Carbon Nano Research Articles

Controllable construction of “degressive gradient” transition layer on carbon fibers surface to enhance interfacial properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites by layer upon layer assembly of carbon nano tubes

AbstractCarbon fiber (CF) reinforced epoxy (EP) matrix composite was widely used in industries, however, the mismatch of modulus between CFs and resin would lead to easy damage at the composite interface. In addition, complex modification methods limited the application of CF composite. To address these problems, a simple and efficient physical coating method was used to introduce a degressive gradient modulus layer on the CF surface. The “stepped modulus” structure could effectively disperse stress, improve the mechanical interlocking and wettability, and realize the modulus matching between fiber and resin, thus significantly improving the interface properties of the composites. The interfacial properties of Cn‐CNT‐CF/EP (n was the number of coatings) were gradually improved with the controllable gradient modulus layer established. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and transverse fiber bundle (TFB) strength of C4‐CNTs‐CF/EP were increased by 65.7% and 85.6%, respectively. Due to the presence of a “degressive gradient” modulus layer, the improved mechanical properties of the Cn‐CNT‐CF/EP were comparable to or even more significant than other complicated approaches found in the literature. This simple and effective composite interface construction technique laid the theoretical and practical foundation for the preparation of high‐performance CF composite.

Sulphonated poly(ethersulfone)/carbon nano-onions-based nanocomposite membranes with high ion-conducting channels for salt removal via electrodialysis.

Herein, we are reporting the carbon nano onions (CNO)-based sulphonated poly(ethersulfone) (SPES) composite membranes by varying CNO content in SPES matrix for water desalination applications. CNOs were cost-effectively synthesized using flaxseed oil as a carbon source in an energy efficient flame pyrolysis process. The physico- and electrochemical properties of nanocomposite membranes were evaluated and compared to pristine SPES. Moreover, the chemical characterisation of composite membranes and CNOs were illustrated using techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and universal tensile machine (UTM). In the series of nanocomposite membranes, SPES-0.25 composite membrane displayed the highest water uptake (WU), ion exchange membrane (IEC) and ionic conductivity (IC) values that were enhanced by 9.25%, ~ 44.78% and ~ 6.10%, respectively, compared to pristine SPES membrane. The electrodialytic performance can be achieved maximum when membranes possess low power consumption (PC) and high energy efficiency (Ee). Therefore, the value of Ee and Pc for SPES-0.25 membrane has been determined to be 99.01 ± 0.97% and 0.92 ± 0.01 kWh kg-1, which are 1.12 and 1.11 times higher than the pristine SPES membrane. Hence, integrating CNO nanoparticles into the SPES matrix enhanced the ion-conducting channels.

Piezoelectric fibers-based PVDF-ZnS-carbon nano onions as a flexible nanogenerator for energy harvesting and self-powered pressure sensing

Herein, an innovative piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) is fabricated by electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and a hybrid nanofiller comprised of zinc sulfide nanorods (ZnS NRs) and carbon nano onion particles (CNOs). From a mechanistic point of view, it has been determined that ZnS nanorods contribute to the alignment of the electric dipoles in PVDF and enhance the overall piezoelectric properties of the composite nanofibers because of their intrinsic piezoelectric ability. CNOs as a family of carbon allotropes with electrical conductivity as well as easy preparation method from natural source of castor oil as a cost-effective preparation method can improve the piezoelectric performance of PVDF nanofibers by positively enhancing the charge transfer rate and thereby enabling the alignment of PVDF’s electric dipoles. The developed PVDF-ZnS-CNOs composite (with 0.15 wt% of CNOs loading) based PENG exhibited improved electrical functionality and stability. The maximum power density of approximately 30.15 μW/cm2, the load resistance of 1.0 MΩ, the open-circuit voltage of 14 V, and the short-circuit current of 35 μA were observed. In addition to evaluate the energy harvesting and sensing capabilities, the constructed PENG was utilized to identify numerous types of human movements, and several capacitors were charged. It was observed that a capacitor with a 1 µF capacity could be charged to 9.5 V under mechanical stimulation in 45 s, which shows a promising platform for eliminating the need for an external power source to operate portable gadgets. Consequently, the developed PENG possess high potential, which can be utilized as an alternative to conventional power supplies in self-powered devices by taking advantage of their flexibility and stability.

