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[Display omitted] Rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are viewed as a promising solution for electric vehicles due to their potential to provide a clean, cost-effective, and sustainable energy storage system for the next generation. Nevertheless, sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the air electrode, and low power density are significant challenges that hinder the practical application of ZABs. The key to resolving the development of ZABs is developing an affordable, efficient, and stable catalyst with bifunctional catalytic. In this study, we present a series of bifunctional catalysts composed of Co/Zn nanoparticles uniformly embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) denoted as Co/Zn@NC@MWCNTs. The incorporation of MWCNTs using a facile and non-toxic method significantly decreased the overpotential of the OER from 570 to 430 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and the peak power density from 226 to 263 mW cm−2. Besides, the electrochemical surface area measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicate that the three-dimensional (3D) network structure of MWCNTs facilitates mass transport for ORR and reduces electron transfer resistance during OER, leading to a small potential gap of 0.86 V between OER and ORR, high electron transfer number (3.92–3.98) of the ORR, and lowest Tafel slope (47.8 mV dec−1) of the OER in aqueous ZABs. In addition, in-situ Raman spectroscopy revealed a notable decrease in the I D /I G ratio for the optimally configured Co/Zn@NC@MWCNTs (75:25), indicating a reduction in defect density and improved structural ordering during the electrochemical process, which directly contributes to enhanced ORR activity. Hence, this study provides an excellent strategy for constructing a bifunctional catalyst material with a 3D MWCNTs conductive network for the development of advanced ZAB systems for sustainable energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a pH sensor with a Mach–Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) that operates in solutions of 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0. The sensor device consists of two tapered sections with dimensions of 1 mm/1 mm/1 mm for down-taper, waist-length, and up-taper, respectively, with a separation of 10 mm. The diameter of the waist is 40  μ m. This work includes the experimental evaluation of an MZI fiber optic pH sensor at 1559 nm, where 1559 nm represents a specific wavelength chosen for its optimal sensitivity in evaluating the sensor pH detection performance. It is not the central wavelength of the optical fiber, but one of the minimal values selected to enhance the interaction between the evanescent field and the sample, ensuring the reliable detection of pH variations. These sensor dimensions and the functionalized solution of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) increase the detection of pH in dyes used in the textile industry. Alizarin is a strong anionic red dye that is part of the anthraquinone dye group. The experimental results demonstrated effective detection of pH levels in water contamination involving dye. This development could resolve the problem with Alizarin. The simple fabrication, low cost, and stability of the optical response make this sensor relevant for pH measurements in water contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study investigates the thermal behaviour of unsteady hybrid nanofluid flow on an infinite vertical plate. The investigation takes into account parameters such as magnetohydrodynamics and radiation effects, as well as the stratified medium. The systems of equations were solved by employing the explicit finite difference approach of Dufort-Frankel method. The main motivation of the study is to compare the performance of water, magnetic oxide, and multi-wall carbon nanotubes as working fluids. Additionally, velocity, temperature, and concentration outlines are visualized through plots, elucidating the fluid behaviour. Tables are provided for the Skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number, offering comprehensive insights crucial for optimizing performance in engineering applications ranging from thermal management systems to renewable energy technologies. The main finding of this study indicates that the quantitative result reveals that the temperature outline escalates among increasing values of radiation. In contrast, the outlines of a velocity and concentration show a decrease as the values of magnetohydrodynamics increase. In addition, multi-walled carbon nanotubes consume a larger outcome on temperature. A statistical study displays that the thermal stream rate of magnetic oxide-multi-wall carbon nanotubes-water increases from 1.7615 percentages to 7.4415 percentages, respectively, when the volume fraction of nanoparticles rises from 0.01 to 0.05. Future research is important to understanding hybrid nanofluid flows and their applications in thermal engineering systems such as energy systems, nuclear reactors, biomedical applications, electronics cooling, solar thermal systems, chemical processing, and other heat transfer applications where improved thermal performance is crucial.

