Oxidation Of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Research Articles

Oxytetracycline increases the mobility of carbon nanotubes in porous media

The effect of engineered nanoparticles on the mobility of co-existing contaminants has been increasingly studied, while the reverse effect receives little attention. This study provides results from investigating the effect of oxytetracycline (OTC) on the mobility of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (O-MWCNTs) in quartz sand (QS) columns at various solution ionic strengths (ISs) and pHs. The mobility of O-MWCNTs in QS columns was significantly enhanced by the presence of OTC under all of the tested solution conditions (IS: 0.1, 1.0, and 10mM; pH: 3.0, 5.5, and 8.5), with an increase of 8.6–50.9%. Such enhancement was nonlinear over OTC concentration, which firstly increased (0 to 2.5mgL−1 OTC) and then decreased (2.5 to 20mgL−1OTC) at pH5.5. The major contributor to the OTC-enhanced O-MWCNTs mobility was competition of the two analytes for adsorption sites on the QS surface. Batch attachment results show that the adsorption of O-MWCNTs in the presence of OTC onto QS was also nonlinear with OTC concentration (firstly decreased and then increased with increasing OTC) at pH5.5, which gave the plausible explanation for the nonlinear enhancement of O-MWCNTs transport in QS columns by the presence of OTC. In turn, both the carrier and competition actions of O-MWCNTs determined the mobility of OTC in QS columns and the carrier action was stronger when more OTC was associated with O-MWCNTs in the influent. These results imply that the mobility of O-MWCNTs in OTC polluted water and soil can be significantly stronger than that in non-polluted area. CapsuleOTC can increase the migration of O-MWCNTs mainly through the competition for adsorption sites on collectors.

MWCNT Coated Free-Standing Carbon Fiber Fabric for Enhanced Performance in EMI Shielding with a Higher Absolute EMI SE

A series of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) coated carbon fabrics was fabricated using a facile dip coating process, and their performance in electrical conductivity, thermal stability, tensile strength, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and shielding effectiveness (SE) was investigated. A solution of MWCNT oxide and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in water was used in the coating process. MWCNTs were observed to coat the surfaces of carbon fibers and to fill the pores in the carbon fabric. Electrical conductivity of the composites was 16.42 S cm−1. An EMI shielding effectiveness of 37 dB at 2 GHz was achieved with a single layer of C/C composites, whereas the double layers resulted in 68 dB EMI SE at 2.7 GHz. Fabricated composites had a specific SE of 486.54 dB cm3 g−1 and an absolute SE of approximately 35,000 dB cm2 g−1. According to the above results, MWCNT coated C/C composites have the potential to be used in advanced shielding applications such as aerospace and auto mobile electronic devices.

Improved dielectric behaviour of graphene oxide-multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite

We have prepared graphene oxide (GO)-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite film through vacuum filtration method. In this work, we carried out the dielectric behaviour of GO-MWCNT composite film in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz and temperature range of 30–200 °C. The GO-MWCNT composite film showed significantly higher dielectric constant as 6021 than the GO (5031) which was even very high compared to conventional dielectric materials. The enhancement of dielectric constant is attributed to the strong interaction between sp2 MWCNT fillers and sp3 GO matrix as well as the formation of microcapacitors by highly conductive MWCNT segregated by GO sheets. Furthermore, we found interesting transition between semiconductor to conductor was attained at 165 °C. It is suggested that the temperature dependent transition of electrical properties of GO-MWCNT composite film is closely related with the ion mobility, removal of water molecules and reduction of GO in the composite. The effect of interfacial polarization and relaxation process were studied. The redox peak current has increased significantly for the GO-MWCNT composite electrode than the GO and MWCNT where the highly conducting MWCNT provide the necessary conduction pathways on the electrode surface. These flexible, high dielectric constant nanocomposites are potential flexible dielectric materials for use in high frequency capacitors and in electronic devices.