Effect of flow rate and CNM concentration in nanofluid on the performance of convective heat transfer coefficient

The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal performance of water-based Carbon Nano Material (CNM) nanofluids, particularly in the convective heat transfer coefficient (h) parameter, and to analyze the effects of nanoparticle concentration and flow rate on an experimental heat transfer system. To achieve this, the researchers prepared the nanofluid through a 2-step method. In the first step, we mixed the nanoparticles with the base fluid using a magnetic stirrer to ensure homogenization, with the CNM-Water ratio set at 30, 75, 120, and 150 ppm. In the second step, we characterized the prepared samples, determining their size, composition, and particle morphology through PSA and SEM-EDX examination, as well as measuring their density (ρ) and specific heat (Cp). The experiments were carried out using a flow rate simulation test rig with a data acquisition system, at different flow rates of 0.2, 0.6, 1, and 1.4 L/min. Temperature (T) was measured at the inlet, outlet, and heater to determine the convective heat transfer coefficient value. The study successfully investigated the direct impact of CNM concentration and flow rate, with the results showing a consistent and expected value of the coefficient compared to previous studies. The highest coefficient value was observed at 150 ppm CNM-Water ratio and a flow rate of 1.4 L/min, with a value of 1825.37 W/(m2.K).

Investigation on characteristics discrepancy through MWCNT nano particle blend of coconut oil

Due to their outstanding qualities, nanoparticles have proven effective in all engineering applications. The goal of the current work is to use the Multi walled Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNT) to improve in engine performance and decrease in exhaust emissions caused by the addition of nanosized fuel additives to both diesel and blended diesel fuel. It has been discovered that adding gasoline additives improves combustion characteristics and promotes thermo-physical qualities. The fuel additive's addition accelerated burning and decreased the ignition delay. The ability to blend biodiesel with diesel was made possible by the enhancement of fuel characteristics brought about by nanoparticles used as fuel additives. It has been shown that adding the right amount of fuel additive improves ignition characteristics and decreases. In this investigation predominantly concentrated on characteristics discrepancy through MWCNT mixed blend of biodiesel of coconut oil (BCO). The biodiesel produced from the coconut oil through the transesterification procedure. For the improvement of the biodiesel properties by means of the involvement of the nano particles of MWCNT of size 30 to 40 nm. There are four combination of the nanoparticles added fuels such as were created to compare the properties. The variations were created with the amount of MWCNT mixing such as 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm in every liter of the fuel. BCO mixed with 200 ppm MWCNT mixed blend shows best performance as Calorific Value increased by 22.22%, Kinematic viscosity @ 40°C improved by 7.71%, percentage of Cetane number increased by 21.43%, The percentage of decreased the Carbon residue percentage by 7.67%, and the percentage of decreased Flash point by 8% than the base fuel BCO.

Mechanical properties evaluation of carbon nanotube/sisal fiber/marble dust reinforced polymer based composites

In current circumstances the use of natural fibers is improved extremely in vehicle segment as prospective renewable and biodegradable constituents. The automotive industry currently uses natural fibre reinforced polymer composites for a wide range of panelling components in wagons, as well as for several interior components. It's a plastic that can stand in for glass-fiber-reinforced varieties when necessary. This study focusses on how marble dust and multi-walled carbon nanotubes scatter in sisal fibre and epoxy. The composite was made using 1 wt% marble dust particles and 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt% of multi-walled carbon nano tube (CNT). Mechanical parameters were determined using ASTM-standard testing process, and test composites were cut to those specifications. The results proved that the nanotube composite with a 1.5 wt% increase in nanotubes possessed improved mechanical properties. Adding 1.5% carbon nanotubes increased tensile strength by 12.14%, and adding 2% CNT increased tensile strength by 14.85%. Meanwhile, flexural strength improved by 72.6% and 124.8%, respectively, after the addition of CNT at the indicated weight percentages to preserve their dimensional stability.