This study investigates the thermal behaviour of unsteady hybrid nanofluid flow on an infinite vertical plate. The investigation takes into account parameters such as magnetohydrodynamics and radiation effects, as well as the stratified medium. The systems of equations were solved by employing the explicit finite difference approach of Dufort-Frankel method. The main motivation of the study is to compare the performance of water, magnetic oxide, and multi-wall carbon nanotubes as working fluids. Additionally, velocity, temperature, and concentration outlines are visualized through plots, elucidating the fluid behaviour. Tables are provided for the Skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number, offering comprehensive insights crucial for optimizing performance in engineering applications ranging from thermal management systems to renewable energy technologies. The main finding of this study indicates that the quantitative result reveals that the temperature outline escalates among increasing values of radiation. In contrast, the outlines of a velocity and concentration show a decrease as the values of magnetohydrodynamics increase. In addition, multi-walled carbon nanotubes consume a larger outcome on temperature. A statistical study displays that the thermal stream rate of magnetic oxide-multi-wall carbon nanotubes-water increases from 1.7615 percentages to 7.4415 percentages, respectively, when the volume fraction of nanoparticles rises from 0.01 to 0.05. Future research is important to understanding hybrid nanofluid flows and their applications in thermal engineering systems such as energy systems, nuclear reactors, biomedical applications, electronics cooling, solar thermal systems, chemical processing, and other heat transfer applications where improved thermal performance is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Mo-Ni/C catalyst was developed and assessed in terms of the decomposition of ethanol to produce multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and hydrogen. The catalyst utilized different molar ratios of Mo:Ni (1:9, 2:8, and 3:7), with Mo acting as a dopant to enhance the MWCNT yield and Ni acting as the primary active phase for MWCNT formation. Among the tested ratios, the 2:8 Mo:Ni ratio exhibited the optimal performance, yielding 86% hydrogen and high-quality MWCNTs. In addition to hydrogen, the process also generated CO, CH4, and CO2. Gas chromatography (GC) was employed to analyze the influence of the Mo:Ni ratio on gas production and selectivity, while the quality of the resulting MWCNTs was evaluated using SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and TEM analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The external bonding (EB) of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is a usual flexural reinforcement method. When using the technique, premature debonding failure still remains a factor of concern. The effect of incorporating multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in epoxy resin on the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) sheets was investigated through four-point bending beam tests. Experimental results indicated that the flexural behavior was significantly improved by the MWCNT-modified epoxy. The BFRP sheets bonded by the MWCNT-modified epoxy more effectively mitigated the debonding failure of BFRP sheets and constrained crack development as well as enhanced the ductility and flexural stiffness of strengthened beams. When the beam was reinforced with two-layer BFRP sheets, the yielding load, ultimate load, ultimate deflection, post-yielded flexural stiffness, energy absorption capacity and deflection ductility of beams strengthened using MWCNT-modified epoxy increased by 7.4%, 8.3%, 18.2%, 22.6%, 29.1% and 14.3%, respectively, in comparison to the beam strengthened using pure epoxy. It could be seen in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images that the MWCNTs could penetrate into concrete and their pull-out and crack bridging consumed more energy, which remarkably enhanced the flexural behavior of the strengthened beams. Finally, an analytical model was proposed for calculating characteristic loads and characteristic deflections of RC beams strengthened with FRP sheets, which indicated a reasonably good correlation with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of energy from alternative energy sources as well as the use of waste heat are key elements of an efficient energetics. Adsorption heat storage is a technology that allows solving such problems. For the successful operation of an adsorption heat accumulator, it is necessary to analyze the thermophysical characteristics of the system under the conditions of the operating cycle: heat transfer coefficient adsorbent-metal (α2), overall (U) and global (UA) heat transfer coefficients of heat exchanger. Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites are very promising for adsorption-based renewable energy storage and conversion technologies. In this work at the stage of heat release, α2 was measured by the large pressure jump (LPJ) method, at the stage of heat storage by large temperature jump method (LTJ), which made it possible to obtain thermophysical characteristics that corresponded to the implementation of the real working cycle as much as possible. The heat transfer coefficients for a pair of adsorbent LiCl/MWCNT—methanol are measured for the first time under the conditions of a daily heat storage cycle both at the sorption stage (α2 = 190 W/m2K) and at the desorption stage (α2 = 170 W/m2K). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The use of energy from alternative energy sources as well as the use of waste heat are key elements of an efficient energetics. Adsorption heat storage is a technology that allows solving such problems. For the successful operation of an adsorption heat accumulator, it is necessary to analyze the thermophysical characteristics of the system under the conditions of the operating cycle: heat transfer coefficient adsorbent-metal (α2), overall (U) and global (UA) heat transfer coefficients of heat exchanger. Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites are very promising for adsorption-based renewable energy storage and conversion technologies. In this work at the stage of heat release, α2 was measured by the large pressure jump (LPJ) method, at the stage of heat storage by large temperature jump method (LTJ), which made it possible to obtain thermophysical characteristics that corresponded to the implementation of the real working cycle as much as possible. The heat transfer coefficients for a pair of adsorbent LiCl/MWCNT—methanol are measured for the first time under the conditions of a daily heat storage cycle both at the sorption stage (α2 = 190 W/m2K) and at the desorption stage (α2 = 170 W/m2K).

