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MWNTs
Selected AbstractsMultilayer Assembly of Hemoglobin and Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles on Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes/Chitosan Composite for Detecting Hydrogen PeroxideELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 19 2008Shihong Chen Abstract Chitosan (CS) was chosen for dispersing multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to form a stable CS-MWNTs composite, which was first coated on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode to provide a containing amino groups interface for assembling colloidal gold nanoparticles (GNPs), followed by the adsorption of hemoglobin (Hb). Repeating the assembly step of GNPs and Hb resulted in {Hb/GNPs}n multilayers. The assembly of GNPs onto CS-MWNTs composites was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The consecutive growth of {Hb/GNPs}n multilayers was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The resulting system brings a new platform for electrochemical devices by using the synergistic action of the electrocatalytic activity of GNPs and MWNTs. The resulting biosensor displays an excellent electrocatalytic activity and rapid response for hydrogen peroxide. The linear range for the determination of H2O2 was from 5.0×10,7 to 2.0×10,3 M with a detection limit of 2.1×10,7 M at 3, and a Michaelis,Menten constant KMapp value of 0.19,mM. [source] Comparison of the Electrochemical Reactivity of Carbon Nanotubes Paste Electrodes with Different Types of Multiwalled Carbon NanotubesELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 17 2008Xueling Li Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely used in electrochemical studies. It is reported that CNTs with different source and dispersed in different agents [1] yield significant difference of electrochemical reactivity. Here we report on the electrochemical performance of CNTs paste electrodes (CNTPEs) prepared by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with different diameters, lengths and functional groups. The resulting electrodes exhibit remarkable different electrochemical reactivity towards redox molecules such as NADH and K3[Fe(CN)6]. It is found that CNTPEs prepared by MWNTs with 20,30,nm diameter show highest catalysis to NADH oxidation, while CNTPEs prepared by MWNTs with carboxylate groups have best electron-transfer rate (The peak-peak separation (,Ep) is +0.108,V for MWNTs with carboxylate groups, +0.155,V for normal MWNTs, and +0.174,V for short MWNTs) but weak catalysis towards oxidation of NADH owing to the hydrophilicity of carboxylate groups. The electrochemical reactivity depends on the lengths of CNTs to some extent. The ,long' CNTs perform better in our study (The oxidation signals of NADH appear below +0.39,V for ,long' CNTs and above +0.46,V for the ,short' one totally). Readers may get some directions from this article while choose CNTs for electrochemical study. [source] Direct Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis of Myoglobin Immobilized on Gold Nanoparticles/Carbon Nanotubes Nanohybrid FilmELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 17 2008Wei Cao Abstract A novel nanohybrid material, constructed by gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), was designed for immobilization and biosensing of myoglobin (Mb). Morphology of the nanohybrid film was characterized by SEM. UV-vis spectroscopy demonstrated that Mb on the composite film could retain its native structure. Direct electrochemistry of Mb immobilized on the GNPs/MWNTs film was investigated. The immobilized Mb showed a couple of quasireversible and well-defined cyclic voltammetry peaks with a formal potential of about ,0.35,V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in pH,6.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS) solution. Furthermore, the modified electrode also displayed good sensitivity, wide linear range and long-term stability to the detection of hydrogen peroxide. The experiment results demonstrated that the hybrid matrix provided a biocompatible microenvironment for protein and supplied a necessary pathway for its direct electron transfer. [source] Some Properties of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Electrode and Its Application on Detection of Dopamine in the Presence of Ascorbic AcidELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 16 2008Dan Zheng Abstract A sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) electrode (SDS/MWNTs) was successfully constructed in this study. The electrochemical property of the SDS/MWNTs electrode has been characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Nyquist plots suggest that the immersion time of SDS affects the resistances of the MWNTs electrodes. The thickness of adsorbed SDS on MWNTs surface is estimated to be 1.23,nm, which is close to the value of SDS monolayer. CV