3D layered structure Ti3C2Tx MXene/Ni(OH)2/C with strong catalytic and adsorption capabilities of polysulfides for high-capacity Sodium–Sulfur battery

The room temperature sodium-sulfur battery has attracted researchers' attention due to its ultra-high energy storage capacity and extremely low cost, but its poor cycling performance and severe dissolution of sodium polysulfide hinder its practical application. Here, we report a stable MXene derived composite sulfur host material based on nickel hydroxide coated with carbon nano network, to achieve the adsorption and conversion of sodium polysulfides. Due to the physical constraints provided by the closed layered structure and the synergistic effect of MXene adsorption and Ni(OH)2catalytic activity, the shuttling effect is effectively suppressed. The ex-situ analysis of electrode after reaction shows that the composite material has strong adsorption on polysulfides. In addition, Ni(OH)2can also accelerate the reaction process from sulfur to sodium sulfide. Therefore, Ti3C2Tx/Ni(OH)2/C/S composite cathode can provide extraordinary reversible capacity 1175.3 mAh/g at 0.22C after 100 cycles and excellent long cycle stability (673.5 mAh/g at 2.2 C with a low decay rate of only 0.032% per cycle over 800 cycles).

An Efficient Way to Produce a Nano Composite of Al 2024 T3 Reinforced by Multi-Walled Carbon Nano Tubes

An Efficient Way to Produce a Nano Composite of Al 2024 T3 Reinforced by Multi-Walled Carbon Nano Tubes

EROSION-RESISTANT NANOCOATING DERIVED FROM POLYPROPYLENE AND BAMBOO-BASED BIO NANO CARBON (PP-BNC) TO ENHANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF PETROLEUM PIPELINES

Oil and gas transportation efficiency is hindered by petroleum pipeline erosion where the pipelines are exposed to solid particles, viscous fluids, processing temperature and pressure, surrounding conditions and accompanied gasses. The current issue is to solve the erosion of petroleum pipelines problem by developing an erosion-resistant nanocoating. The development of erosion resistant nanocoating which is derived from polypropylene and bamboo-based bio nano carbon (PP-BNC) is the main focus of this research. PP-BNC nanocomposite were prepared by using thermal composition method to obtain the bamboo BNC or also known as carbon black, followed by coagulation method to obtain PP-BNC nanocomposites (10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt% and 50 wt%) and lastly compression moulding method for the nanocomposite to become nanocoating thin film. During the thermal composition method, the grinded bamboo powder were combusted in tube furnace at 400°C, holding time for 30 minutes at 10°C/min rate in Nitrogen atmosphere. The solvents that were used are Toluene and Methanol during coagulation method. The structural, thermal and morphological properties of PP-BNC nanocomposites were characterised by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Whereas the mechanical properties such as tensile and abrasion resistance along with its weight loss were evaluated by tensile and abrasion resistance tests. PP with 20 wt% BNC has the best results as the weight loss and wear index are the lowest which is 0.001 g and 0.033 mg/cycles respectively, great tensile strength with the value of 20.52 MPa and able to withstand high temperature up to 163°C where the highest temperature underwater is only up to 100°C.

Photothermal-photocatalytic thin-layer flow system for synergistic treatment of wastewater

The integration of the photocatalytic effect into solar steam is highly desirable for addressing freshwater shortages and water pollution. Here, a ternary film structure for the adsorption and photothermal and photocatalytic treatment of wastewater was designed by combining the technique of self-assembled carbon nano paper with a nitrogen composite titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) deposited on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNT) using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a substrate. The photogeneration of reactive oxygen species can be promoted by rapid oxygen diffusion at the three-phase interface, whereas the interfacial photothermal effect promotes subsequent free radical reactions for the degradation of rhodamine B (93%). The freshwater evaporation rate is 1.35 kg·m−2·h−1 and the solar-to-water evaporation efficiency is 94%. Importantly, the N-TiO2/CNT/PVDF (N-TCP) film not only effectively resists mechanical damage from the environment and maintains structural integrity, but can also be made into a large film for outdoor experiments in a large solar energy conversion device to collect fresh water from polluted water and degrade organic dyes in source water simultaneously, opening the way for applications in energy conversion and storage.