R-GO/MWCNTs Nanocomposite Film as Electrode Material for Supercapacitor

We synthesized a reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) nanocomposite film via layer by layer (LBL) assembly. This structure was prepared by vacuum filtration and heat-treated at a low temperature of 500°C. The morphology of the sample was determined by field emission electron spectroscopy (FE-SEM). The structural detail and the chemical analysis were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) curve of r-GO/MWCNTs nanocomposite appeared nearly rectangular in shape. The current density (A/g) was gradually increased by increasing the scan rate of the voltage, as high as a scan rate of 500 mVs-1. At a current density of 10 mAg-1, the specific capacitance of the nanocomposite, estimated by galvanostatic (GA) charge/discharge measurement, is 150 Fg-1. These nanocomposites can be developed for supercapacitor electrodes.

Developmental toxicity of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes on Artemia salina cysts and larvae: Uptake, accumulation, excretion and toxic responses

Using Artemia salina (A. salina) cysts (capsulated and decapsulated) and larvae [instar I (0–24 h), II (24–48 h) and III (48–72 h)] as experimental models, developmental toxicity of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (O-MWCNTs) was evaluated. Results revealed that hatchability of capsulated and decapsulated cysts was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) following exposure to 600 mg/L for 36 h. Mortality rates were 33.8, 55.7 and 40.7% for instar I, II and III larvae in 600 mg/L. The EC50 values for swimming inhibition of instar I, II and III were 535, 385 and 472 mg/L, respectively. Instar II showed the greatest sensitivity to O-MWCNTs, and followed by instar III, instar I, decapsulated cysts and capsulated cysts. Effects on hatchability, mortality and swimming were accounted for O-MWCNTs rather than metal catalyst impurities. Body length was decreased with the concentrations increased from 0 to 600 mg/L. O-MWCNTs attached onto the cysts, gill and body surface, resulting in irreversible damages. Reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde content, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) activities were increased following exposure, indicating that the effects were related to oxidative stress. O-MWCNTs were ingested and distributed in phagocyte, lipid vesicle and intestine. Most of the accumulated O-MWCNTs were excreted by A. salina at 72 h, but some still remained in the organism. Data of uptake kinetics showed that O-MWCNTs contents in A. salina were gradually increased from 1 to 48 h and followed by rapidly decreased from 48 to 72 h with a range from 5.5 to 28.1 mg/g. These results so far indicate that O-MWCNTs have the potential to affect aquatic organisms when released into the marine ecosystems.

Functionalization of acidified multi-walled carbon nanotubes for removal of heavy metals in aqueous solutions

Water pollution is a worldwide issue for the eco-environment and human society. Removal of various pollutants including heavy metals from the environment is a big challenge. Techniques of adsorption are usually simple and work effectively. In the current study, MWCNTs were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of acetylene at 600 °C. Fe–Co/CaCO3 catalyst/support was prepared by wet impregnation method. The crystal size of the catalyst was identified using XRD. Acidified functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were produced from oxidation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes by mixture of H2O2 + HNO3 in a ratio of 1:3 (v/v) at 25 °C. The structure and purity of synthesized functionalized CNTs were examined by TEM, N2-BET method and thermogravimetric analysis. The functional groups produced at CNTs surface were investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. Acidified functionalized MWCNTs with a high surface area of 194 m2g−1 and porous structure (17.19 nm) were used for water treatment from harmful cations (Pb2+, Cu2+, Ni2+ and Cd2+), single cation solutions and quaternary solution at different pH values and different times. The results were interesting because in single solutions the catalyst removed Pb2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ with percentages of 93, 83, 78 and 15%, respectively, in 6 h. While in quaternary solution, adsorption was more complex and the order of the adsorbed metals was as following: Pb2+ (aq) > Cu2+(aq) > Cd2+ (aq) > Ni2+ (aq).