In this work, the effect of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) addition on the materials shielding properties against Gamma radiation with an energy of 662 keV from a 137Cs source is investigated. The linear attenuation coefficient of MWCNTs-based materials (gelatin-water mixture) with MWCNTs concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10% is measured. To isolate the contribution of the MWCNTs unique structure to the shielding capabilities, samples with the same concentrations of activated carbon were fabricated and their linear attenuation coefficients were obtained. Also, the linear and the mass attenuation coefficients are obtained theoretically for the same concentrations using the XCOM program and compared with measured values. It is found that the addition of MWCNTs by 5% or 10% has increased the linear attenuation coefficient by around 5% when compared to the same concentrations of activated carbon. This increase in the shielding apabilities against gamma radiation can be related to the interaction of gamma radiation with the extraordinary geometry and structure of MWCNTs.

A non-invasive ultrasonic transmission method was applied to on-line monitor the curing behavior of the nanocomposites based on epoxy matrix. Effects of dispersion and interfacial adhesion of the nanofiller on high frequency dynamic mechanical properties during curing process of the nanocomposites were discussed. The typical nanofillers, multi-wall carbon nanotubes (p-MWCNTs) were selected, which were doped with graphene oxides (GOs), and dispersed in epoxy resin. By measuring the velocity and attenuation coefficient of longitudinal ultrasonic waves throughout the entire curing cycle, the longitudinal storage modulus and loss tangent of the epoxy nanocomposites were obtained. And the curing kinetics of the epoxy matrix nanocomposites was analyzed based on the Hsich non-equilibrium fluctuation theory. The results proved that enhanced dispersion and interfacial bonding of the GO-MWCNTs with epoxy improved dynamic mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix nanocomposites, while made curing process accelerated. The proposed ultrasonic monitoring method could accurately evaluate the curing process of epoxy-matrix nanocomposites. In conclusion, this research offered a practical effective measurement method for monitoring of curing process of the thermosetting resin matrix nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blend membranes were prepared based on sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and poly (etherimide) (PEI) using different amounts of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (up to 2 wt%). PEEK has been sulfonated directly to reach 70 % degree of sulfonation. The manufactured membranes were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of the composition of SPEEK / PEI on membrane selectivity was investigated under different feed pressures (2 to 8 bar) and temperatures (25 to 55 °C). The values of selectivity and gas permeability were varied between the value of the individual polymers, fluctuating systematically with SPEEK / PEI content variation in the blends. TGA and tensile tests result obtained for prepared membranes shown that the hybrid membrane had good thermal and mechanical properties. The addition of MWCNTs to the blend led to simultaneously improve the selectivity and permeability of the pair gases of CO2 and CH4. The permeability of CO2, as well as CH4/CO2 selectivity for the membrane with the same weight of SPEEK and PEI, and 1 wt% of MWCNTs (coded SP55M1) experienced an increase of about 22 % compared with the neat membrane. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were performed by employing the COMPASS force field to estimate the diffusivity of CH4 and CO2 gases through selected membranes. At last, with compared to the obtained experimetal data, the optimized nanocomposite membrane, integrated with MWCNTs was efficient, which makes it promising platform to separate mixed gase flows of CO2 and CH4 and other related environmental processes.

In this study, a new in-loop hybrid manufacturing method is proposed for fabricating multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)/polylactic acid (PLA) composites. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted in conjunction with experiments to reveal the mechanism of the proposed method for improving the interfacial performance of MWCNTs/PLA. The superposed gradients in the PLA chain activity and conformation due to the plasma-actuating MWCNTs promoted intermolecular interaction and infiltration between the MWCNTs and PLA chains, forming an MWCNTs-stress-transfer bridge in the direction perpendicular to the interlayer interface, and finally enhancing the performance of the composites. The experimental results indicated that the interfacial shear strength of the specimen fabricated using the proposed method increased by 30.50% to 43.26 MPa compared to those without the addition of MWCNTs, and this value was 4.77 times higher than that of the traditional manufacturing method, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving the interfacial properties of MWCNTs/PLA composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive polymeric materials are commonly obtained by adding conductive nanoparticles to blends of immiscible polymers that form a cocontinuous morphology. However, during processing, morphology changes, affecting material properties. This study investigates the impact of steady shear deformation on the morphological and electrical properties of a model system consisting of polypropylene/polystyrene/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The findings reveal that the deformation results in the coarsening of the blend morphology and disruption of the electrical network, increasing both the rheological and electrical percolation threshold concentrations. The evolution of both electrical and morphological properties depends on MWCNT concentration, strain amplitude, and shear rate. The MWCNT concentration, below a certain level, leads to a disruption in electrical conductivity at high shear rates. However, if the MWCNT concentration is above 1 wt. %, the balance between filler network breakup and nanoparticle diffusion is maintained, resulting in stable electrical conductivity and morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript presents preliminary results on the cement paste potential, with and without carbon nanomaterials, to heal high-temperature cracks. Cement paste beams were subjected to thermal loading of 200°C and 400°C after 28 days of water curing. High temperature caused the formation of microcrack networks on the specimen’s surface. Self-healing was achieved by exposing the cracked samples to cyclic water immersion. The efficiency of the process was evaluated based on the crack closure and mechanical properties recovery after 24 days. The results indicated a distinct dependence of the healing on the loading temperature. Carbon nanotubes had a positive effect on self-repair efficiency.