Synthesis of Carbon Nano Silicon Composites for Secondary Battery Anode Materials Using RF Thermal Plasma

Synthesis of Carbon Nano Silicon Composites for Secondary Battery Anode Materials Using RF Thermal Plasma

Material jetting of carbon nano onions for printed electronics

As an additive manufacturing process, material jetting techniques allow to selectively deposit droplets of materials in liquid or powder form through a small-diameter aperture, such as a nozzle of a print head. For the fabrication of printed electronics, a variety of inks and dispersions of functional materials can be deposited by drop-on-demand printing on rigid and flexible substrates. In this work, zero-dimensional multi-layer shell-structured fullerene material, also known as carbon nano-onion (CNO) or onion-like carbon, is printed on polyethylene terephthalate substrates using drop-on-demand inkjet printing. CNOs are produced using a low-cost flame synthesis technique and characterized by electron microscopy, Raman, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and specific surface area and pore size measurements. The produced CNO material has an average diameter of ∼33 nm, pore diameter in the range ∼2–40 nm and a specific surface area of 160 m2.g−1. The CNO dispersions in ethanol have a reduced viscosity (∼1.2 mPa.s) and are compatible with commercial piezoelectric inkjet heads. The jetting parameters are optimized to avoid satellite drops and to obtain a reduced drop volume (52 pL), resulting in optimal resolution (220 μm) and line continuity. A multi-step process is implemented without inter-layer curing and a fine control over the CNO layer thickness is achieved (∼180 nm thick layer after 10 printing passes). The printed CNO structures show an electrical resistivity of ∼600 Ω.m, a high negative temperature coefficient of resistance (−4.35 × 10−2 °C−1) and a marked dependency on relative humidity (−1.29 × 10−2 RH% −1). The high sensitivity to temperature and humidity, combined to the large specific area of the CNOs, make this material and the corresponding ink a viable prospect for inkjet-printed technologies, such as environmental and gas sensors.

Optimization of Double-Gate Carbon Nanotube FET Characteristics for Short Channel Devices.

Transistors are the fundamental electronic component integrated into electronic devices' chips Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) based field. Effect Transistor (FET) is a promising component for next-generation transistor technologies; as it has high carrier mobility, device stability, and mechanical flexibility. Nevertheless, some shortcomings in the CNT FET's design prevent it from providing the best performance while preserving thermal stability. The structure and functionality of transistors with Double-Gate (DG) devices, which use carbon nanotubes as active channel regions, have been examined by the authors of this study. The DG CNT FET has been extensively simulated using an electronic device simulator with various device geometrics, including channel length, oxide thickness for its output, and transfer characteristics. In comparison to reported patents and published works, this demonstrates a significant improvement Conclusion: A new perspective on the DG CNT FET's device performance characteristics is provided by this research work, which can be scaled down to minimum channel length without Short Channel Effects (SCEs).

Multipurpose biological applications of excitation-dependent fluorescent carbon nano dots emanated from biomass waste