Phosphorus-functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes as flame-retardant additives for polystyrene and poly (methyl methacrylate)

In the present work, we have studied the flame-retardant properties of phosphorus-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) created by treating oxidized MWCNTs (O-MWCNTs) with phosphoric acid. These phosphorus MWCNTs (P-MWCNTs), along with pristine MWCNTs and O-MWCNTs, were incorporated into polystyrene (PS) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by solution blending at lower concentrations (0.5–10 mass%) than conventional organophosphorus flame retardants (5–30 mass%). Thermal properties of the PS and PMMA polymer nanocomposites were subsequently investigated through thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and microcombustion calorimetry. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate P-MWCNT dispersion in each polymer matrix. P-MWCNTs were well-dispersed in PS, improved PS thermal stability during nitrogen pyrolysis in proportion to the phosphorus loading, and led to an improvement in PS flammability properties. In contrast, the P-MWCNTs were more aggregated in PMMA and only moderately improved PMMA thermal stability during pyrolysis. In both PS and PMMA, P-MWCNTs were more effective than either MWCNTs or O-MWCNTs at improving each polymer’s thermal oxidative stability during combustion in air. Characterization of the P-MWCNT nanoparticles, the PS and PMMA nanocomposites, and TG residues indicated that P-MWCNT flame retardants primarily act in the condensed phase, encouraging char formation of the dispersed MWCNT network as a route to protecting the polymer. By comparing results of polymer composites containing MWCNTs, O-MWCNTs or P-MWCNTs at comparable loadings, data from the current study indicate that phosphorus incorporation can improve the fire-retardant properties of MWCNTs, although optimizing P-MWCNT dispersion in different polymers remains critical to optimizing the flame-retardant effect.

Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds Catalyzed by Metal/Metal Oxide-Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

Metal/metal oxide-decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been found to be effective over various catalysts because of the synergistic, hybrid, physical, and chemical properties of such nanotubes. These properties make them highly active catalytic tools with excellent chemoselectivity, low catalyst loading, and high recyclability of the catalyst. Here, we discuss some recent findings related to the following topics: (1) synthesis of metal/metal oxide-decorated MWCNTs, (2) characterization techniques of heterogeneous nanocomposites, and (3) application of these metal/metal oxide nanocomposites for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. This review emphasizes the main requirements for developing new nanocomposites for the synthesis of pharmaceutically important heterocycles.

Degradation of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in water via photo-Fenton method and its degradation mechanism

With popular application of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), they have been discharged into water. MWCNTs and their derivatives may harm organs, cells and organisms. Therefore, development of an efficient method for removing MWCNTs and their derivatives from water is important. Under UV–light irradiation, MWCNTs can be oxidized by oxygen in air to give oxidized MWCNTs (O-MWCNTs), therefore, degradation of O-MWCNTs is a vital step for removal of MWCNTs and their derivatives from water. In this paper, O-MWCNTs were degraded via photo-Fenton method to give CO2 and water after 168h. Degradation process was detected by total organic carbon and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra. Degradation intermediates were supposed based on nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatography-tandem mass, Raman, fourier transform infrared spectra and elemental analysis data. In order to develop an efficient degradation method for removing O-MWCNTs from water, photodegradation mechanism of O-MWCNTs was suggested.

Octahedron Fe3O4 particles supported on 3D MWCNT/graphene foam: In-situ method and application as a comprehensive microwave absorption material

In this work, we used in-situ method to directly prepare a novel structure consisting of well-distributed octahedron Fe3O4 particles, porous graphene foam (GF) and fibrous multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT): started with an intense stir to anchor Fe3+ on the surfaces of graphene oxide and oxided MWCNT, followed by solvothermal reaction to synthesize 3D lightweight Fe3O4/MWCNT/GF hybrids with high performance microwave absorption (MA). The maximum Reflection Loss (RL) value of −35.30dB and 9.01GHz bandwidth with RL below −10dB detected with the thickness of 3.0mm are achieved by Fe3O4/MWCNT/GF with an ultralow bulk density of 5.0mgcm−3, of which the Specific Microwave Absorption Performance is much higher than most available MA materials reported. Impedance matching, high loss characteristic, interfacial polarization and polarization relaxation significantly improve MA properties, which serves as a guide for fabricating comprehensive MA materials enjoying numerous advantages of high RL value, broad bandwidth, low density and thin thickness.

