) increased from 157.7 nm to 164.2 nm and the oscillator strength (S0) decreased from 5.93 × 10−5 nm−2 to 3.70 × 10−6 nm−2. The localized density of state (N/m*) increased from 7.45 × 1057 to 20.8 × 1057 (m3 Kg) −1, and the long wavelength refractive index (ε ∞) rose from 3.683 to 4.745. Moreover, the plasma frequency (ω p) of the electron exhibited an increase from 2.15 × 1031 to 6.01 × 1031 Hz. These findings highlight the potential of tailoring the optoelectronic properties of ZnO NPs through the incorporation of MWCNTs, paving the way for the development of novel materials with improved optoelectronic characteristics for a wide range of applications.

PVDF/poly(3-methylthiophene)/MWCNT nanocomposites for EMI shielding in the microwave range

This work presents a new approach to enhance EMI shielding efficiency of nanocomposites of dielectric polymers, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and intrinsically conducting polymers for account of using core-shell morphology for conducting components. To realize this approach new ternary nanocomposites of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), MWCNTs and poly(3-methylthiophene) doped by Cl− anions (P3MT) were prepared through synthesis of thermally stable core/shell nanocomposites PVDF/P3MT and MWCNT/P3MT. These binary nanocomposites were mixed with pure MWCNTs or PVDF followed by compression molding to prepare the ternary nanocomposites of different morphology to discriminate their EMI shielding properties in a wide frequency range (1–67 GHz). Values of the tangent of dielectric loss angle, the efficiency of transmission, reflection and absorption of microwave radiation, and shielding efficiency (SE) of the specified materials were found from analysis of spectral dependences of their complex dielectric constants. It was shown that while the melt mixing of the binary PVDF/P3MT nanocomposite with MWCNTs both in a pure state and in the binary nanocomposite (MWCNT/P3MT) expectedly strongly enhances SE of the former, this effect is non-linear and depends on presence/absence of the P3MT shell on the MWCNT core. The ternary nanocomposite PVDF/P3MT/MWCNT made of the binary polymer-polymer nanocomposite PVDF/P3MT and pure MWCNTs showed highest SE values at the frequencies above 4.5 GHz up to 68.4 dB at 67 GHz in the case of the 1 mm thickness sample. However, below 4.5 GHz the SE was higher in the case of the ternary nanocomposites containing core/shell MWCNT/P3MT nanocomposite instead of pure MWCNT.

One-Pot Synthesis of Semiconducting Quantum Dots–Organic Linker–Carbon Nanotubes for Potential Applications in Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

Materials and composites with the ability to convert light into electricity are essential for a variety of applications, including solar cells. The development of materials and processes needed to boost the conversion efficiency of solar cell materials will play a key role in providing pathways for dependable light to electric energy conversion. Here, we show a simple, single-step technique to synthesize photoactive nanocomposites by coupling carbon nanotubes with semiconducting quantum dots using a molecular linker. We also discuss and demonstrate the potential application of nanocomposite for the fabrication of bulk heterojunction solar cells. Cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) were attached to multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using perylene-3, 4, 9, 10-tetracarboxylic-3, 4, 9, 10-dianhydride (PTCDA) as a molecular linker through a one-step synthetic route. Our investigations revealed that PTCDA tremendously boosts the density of QDs on MWCNT surfaces and leads to several interesting optical and electrical properties. Furthermore, the QD–PTCDA–MWCNTs nanocomposites displayed a semiconducting behavior, in sharp contrast to the metallic behavior of the MWCNTs. These studies indicate that, PTCDA interfaced between QDs and MWCNTs, acted as a molecular bridge which may facilitate the charge transfer between QDs and MWCNTs. We believe that the investigations presented here are important to discover simple synthetic routes for obtaining photoactive nanocomposites with several potential applications in the field of opto-electronics as well as energy conversion devices.

Studies on sustainable CuO/ZnO@MWCNT electrodes and their supercapacitive performances in redox additive electrolyte

Supercapacitive performances of copper oxide and zinc oxide loaded multiwalled carbon nanotube (CuO/ZnO@MWCNT - CZM) nanocomposites (NCs) in redox additive electrolyte were reported. CZM NCs were hydrothermally synthesized and calcinated at 500 °C for 5 h. The structural characteristics of the prepared NCs were examined using powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy techniques were employed to analyse the surface features and molecular interactions of the prepared NCs, respectively. The working electrodes were fabricated using CZM NCs and tested in pure 3 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.2 M potassium ferrocyanide added 3 M KOH electrolytes (K4[Fe(CN)6] – RAE). Fabricated electrode exhibited the specific capacitances of 199.4 Fg−1 (at 8 Ag−1) in KOH and 1829.43 Fg−1 (at 15 Ag−1) in RAE, respectively. Furthermore, an asymmetrical-type supercapacitor was constructed using CZM NCs and activated carbon-coated Ni foil as the working and counter electrodes, respectively. Fabricated device demonstrated 18.5 W h kg−1 and 1875 W kg−1 of energy and power densities, respectively, with 83.05 Fg−1 of specific capacitance in RAE. Electrochemical studies confirmed that the prepared CZM NCs demonstrated superior performances in RAE.