Carbon Nanodots (CNDs) generated from biomass wastes have a wide range of biological functionalities and are used in a variety of applications. Especially, the biomedical applications shown by the CNDs derived from biomass waste materials received great attention from researchers around the globe. Herein we report the synthesis of CNDs from rice husk biomass waste using a hydrothermal method. XRD pattern demonstrates the amorphous nature of CNDs with hexagonal graphite structure. Microscopic images confirmed that as-synthesized CNDs are in spherical morphology with an average size of 25–30 nm and average interplanar spacing of 0.265 nm. XPS, Raman, and FTIR spectral analyses were performed to examine the presence of functional groups and defects in CNDs. Excitation-dependent emission properties of CNDs (ФF 9.6%) were studied by UV–Vis., Contour, and fluorescence techniques. In response to the findings of the cytotoxicity experiment and the CNDs' strong emission, we carried out several biostudies to prove its importance. The CNDs possess outstanding cell viability (98%), excellent anti-inflammatory activity of 33% of LOX, 34% of COX, 45% of NO inhibition at 100 μL, significant protein denaturation (62%; IC50 20.04 μL/mL), and bright bioimaging on Zebrafish characteristics, which accentuate the perception of waste to wealth.

Thermal and Surface Area Properties of Micro and Nano Sized Pumice

Raw pumice samples were modified with nano carbon black, borax, and nano carbon-borax using the sol-gel method by applying surface modification processes, and the changes in the thermal behavior of the surface modification of the raw pumice were studied by characterizing them with FE-SEM, EDX, FT-IR, XRD, BET and TGA-DTA. In the analyses made with FE-SEM, it was observed that the surface and pore structure of the raw pumice changed after the modified process, and in the EDX analysis, it was determined that nano carbon black and borax adhered to the surface of the raw pumice. In the XRD results, no change in the crystal structure of the raw pumice was observed after the modified treatment. TGA-DTA analysis showed that the mass loss of raw pumice (P) was greater than pumice-nano carbon black (PC), pumice-borax (PB), and pumice-borax-nano carbon black (PBC). Accordingly, raw pumice showed a mass loss of approximately 25%, pumice-borax (PB) and pumice-nano carbon black (PC) 0.45%, and pumice-borax-nano carbon black (PBC) nearly 3%. According to the BET analysis results, it was determined that the raw pumice has a surface area of 28.126 m2/g. After the surface modification process, the surface area of the raw pumice was determined as 52.127 m2/g in the pumice-nano carbon black sample, 49.125 m2/g in the pumice-borax sample, and 32.523 m2/g in the pumice-borax-carbon black sample. Considering the data obtained, the best surface properties were showed in pumice-nano carbon black (PC). Research results showed that; the modification process with nano carbon black and borax changed the thermal behavior of raw pumice.

Hybrid MOFs Supercapacitor: A Mini Review

In the world of energy storage devices, Supercapacitors occupy a very unique and pivotal position. Their rapid rate of discharge gives them high power density. They have high reversibility and are robust to a large number of charging and discharging cycles. Sustained research has revealed a certain set of properties and behaviour, that every prospective candidate supercapacitor material must possess. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with unique textural properties, excellent specific surface area, tuneable porous structure and distinctively advantageous electrochemical behaviour are prominent candidates for the use in energy storage applications. However pristine MOF based materials are handicapped due to their low conductivity and poor mechanical stability. These inherent deficiencies can be overcome by hybridizing pristine MOFs with other materials like carbon materials (Activated Carbon, Graphene and Carbon Nano Tubes), conducting polymers, metals, and small molecules through variety of methods. This review puts the spotlight on the utilization, growth and various forms of hybrid materials based on MOFs for supercapacitor applications. It also highlights the various surface engineering techniques on the materials for high potential applications.

Preparation and evaluation of some nanocarbon (NC) based composites for optoelectronic applications