High flux and rejection of hierarchical composite membranes based on carbon nanotube network and ultrathin electrospun nanofibrous layer for dye removal

A gradient composite membrane has been put forward in this paper, which is cost-efficient and remarkable to solve the problem of inherent tradeoff between flux and selectivity. The hierarchical composite membrane exhibited an ideal morphology, which was comprised of oxidized multi-wall carbon nanotubes (OMWCNTs) functional layer built via electrospraying, ultrathin electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) midlayer and microfibrous polypropylene (PP) nonwoven support. Experimental results showed that when the additive amount of OMWCNTs was 1wt%, the composite membranes presented an excellent flux (up to 3891.85Lm−2h−1 at a low pressure of 0.1MPa) and a superior indigo rejection ratio (98.73%). Compared with PAN/PP composite membrane, its rejection ratio increased 3.11 times, while the water flux only reduced 17.30%. It was owing that the excellent hydrophilicity of OMWCNTs network and ultrathin electrospun PAN midlayer endowed the composite membrane with a high flux. And the high rejection efficiency of OMWCNTs-PAN/PP composite membranes was achieved on the account of the combination of gradient structures (i.e., OMWCNTs network and ultrathin PAN nanofibrous membrane) and multilevel filtration mechanisms. Therefore, the OMWCNTs-PAN/PP composite membranes have opened up an innovative alternative for the fabrication of high flux and rejection composite membranes in wastewater treatment.

Hydrogen uptake of cobalt and copper oxide-multiwalled carbon nanotube composites

Hydrogen storage capacity of a pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes is increased 10-fold at 298 K and an equilibrium hydrogen pressure of ∼23 atm, upon addition of a hydrogen spillover catalyst cobalt- and copper oxide, from 0.09 to 0.9 wt.%. In situ reduction method is utilized to synthesize Co-oxide/MWCNTs and Cu-oxide/MWCNTs composite. Blocking of channels and pores of MWCNTs by oxide nanoparticles during preparation method is responsible for low BET specific surface area of composites compared to pristine sample. X-ray diffraction, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrates nanostructural characterization of MWCNTs and composites. Thermogravimetric analysis of two oxide/MWCNTs composites showed a single monotonous fall related to MWCNTs gasification. Enhancement of hydrogen storage of both composites is attributed to the spillover mechanism due to decoration of Co and Cu-oxide nanoparticles on the outer surface of MWCNTs.

Carbon Nanotubes Activate Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Coagulation by Interface Adsorption

Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay is worldwide requested in the assessment of endotoxin contamination for biomaterials. As carbon nanotubes are one major nanomaterial with multiple potentials in biomedical application, here we investigate whether oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (O-MWCNT) interferes the assessment by LAL assays. We showed that the endotoxin free O-MWCNT dispersing in aqueous solutions could activate both the gel-clotting and the end-point chromogenic LAL assay by converting coagulogen into coagulin through interfacial interactions between O-MWCNT and enzymes in the assays. In conclusion, the O-MWCNT could induce false positive results by activating the enzyme cascade of LAL.