results demonstrate a 5-fold enhanced response for dopamine (DA) at the SDS/MWNTs electrode compared to the bare MWNTs one. DPV results illustrate that DA can be selectively determined in the presence of high concentration ascorbic acid (AA) with a linear range from 20,,M to 0.20,mM and a sensitivity of 0.024,,A ,M,1 at the SDS/MWNTs electrode. [source] Fabrication and Application of a Novel Modified Electrode Based on Multiwalled Nanotubes/Cerium(III) 12-Tungstophosphoric Acid NanocompositeELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 11 2008Bin Fang Abstract A novel multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs)/Cerium(III) 12 - tungstophosphoric acid (CePW) nanocomposite film glassy carbon electrode was prepared in this paper. Electrochemical behaviors of the CePW/MWNTs modified electrode were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). This modified electrode brought new capabilities for electrochemical devices by combining the advantages of carbon nanotubes, rare-earth, and heteropoly-acids. The results demonstrated that the CePW/MWNTs modified electrode exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic behavior and good stability for the detection of guanine and adenine in 0.1,M PBS (pH,7.0). The experimental parameters were optimized and a direct electrochemical method for the simultaneous determination of guanine and adenine was proposed. The detection limit (S/N=3) for guanine and adenine was 2.0×10,8,M and 3.0×10,8,M, respectively. Further, the acid-denatured calf thymus DNA was also detected and the result was satisfied. [source] Factors influencing the partitioning and toxicity of nanotubes in the aquatic environment,,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 9 2008Alan J. Kennedy Abstract Carbon nanotubes (NTs) may be among the most useful engineered nanomaterials for structural applications but could be difficult to study in ecotoxicological evaluations using existing tools relative to nanomaterials with a lower aspect ratio. Whereas the hydrophobicity and van der Waals interactions of NTs may suggest aggregation and sedimentation in aquatic systems, consideration regarding how engineered surface modifications influence their environmental fate and toxicology is needed. Surface modifications (e.g., functional groups and coatings) are intended to create conditions to make NTs dispersible in aqueous suspension, as required for some applications. In the present study, column stability and settling experiments indicated that raw, multiwalled NTs (MWNTs) settled more rapidly than carbon black and activated carbon particles, suggesting sediment as the ultimate repository. The presence of functional groups, however, slowed the settling of MWNTs (increasing order of stability: hydroxyl > carboxyl > raw), especially in combination with natural organic matter (NOM). Stabilized MWNTs in high concentrations of NOM provided relevance for water transport and toxicity studies. Aqueous exposures to raw MWNTs decreased Ceriodaphnia dubia viability, but such effects were not observed during exposure to functionalized MWNTs (>80 mg/L). Sediment exposures of the amphipods Leptocheirus plumulosus and Hyalella azteca to different sizes of sediment-borne carbon particles at high concentration indicated mortality increased as particle size decreased, although raw MWNTs induced lower mortality (median lethal concentration [LC50], 50 to >264 g/kg) than carbon black (LC50, 18,40 g/kg) and activated carbon (LC50, 12,29 g/kg). Our findings stress that it may be inappropriate to classify all NTs into one category in terms of their environmental regulation. [source] Glass Fibers with Carbon Nanotube Networks as Multifunctional SensorsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 12 2010Shang-lin Gao Abstract A simple approach to deposit multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) networks onto glass fiber surfaces achieving semiconductive MWNT,glass fibers is reported, along with application of fiber/polymer interphases as in-situ multifunctional sensors. This approach demonstrates for the first time that the techniques of conducting electrical resistance measurements could be applicable to glass fibers for in situ sensing of strain and damage; the techniques were previously limited to conductive and semiconductive materials. The electrical properties of the single MWNT,glass fiber and the "unidirectional" fiber/epoxy composite show linear or nonlinear stress/strain, temperature, and relative humidity dependencies, which are capable of detecting piezoresistive effects as well as the local glass transition temperature. The unidirectional composites containing MWNT,glass fibers exhibit ultrahigh anisotropic electrical properties and an ultralow electrical percolation threshold. Based on this approach, the glass fiber,the most widely used reinforcement in composites globally,along with the surface electrical conductivity