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Tryptophan, an essential amino acid playing a pivotal role in various biological processes, stands as a focal point in our investigation. In this study, we introduce a groundbreaking electrochemical sensor that integrates a nanocomposite comprising carbon black (CB) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for the selective detection of L-tryptophan (Trp). The synthesis of ZnO-NPs, accomplished through the sol-gel technique, was meticulously characterized using XRD, FTIR, and UV-visible methods to unveil their structural and optical properties. The construction of the sensing electrode involved the deposition of a CB/ZnO-NP nanocomposite onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) utilizing the drop-coating method. Rigorous evaluation and analysis of the modified glassy carbon electrode were carried out through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The resulting CB/ZnO-NPs/GCE electrode exhibited an augmented surface area and outstanding electrocatalytic activity. Significantly, the CB/ZnO-NP sensor displayed remarkable analytical performance for tryptophan detection over an extensive concentration range from 0.01 to 100 µmol.L−1, featuring a low detection limit of 0.017 µmol.L−1. Moreover, the proposed electrochemical sensor exhibited notable selectivity, specifically targeting tryptophan, emphasizing its potential for diverse analytical applications. This work not only expands our understanding of tryptophan detection but also offers a highly sensitive and selective tool with broad applications in biomedical and environmental fields, underscoring the significance of this innovative sensor in advancing analytical methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogel nanocomposites have been enthusiastically researched as promising candidates with cost-effectiveness and sustainability for solar steam generation and flexible electronics. Based on conductivity derived from salt ions and superior photo-vapor conversion of photothermal nanoparticles, hydrogel nanocomposites hold great potentials for ionotronics and desalination. Here, we report a mechanically robust and multifunctional gel-nacre nanocomposite based on carbon black (CB) nanoparticles strategically embedded in gel-nacre matrix, a physical crosslinked hydrogel reinforced via freeze–thaw and salting out with microphase separation structures. The CB nanoparticles play double roles of acting as nano-crosslinks and providing photothermal conversion capability, coupling gel-nacre matrix with shrinking tendency in saline, contributing to synergistical reinforcement of mechanical performances under saline conditions. The consequent CB@gel-nacre nanocomposite achieves comprehensive mechanical advantages (large strength, high toughness, ductility, and rapid self-recoverability), excellent electrical properties (good conductivity, high sensitivity, fast strain response) as well as photothermal conversion capability. Such versatile gel-nacre nanocomposite provides new opportunities for flexible devices in various scenarios such as ionotronics and desalination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polypropylene/carbon black (PP/CB) nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding to investigate the effect of nanofiller loadings on the thermal and flammability properties of PP. The obtained nanocomposites displayed not only dramatically enhanced thermal stability both under nitrogen and in air, but also improved flame retardancy to some extent. Moreover, the higher the loading level of CB, the better was the improved effect. This enhanced mechanism was attributed mainly to trapping of peroxy radicals by CB nanoparticles at elevated temperature to form a gelled-ball crosslinked network, which act as a barrier to both heat and mass transfer. The thermal-oxidation cross-linking reaction was supported by the results of rheological properties, gel measurements and FTIR analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]