Electrochemical behavior of a Nafion‐membrane‐based solid‐state supercapacitor with a graphene oxide—multiwalled carbon nanotube—polypyrrole nanocomposite

ABSTRACTIn this study, we sprayed a graphene oxide–multiwalled carbon nanotube (GM) suspension in isopropyl alcohol–water onto a Nafion membrane. The electrodeposition of polypyrrole (PPy) was carried out on Nafion to complete the fabrication of a solid‐state symmetric supercapacitor. Nafion 117 membranes are used as electrolyte separators in the preparation of supercapacitors. The characterization of the symmetric supercapacitor was done by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the symmetric solid‐state supercapacitor were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques in 1M lithium chloride. A specific capacitance of 90.4 mF/cm2 (258.3 F/g1) was obtained for the supercapacitor at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1. Maximum energy and power densities of 10 W h/kg and 6031 W/kg were obtained for the fabricated supercapacitor. In such a symmetric configuration, the highly interconnection networks of GM–PPy provided good structure for the supercapacitor electrode, and the good interaction between PPy and GM provided fast electron‐ and charge‐transportation paths so that a high capacitance was achieved. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44926.

Anion selective pTSA doped polyaniline@graphene oxide-multiwalled carbon nanotube composite for Cr(VI) and Congo red adsorption

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT)-graphene oxide (GO) composite was combined with polyaniline (Pani) using an oxidative polymerisation technique. The resulting Pani@GO-CNT was later doped with para toluene sulphonic acid (pTSA) to generate additional functionality. The functional groups exposed on the GO, Pani and pTSA were expected to impart a high degree of functionality to the pTSA-Pani@GO-CNT composite system. The composite was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The characterisation results revealed the characteristics of Pani, GO, CNT, and pTSA, and suggested the successful formation of the pTSA-Pani@GO-CNT composite system. The composite was utilised successfully for the adsorptive removal of Cr(IV) and Congo red (CR) dye and the adsorption of both pollutants was found to be strongly dependent on the solution pH, adsorbate concentration, contact time, and reaction temperature. The maximum adsorption of Cr(IV) and CR was observed in an acidic medium at 30°C. The kinetics for Cr(IV) and CR adsorption was studied using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intraparticle diffusion models. The adsorption equilibrium data were also fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The thermodynamic results showed that the adsorption process was exothermic in nature. The present study provides a new methodology for the preparation of a highly functionalised Pani-based nanocomposite system and its potential applications to the adsorptive removal of a multicomponent pollutant system from an aqueous solution.

Resonantly Enhanced Nonlinear Optical Probes of Oxidized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes at Supported Lipid Bilayers.

With production of carbon nanotubes surpassing billions of tons per annum, concern about their potential interactions with biological systems is growing. Herein, we utilize second harmonic generation spectroscopy, sum frequency generation spectroscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring to probe the interactions between oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (O-MWCNTs) and supported lipid bilayers composed of phospholipids with phosphatidylcholine head groups as the dominant component. We quantify O-MWCNT attachment to supported lipid bilayers under biogeochemically relevant conditions and discern that the interactions occur without disrupting the structural integrity of the lipid bilayers for the systems probed. The extent of O-MWCNT sorption was far below a monolayer even at 100 mM NaCl and was independent of the chemical composition of the supported lipid bilayer.

Novel GO/OMWCNTs mixed-matrix membrane with enhanced antifouling property for palm oil mill effluent treatment

Abstract Membrane process is considered an effective and economical treatment technology to palm oil mill effluent (POME) which is a major pollution source discharged from the palm oil industry. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) and oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (OMWCNTs) were used as nano additive in coagulation bath to prepare polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane via in-situ colloidal precipitation method. The successful synthesis of carbon nanomaterials GO and OMWCNTs were validated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). In general, incorporation of GO and OMWCNTs into membrane matrix via in-situ colloidal precipitation method have significant effect on membrane characterization including contact angle, surface charge, porosity and pore size of the membrane. As observed using FESEM images, GO nanosheets had blocked some areas of the membrane surface thus reducing the effective filtration area. The mixed-matrix membranes M1c, M3a, and M5b demonstrated improved water permeability of 43.99 L/m 2 ·h·bar, 52.62 L/m 2 ·h·bar, and 43.38 L/m 2 ·h·bar, respectively owing to thinner skin layer, bigger voids, and increased hydrophilicity. The rejection performance of fabricated membrane was evaluated using diluted aerobic POME on physical characteristics (color, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH) and chemical properties (chemical oxygen demand (COD), hardness, total chlorine, and phosphorus). As compared to pristine membrane, the mixed-matrix membrane, M1c had improved the rejection of TDS, phosphorus, hardness, COD, chlorine, turbidity, color, and TSS with maximum rejection percentage of 1.51%, 6.55%, 21.79%, 75.5%, 76%, 81.94%, 86.3%, and 100%, respectively. This research demonstrated that the deposition of carbon nanomaterials increased the membrane hydrophilicity and formed a repulsive boundary barrier that enhanced antifouling properties.