of MWNTs will stimulate and realize a broad range of multifunctional applications. [source] Preparation of High-Performance Conductive Polymer Fibers through Morphological Control of Networks Formed by NanofillersADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 9 2010Hua Deng Abstract A general method is described to prepare high-performance conductive polymer fibers or tapes. In this method, bicomponent tapes/fibers containing two layers of conductive polymer composites (CPCs) filled with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) or carbon black (CB) based on a lower-melting-temperature polymer and an unfilled polymer core with higher melting temperature are fabricated by a melt-based process. Morphological control of the conductive network formed by nanofillers is realized by solid-state drawing and annealing. Information on the morphological and electrical change of the highly oriented conductive nanofiller network in CPC bicomponent tapes during relaxation, melting, and crystallization of the polymer matrix is reported for the first time. The conductivity of these polypropylene tapes can be as high as 275,S,m,1 with tensile strengths of around 500,MPa. To the best of the authors' knowledge, it is the most conductive, high-strength polymer fiber produced by melt-processing reported in literature, despite the fact that only ,5,wt.% of MWNTs are used in the outer layers of the tape and the overall MWNT content in the bicomponent tape can be much lower (typically ,0.5,wt.%). Their applications could include sensing, smart textiles, electrodes for flexible solar cells, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Furthermore, a modeling approach was used to study the relaxation process of highly oriented conductive networks formed by carbon nanofillers. [source] High Mechanical Performance Composite Conductor: Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Sheet/Bismaleimide NanocompositesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 20 2009Qunfeng Cheng Abstract Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)-sheet-reinforced bismaleimide (BMI) resin nanocomposites with high concentrations (,60,wt%) of aligned MWNTs are successfully fabricated. Applying simple mechanical stretching and prepregging (pre-resin impregnation) processes on initially randomly dispersed, commercially available sheets of millimeter-long MWNTs leads to substantial alignment enhancement, good dispersion, and high packing density of nanotubes in the resultant nanocomposites. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposites reaches 2,088,MPa and 169,GPa, respectively, which are very high experimental results and comparable to the state-of-the-art unidirectional IM7 carbon-fiber-reinforced composites for high-performance structural applications. The nanocomposites demonstrate unprecedentedly high electrical conductivity of 5,500,S cm,1 along the alignment direction. Such unique integration of high mechanical properties and electrical conductance opens the door for developing polymeric composite conductors and eventually structural composites with multifunctionalities. New fracture morphology and failure modes due to self-assembly and spreading of MWNT bundles are also observed. [source] Long-Cycle Electrochemical Behavior of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized on Stainless Steel in Li Ion BatteriesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2009Charan Masarapu Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered to be excellent candidates for high performance electrode materials in Li ion batteries. The nanometer-sized pore structures of CNTs can provide the hosting sites for storing large numbers of Li ions. A short diffusion distance for the Li ions may bring about a high discharge rate. The long-cycle performance of aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) directly synthesized on stainless-steel foil as an anode material in lithium battery is demonstrated. An increase in the specific capacity with an increase in the cycle number is observed. Starting at a value of 132,mA hg,1 in the first cycle at a current rate of 1,C, the specific capacity increased about 250% to a value of 460,mA hg,1 after 1,200 cycles. This is an unusual but a welcoming behavior for battery applications. It is found that the morphology of the MWNTs with structural and surface defects and the stainless-steel substrate play an important role in enhancing the capacity during the cycling process. [source] Directed Self-Assembly of Gradient Concentric Carbon Nanotube Rings,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 14 2008Suck Won Hong Abstract Hundreds of gradient concentric rings of linear conjugated polymer, (poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4- phenylenevinylene], i.e., MEH-PPV) with remarkable regularity over large areas were produced by controlled "stick-slip" motions of the contact line in a