Polyaniline/nanocarbon (PANI/NC) nanocomposites have been prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of a stable colloidal solution of nanocarbon NC using ammonium persulfate as an initiator and silver ions (Ag+) as oxidizing agents to produce PANI/NC and PANI/NC/Ag2O nanocomposites, respectively. The morphological studies of the formed nanocomposites have been elucidated via transmission and scanning electron microscopes (TEM and SEM). Further characterization of the prepared nanocomposites has been done via infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), particle size distribution analysis (PSD), fluorescence microscope (FM), UV–VIS spectroscopy, and finally surface analysis. XRD results confirmed the presence of silver oxide Ag2O nanoparticles, and the obtained data is well matched with the JCPDS card number 76–1393 of silver oxide. XPS analyses have shown two prevailing characteristic peaks for Ag 3d5/2 and Ag 3d3/2 at 367.1 and 373 eV, respectively, representing Ag2O nanoparticles, which are matchable with the XRD analysis. The PSD analysis revealed that the sizes of the prepared nanocomposites are in the size range from 60 to 140 nm. The FM measurements showed luminescence from the prepared nanocomposites upon irradiation with different lights. This recommends that the fluorophores present in the prepared nanocomposites have the potential to both absorb and emit light. The AC conductivity and the dielectric permittivity of the obtained nanocomposites at room temperature and at different frequency ranges have been investigated. At higher frequency ranges, the maximum ac conductivity obtained was 1.06 × 10–2 and 2.5 × 10–2 S.Cm-1 for the PANI/NC and PANI/NC/Ag2O, respectively. As far as we know, these new nanocomposites with superior optical and electrical characteristics have not been described yet in the literature.

Improvement of the Shielding Effectiveness of PMMA/MWCNTs/Ag Hybrid Composite for X-Band Application

Herein, the PMMA/MWCNT/Ag hybrid composite films are prepared by solvent casting method to be used in an electrical application. The AC conductivity and dielectric characteristics have been investigated at room temperature. The electrical conductivity of the hybrid composite reaches a percolation critical concentration of 2.14×10-4 S/cm by Ag doping. For all PMMA/MWCNT/Ag hybrid composites, the frequency-dependent dielectric constant decreases as the frequency area widens. As the concentrations of MWCNT and Ag increase, the AC conductivity exhibits an increasing trend. The MWCNT and Ag content was found to significantly affect the SE of the given composites. A high electromagnetic (EM) shielding efficiency (SE) was achieved between 8.2 and 12.4 GHz (X-band). The highest EM attenuation of 18 dB at 12 GHz was achieved using 0.5 wt% MWCNT and Ag. The thermal analysis of the formed PMMA/MWCNT/Ag hybrid composites showed that exothermic reactions with the greatest weight loss took place between 200°C and 300°C. FESEM show that PMMA/MWCNT/Ag hybrid composites had uniform dispersion of the carbon nano tube and silver particles within the PMMA matrix .

Optical studies of carbon nano dots based composites for waste water remedy

The critical probing in order to acquire a sustainable, biocompatible and provident hybrid molecular system incorporating the renewable and abundant sources such as solar energy for environmental remediation and energy conversion is raving far and wide. The hybrid nanocomposite of synthesised Carbon Nano Dots (CNDs) and Zinc Methyloxy Tetra Phenyl Porphyrin (Zn4OMeTPP) are a supramolecular construct and high order self-assemblies which are extremely stable, easily integrable, environmental friendly, cost effective and possess appreciable tunable optoelectronic properties which are necessitated for targeting applications of streaming significance like water remediation. The constituents are synthesised via simple solution phase method and the attention has been converged on optical studies of the composite for which UV–Vis and Raman spectroscopy has been carried out. Prior to that, morphological studies have been done using XRD and FTIR. The upshot manifested by the studies is that the synthesised composite can prove to be a promising candidate for photocatalytic applications in either its sheer or hybrid form.

Chip morphology analysis in Al6061/CNT drilling with carbide and nano coated drills

Now a days the area of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) is attracting the scientific and intellectual communities due to their broad technological and industrial applications. Further Aluminium based Metal Matrix Composites have gained importance as materials for engineering applications due to their lightness, higher specific strength, wear resistance and enhanced mechanical properties. In this work three different types of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (AMMNCs) samples are prepared by reinforcing Carbon Nano Tubes (CNT) percentages of 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9% with Al6061 base material using ultrasonic stir casting furnace. Drilling experiments are conducted according to Taguchi experimental design with different parametric combinations. The machining responses such as temperature, surface roughness, material removal rate, power, thrust force, torque and diametrical error are measured and recorded for each experimental run. Also the chip morphology is studied for various cutting parameters in drilling operation.