PRODUCTION OF CATHODE MATERIAL FOR OXYGEN ELECTRODES BY ANODIC OXIDIZATION OF MULTIWALL CARBON NANOTUBES

We report on a synthesis of graphene oxide by the electrochemical method. To select the oxidation potential we used the standard redox potentials of the carboxyl groups of carbon. Graphene oxide was obtained by anodic oxidation of multiwall carbon nanotubes in concentrated sulfuric acid. It was shown that the required oxidation potential in 96 % sulfuric acid should be + 3 V and the time of oxidation were 4 h. Obtaining graphene oxide was proved by electron microscopy, XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray emission spectroscopy and Raman spectra. Due to the presence of fragments of carbon nanotube in graphene oxide, the obtained material reveals a good electrical conductivity. So, we consider this material as a very promising electrode material for oxygen electrodes of power sources. The current–voltage characteristics of the oxygen electrodes based on electrochemically produced graphene oxide were studied. It has been found that the graphene oxide produced by anodic oxidation of multiwall carbon nanotubes is a prospective electrode material for the chemical current sources.

Amperometric bromate-sensitive sensor via layer-by-layer assembling of metalloporphyrin and polyelectrolytes on carbon nanotubes modified surfaces

A novel amperometric sensor for bromate (BrO3−) was developed using the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly process of iron(III)-porphyrin (Fe(III)P) and polyelectrolytes alongside oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes (OMWCNTs) on a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Positively charged Fe(III)P and negatively charged poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) were used as structure blocks for LbL assembly on the OMWCNTs modified SPCE. The electrocatalytic response by Fe(III)P from the amperometric LbL sensor for determining BrO3− concentration was characterized using cyclic voltammetry. Critical experimental parameters affecting the sensor’s performance were optimized, including the number of assembled layers, pH of the buffer solution, and concentration of Fe(III)P immobilized on the electrode surface. A linear response from 100nM to 2.5mM of BrO3− in 0.2M SAB solution with a sensitivity of 115.2μAmM−1 and a detection limit of 43nM were achieved with good selectivity. As a final demonstration, the proposed LbL sensor, [Fe(III)P-PSS]1-Fe(III)P-OMWCNTs/SPCE, was applied to analyze BrO3− concentrations in tap water and mineral water samples.

Tensile properties and electrical conductivity of epoxy composite thin films containing zinc oxide quantum dots and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

In situ surface-decoration of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles was used to disentangle multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in epoxy. Pristine MWCNTs (P-MWCNTs) and oxidized MWCNTs (O-MWCNTs) were incorporated, with and without ZnO-functionalization, into an aerospace-grade epoxy matrix at 1.7 wt% to investigate how ZnO functionalization influences their dispersion and effect on the properties of epoxy. It was observed that epoxy composites containing ZnO-decorated MWCNTs exhibited significant gains in Young's modulus (51%) and tensile strength (20%), without significantly compromising Tg (according to the 2nd heating cycle on differential scanning calorimetry) and electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of epoxy containing ZnO/P-MWCNTs was more than an order of magnitude higher than epoxy containing the same content of P-MWCNTs. The above composite system is attractive for applications where both tensile properties and electrical conductivity are of importance. The usefulness of these composite systems for multifunctional engineering applications and as thin films in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding for carbon fiber reinforced composites is discussed.