confined geometry consisting of a sphere on a flat substrate (i.e., sphere-on-flat geometry). Subsequently, MEH-PPV rings were exploited as a template to direct the formation of gradient concentric rings of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with controlled density. This method is simple, cost effective, and robust, combining two consecutive self-assembly processes, namely, evaporation-induced self-assembly of polymers in a sphere-on-flat geometry, followed by subsequent directed self-assembly of MWNTs on the polymer-templated surfaces. [source] Strong Carbon-Nanotube,Polymer Bonding by Microwave Irradiation,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 12 2007Y. Wang Abstract The vigorous response of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to microwave irradiation, leading to the release of a large amount of heat, is used to locally melt a plastic matrix adjacent to the nanotubes within a period of seconds. This results in the intercalation of the MWNTs into the polymer matrix at room temperature without any physical damage to the polymer. The so-called "microwave welding" approach creates a new paradigm for the formation of very strong MWNT,polymer bonds without the use of any adhesive, and represents a significant step forward for the fabrication of functional nanotube composites. Here, we demonstrate the implications of the anisotropic alignment of MWNTs in polymers, patterned conductors/resistors for soft electronics, and high-strength composites, where the MWNTs are ,soldered' to flexible polymer substrates. [source] Poly(,-caprolactone)-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes and Their Biodegradation Properties,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2006H.-L. Zeng Abstract Biodegradable poly(,-caprolactone) (PCL) has been covalently grafted onto the surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by the "grafting from" approach based on in-situ ring-opening polymerization of ,-caprolactone. The grafted PCL content can be controlled easily by adjusting the feed ratio of monomer to MWNT-supported macroinitiators (MWNT-OH). The resulting products have been characterized with Fourier-transform IR (FTIR), NMR, and Raman spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After PCL was coated onto MWNT surfaces, core/shell structures with nanotubes as the "hard" core and the hairy polymer layer as the "soft" shell are formed, especially for MWNTs coated with a high density of polymer chains. Such a polymer shell promises good solubility/dispersibility of the MWNT,PCL nanohybrids in low-boiling-point organic solvents such as chloroform and tetrahydrofuran. Biodegradation experiments have shown that the PCL grafted onto MWNTs can be completely enzymatically degraded within 4,days in a phosphate buffer solution in the presence of pseudomonas (PS) lipase, and the carbon nanotubes retain their tubelike morphologies, as observed by SEM and TEM. The results present possible applications for these biocompatible PCL-functionalized CNTs in bionanomaterials, biomedicine, and artificial bones. [source] Molecular dynamics of the generation process of double-walled carbon nanotubes from peapodsHEAT TRANSFER - ASIAN RESEARCH (FORMERLY HEAT TRANSFER-JAPANESE RESEARCH), Issue 4 2006Yasushi Shibuta Abstract The generation process of a double-walled carbon nanotube (DWNT) from a "peapod" was studied by classical molecular dynamics simulation. Starting from a peapod structure, defined by five C60 molecules inside a (10,10) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT), polymerized fullerenes, a peanut-like structure and an almost nanotube-like structure were obtained under suitable conditions of temperature control. The mean distance between the two layers of the DWNT agreed with an experimental report that it is larger than the interlayer spacing found in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). In addition, the chirality dependence of the potential energy of a DWNT on the relative chirality of its constituent tubes was examined using a 6-12 Lennard-Jones potential. It was found that the potential energy depends only on the distance between the two layers, not on the relative chiralities. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(4): 254,264, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20115 [source] Manipulation of Individual Carbon Nanotubes by Reconstructing the Intracellular Transport of a Living CellADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 10-11 2009Cerasela Zoica Dinu We used kinesin motor protein and its microtubule track to transport multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on engineered surfaces. Using a flow chamber, surface-adsorbed kinesins are shown to transport red-labeled microtubules loaded with green cargos of MWNTs. Our results establish a platform for assembling individually addressable MWNT nanostructures using microtubule templates. [source] Synthesis and properties of poly(butylene terephthalate)/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization and in situ compatibilizationJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Fangjuan Wu Abstract A novel cyclic initiator was synthesized from dibutyl tin(IV) oxide and hydroxyl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and was used to initiate the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic butylene terephthalate oligomers to prepare poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/MWNT nanocomposites. The results of Fourier transform infrared and NMR spectroscopy confirmed that a graft structure of PBT on the MWNTs was formed during the in situ polymerization; this structure acted as an in situ compatibilizer in the nanocomposites. The PBT covalently attached to the MWNT surface enhanced the interface adhesion between the MWNTs and PBT matrix and, thus, improved the compatibility. The morphologies of the nanocomposites were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which showed that the nanotubes were homogeneously dispersed in the PBT matrix when the MWNT content was lower than 0.75 wt %. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to investigate the thermal properties of the nanocomposites. The results indicate that the MWNTs acted as nucleation sites in the matrix, and the efficiency of nucleation was closely related to the dispersion of the MWNTs in the matrix. Additionally, the thermal stability of PBT was improved by the addition of the MWNTs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Fabrication and characterization of solution cast MWNTs/PEI nanocompositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009Lu Shao Abstract Under mild conditions with the aid of ultrasonic, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been functionalized by mixed acid treatment which was proved by FTIR and XPS. According to SEM, acid treatment on MWNTs decreased the thickness of the membrane. However, no devastating damage and fracture happened on MWNTs after acid treatment under mild conditions. Precipitation observation illustrated that the enhanced solubility of MWNTs in water, ethanol, and dimethylformaide (DMF). Further, MWNTs/polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposite films have been prepared by the simple solution casting method. The dispersion of MWNTs in polyetherimide (PEI) matrix was observed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) which illustrated the improved dispersion for acid treated MWNTs in PEI. The adding of MWNTs in PEI decreased the dispersive component of surface energy and increased the polar component of surface energy, which resulted in the decrement of film surface energy. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the glass transition temperature of PEI increased by about 4°C after the introduction of MWNTs. This improvement was related to the better affinity between MWNTs and PEI matrix, which also resulted in the improvement of mechanical strength in MWNTs/PEI nanocomposites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source] Thermal stability and molecular interaction of polyurethane nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008R. N. Jana Abstract Polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites were prepared through conventional and in situ methods with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with poly(,-caprolactone). The thermal degradation and stability of PU,MWNT nanocomposites were investigated with nonisothermal thermogravimetry and were explained in terms of the interaction between MWNTs and PU molecules with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The difference in thermal stability between the conventional and in situ nanocomposites was also compared. The thermal degradation of all the nanocomposite samples took place in two stages and followed a first-order reaction. The degradation temperature of the in situ nanocomposites was higher than that of the conventional nanocomposites with the same loading of MWNTs. The activation energy at 10% degradation and the half-life period were also higher in the in situ nanocomposites compared to the conventional nanocomposites. Such higher thermal stability of the in situ nanocomposites was ascribed to covalent bond formation between MWNTs and PU chains, which could result in better dispersion of MWNTs in the PU matrix for the in situ nanocomposites than for the conventional nanocomposites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Electrocatalysis and determination of uracil on polythionine/multiwall carbon nanotubes modified electrodeJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Hongying Liu Abstract A new type of poly (thionine)/multiwall carbon nanotube/glassy carbon (PTH/MWNTs/GC) electrode was fabricated by electropolymerization thionine onto the surface of MWNTs modified GC electrode. The properties and behaviors of the modified electrode were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The results show that the high sensitivity and selectivity are mainly caused by the unique carbon surface of the carbon nanotubes and the catalytic activity of thionine. The modified electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic behavior to the oxidation of uracil, and was firstly applied to determinate the concentration of uracil for the differential pulse voltammograms. Under the optimum conditions, linear calibration equation was obtained over the uracil concentration range from 1.0 × 10,5 to 5.5 × 10,2M with a correlation coefficient of 0.9978 and a detection limit 2.0 × 10,7M (based on S/N = 3) was also gained. The good electrocatalytic response of uracil at PTH/MWNTs/GC electrode suggests that the PTH/MWNTs are an excellent platform for electrochemical biosensing. The modified electrode displays excellent repeatability, stability, and high sensitivity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] A novel approach to excellent UV protecting cotton fabric with functionalized MWNT containing water vapor permeable PU coatingJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2007S. Mondal Abstract This research paper presented a novel approach of developing excellent protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation of cotton fabrics by means of water vapor permeable (WVP) coatings containing multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT), a stable and strongly UV absorbing species. The WVP of MWNT containing UV protective coatings of the present development are formed from solution polymer of hydrophilic polyurethane (HPU). MWNTs were dispersed in HPU solution by functionalization of MWNT. The nanotube containing HPU coating shows excellent protection against UV radiation, with only 1 wt % of MWNT (calculated based on solid content of the polymer), a UV Protection Factor (UPF) of 174 and with 2.5 wt % of MWNT a UPF of 421 was obtained, which stated excellent protection (UPF ,50) according to the Australian/New Zealand standards. Scanning electron micrographs of coated fabrics surface showed a film like polymer coating, confirming the fabric surface was successfully coated by polyurethane. The coated fabrics would maintain very good water vapor permeability, hence confirmed the wearing comfort. Room temperature (20,23°C) range soft segment crystal melting of HPU enhances the permeability of coated fabrics. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3370,3376, 2007 [source] Synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on Al2O3 supported Ni catalysts in a fluidized-bedAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2010Jun Liu Abstract Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were synthesized on Al2O3 supported Ni catalysts from C2H2 and C2H4 feedstocks in a fluidized bed. The influence of the ratio of superficial gas velocity to the minimum fluidization velocity (U/Umf), feedstock type, the ratio of carbon in the total quantity of gas fed to the reactor, reaction temperature, the ratio of hydrogen to carbon in the feed gas, and nickel loading were all investigated. Significantly, the pressure drop across the fluidized-bed increased as the reaction time increased for all experiments, due to the deposition of MWNTs on the catalyst particles. This resulted in substantial changes to the depth and structure of the fluidized bed as the reaction proceeded, significantly altering the bed hydrodynamics. TEM images of the bed materials showed that MWNTs, metal catalysts, and alumina supports were predominant in the product mixture, with some coiled carbon nanotubes as a by-product. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source] Preparation of poly(acrylamide)/MWNTs nanocomposite using carboxylated MWNTsJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 15 2007Jinho Hong Polyacrylamide/MWNTs nanocomposite is prepared using MWNTs functionalized with carboxylic acid or carboxylic anion groups. The modified MWNTs show significantly improved colloidal stability without aggregation in aqueous acrylamide solution. The solution was in-situ polymerized to give a well-dispersed PAAm/MWNTs nanocomposite. [source] Surface covalent encapsulation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with poly(acryloyl chloride) grafted poly(ethylene glycol)JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 23 2006Yan-Xin Liu Abstract Multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) was grafted with polyacrylate- g -poly (ethylene glycol) via the following two steps. First, hydroxyl groups on the surface of acid-treated MWNT reacted with linear poly(acryloyl chloride) to generate graft on MWNT; secondly, the remaining acryloyl chloride groups were subjected to esterification with poly(ethylene glycol) leading the grafted chains on the surface of MWNTs. Thus obtained grafted MWNT was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the weight fraction of grafted polymers amounted to 80% of the modified MWNT. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6880,6887, 2006 [source] Synthesis and self-assembly of polystyrene-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes with a hairy-rod nanostructureJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 12 2006Yingkui Yang Abstract Polystyrene-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PS- g -MWNTs) with a hairy-rod nanostructure were synthesized by the in situ free-radical polymerization of styrene in the presence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) terminated with vinyl groups. To quantitatively study the molecular weight and composition of polystyrene (PS) chains in PS- g -MWNTs, PS- g -MWNTs were fully defunctionalized by hydrolysis. The results showed that 1 of every 100 carbon atoms in MWNTs was functionalized at the tips and outer walls of the carbon nanotubes and grafted by PS with a weight-average molecular weight of 9800 g/mol; therefore, a uniform thin layer (ca. 8,10 nm) of a PS shell was formed on the outer wall of MWNTs. PS- g -MWNTs were soluble in dimethylformamide and tetrahydrofuran. The thermal stability and glass-transition temperature of PS in PS- g -MWNTs were obviously increased. Nanopins were formed on the glass substrates by the self-assembly of PS- g -MWNTs, and the dewetting effect between the glass substrate and PS chains covered MWNTs during the evaporation of the solution. Both the length and diameter of the nanopins increased with the solution concentration. When PS- g -MWNTs were compression-molded, MWNTs were dispersed uniformly in the PS matrix and formed good networks, such as circlelike and starlike structures, because of the entanglements of hairy PS chains on MWNTs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3869,3881, 2006 [source] Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes with poly(N -(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) by RAFT polymerizationJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 8 2006Chun-Yan Hong Abstract In this study, we grafted water-soluble biocompatible polymer, poly(N -(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) (PHPMA), onto the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents, dithioesters, were successfully immobilized onto the surface of MWNTs first, PHPMA chains were then subsequently grafted onto MWNTs via RAFT polymerization by using dithioesters immobilized on MWNTs as RAFT agent. FTIR, XPS, 1H NMR, Raman and TGA were used to characterize the resulting products and to determine the content of water-soluble PHPMA chains in the product. The MWNTs grafted with PHPMA chains have good solubility in distilled water, PBS buffer, and methanol. TEM images of the samples provide direct evidence for the formation of a nanostructure that MWNTs coated with polymer layer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2419,2427, 2006 [source] Photothermal antimicrobial nanotherapy and nanodiagnostics with self-assembling carbon nanotube clustersLASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 7 2007Jin-Woo Kim PhD Abstract Background and Objectives Unique properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) would open new avenues for addressing challenges to realize rapid and sensitive antimicrobial diagnostics and therapy for human pathogens. In this study, new CNTs' capabilities for photothermal (PT) antimicrobial nanotherapy were explored in vitro using Escherichia coli as a model bacterium. Study Design/Materials and Methods Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were incubated with E. coli K12 strain. CNTs' locations in bacteria and laser-induced thermal and accompanied effects around CNTs were estimated with TEM and PT microscopy, respectively. Multi-pulse lasers at 532 and 1064 nm with 12-ns pulse duration were used for irradiating sample mixtures at different laser fluences. Cell viability was evaluated using a bacterial viability test kit and epi-fluorescence microscopy. Results This study revealed CNTs' high binding affinity to bacteria, their capability to self-assemble as clusters at bacteria surfaces, and their inherent near-infrared (NIR) laser responsiveness. Cell viability was affected neither by CNTs alone nor by NIR irradiations alone. Notable changes in bacteria viability, caused by local thermal and accompanied bubble-formation phenomena, were observed starting at laser fluences of 0.1,0.5 J/cm2 with complete bacteria disintegration at 2,3 J/cm2 at both wavelengths. Furthermore, ethanol in reaction mixtures significantly (more than one order) enhanced bubble formation phenomena. Conclusion This first application of laser-activated CNTs as PT contrast antimicrobial agents demonstrated its great potential to cause irreparable damages to disease-causing pathogens as well as to detect the pathogens at single bacterium level. This unique integration of laser and nanotechnology may also be used for drinking water treatment, food processing, disinfection of medical instrumentation, and purification of grafts and implants. Furthermore, the significant ethanol-induced enhancement of bubble formation provides another unique possibility to improve the efficiency of selective nanophotothermolysis for treating cancers, wounds, and vascular legions. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:622,634, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Dispersion-Polymerized Carbon Nanotube/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Composite Particles and their Electrorheological CharacteristicsMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 5 2007Sung Tae Kim Abstract An in situ dispersion polymerization method was adopted to synthesize particulate composites of MWNTs and PMMA, mainly for the investigation of their electrorheological characteristics. The morphology of the PMMA microparticles synthesized in the presence of the MWNTs was examined by both SEM and TEM, showing that the MWNTs were not only grafted onto the surface of the PMMA microbeads, but were also embedded inside the synthesized microbeads. The synthesized MWNT/PMMA particulate composites were also characterized by zeta-potential measurements and TGA for electric and thermal stability studies, respectively. A suspension of the MWNT/PMMA microparticles dispersed in silicone oil was found to show enhanced electrorheological properties on the increase of shear stresses when subjected to an external electric field, exhibiting high yield stresses despite the tiny amount of the MWNT associated. [source] Effect of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes on Molecular Interaction and Properties of Polyurethane CompositesMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 19 2006Nanda Gopal Sahoo Abstract Summary: Functionalized MWNTs were incorporated into PU by solution mixing to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of composites. A homogeneous dispersion of MWNTs was successfully achieved in PU matrix as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. It may be attributed to the hydrogen bonds existing between CO groups of hard segments of PU chains and COOH groups of the MWNT-COOH. The incorporation of the MWNTs effectively enhanced the crystallization of the PU matrix through heterogeneous nucleation, and the nucleation effect was more evident at 10 wt.-% functionalized MWNTs as compared to other composite systems. Mechanical properties of the PU-MWNTs composites were assessed as a function of MWNT concentration and dispersion of MWNT in PU matrix. The most significant improvement in mechanical properties was obtained, e.g., 740% increase in modulus and 180% increase in tensile strength over pure PU with 20% MWNT content. The thermal stability of composites due to thermal gravimetric measurements was significantly improved. A possible interaction of H-bonding existed between PU chain and MWNT-COOH. [source] Rheology and Physical Characteristics of Synthetic Biodegradable Aliphatic Polymer Blends Dispersed with MWNTsMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2010Seung Woo Ko Abstract PLA/PBAT blends and PLA/PBAT/MWNT nanocomposite systems were prepared via a melt mixing process to examine their thermal and rheological properties. To compare the polymer blend/MWNT nanocomposite with a pure polymer/MWNT nanocomposite, PLA/MWNT, PBAT/MWNT, and PLA/PBAT/MWNT nanocomposite systems were prepared. TEM and SEM were used to observe that one phase has better affinity with the MWNT, while the MWNT was found to increase both the thermal properties of the PLA/PBAT blends and rheological properties of the PLA/PBAT/MWNT nanocomposite with distinct shear-thinning behavior due to the addition of the MWNT. An increase in the storage (G,) and loss (G,) moduli for the PLA/PBT/MWNT nanocomposite was also observed. [source] In situ Preparation of Polyimide Composites Based on Functionalized Carbon NanotubesMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2009Rohit Srivastava Abstract Three series of composite films based on polyimide and MWNTs were prepared by conversion of pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4,-oxydianiline in the presence of the nanotubes, followed by thermal imidization. Carboxy- and amino-functionalized as well as unmodified nanotubes were used. It was demonstrated that just 0.5 wt.-% of nanotubes increased the tensile properties of the composite films distinctly. Surprisingly, a significant influence of the functional groups on the mechanical performance of the composite films could not be demonstrated. However, it was shown that functional groups may reduce the conductivity of the films. Furthermore, the influence of ultrasonication is discussed. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||