This study aimed to computationally examine the effect of the average diameter of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the hydrothermal properties of a square cavity. A conventional square cavity filled with MWCNT–water was used for the experiment. The left and right walls of the cavity are maintained as hot and cold respectively, whereas the top and bottom walls were assumed to be adiabatic. Mathematical models were developed using the Navier–Stokes equations by applying the thermophysical properties of the MWCNT–water nanofluid. A newly proposed correlation between the effective thermal conductivity and the diameter of carbon nanotube was utilized to analyze the impact of the average diameter on the natural convection of nanofluid inside the cavity. The governing equations were non-dimensionalized using suitable variables and then solved using the Galerkin finite element technique. The combined effects of the Rayleigh number (103

Hybrid nanofluids provide better thermal network, mechanical resistance, good aspect ratio and thermal conductivity rather than usual/mono nanofluids. The hybrid nano-composition of multi-wall carbon nanotubes and nickel zinc ferrites possesses superior thermal properties and embellished heat transfer characteristics. The main concern, in this paper, is to examine the novel thermal aspects of water based pure nanofluid (MWCNTs) and hybrid nanofluid (MWCNTs-NiZnFe2O4). The prominent effects of viscous dissipation, motile gyrotactic microorganisms and activation energy have also been taken into account. The other aspect of the study is also to interpret the flow features of hybrid nanofluids subject to Darcy-Forchheimer medium. The characteristics of both hybrid and usual case of nanofluids are covered in this analysis. The governing model problem comprising of coupled and highly non-linear system of equations is treated numerically via a persuasive numerical technique named “Successive over Relaxation” method. A numerical comparison not only validates the code but also found to be in a good correlation with the earlier ones. It can be deduced from the outcomes of the present study that higher levels of Peclet number cause a decrease in the density distribution of motile microorganisms. For the higher values of Forchheimer parameter, lower will be the velocity of fluid and higher will be the shear stress in either, pure or hybrid, case of nanofluids.

In complex environmental substance monitoring, the simultaneous detection of single and multiple substances with high sensitivity has been a research focus in the field of electrochemical sensors. Rational selection of appropriate dopants to optimize the electrode material is crucial in this regard. In this work, we employed a multi-doping strategy to effectively enhance the electrocatalytic performance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). By doping Ni/NiC x onto MWCNTs, we successfully constructed a heterojunction material (Ni/NiC x -N-MWCNTs). The successful doping of Ni/NiC x allows for the synergistic effects of multiple elements. Ni/NiC x serves as a conductive bridge, forming a three-dimensional network of nanotubes, which effectively reduces the aggregation of carbon nanotubes, exposes more active sites, and enhances electrocatalytic activity. The electrochemical sensor based on Ni/NiC x -N-MWCNTs demonstrated high sensitivity, selectivity, and simultaneous electrochemical detection for acetaminophen (1–150 μM, limit of detection (LOD)=0.56 μM) and dopamine (1–80.0 μM, LOD=0.19 μM). Its excellent reproducibility (relative standard deviation (RSD)=2.01 %) and interference resistance provide Ni/NiC x -N-MWCNTs with significant advantages over other electrode materials, indicating a promising application potential. [Display omitted] • Ni/NiC X -N-MWCNTs heterojunction material is fabricated by doping with Ni/NiC X. • Ni and N co-doping exerts synergy effect to improve electrochemical activity. • The electrochemical sensor shows highly-sensitive determination of APAP and DA. • The excellent repeatability and anti-interference can be obtained in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous 3D composite materials are interesting anode electrodes for single chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs) since they exploit a surface layer that is able to achieve the correct biocompatibility for the proliferation of electroactive bacteria and have an inner charge transfer element that favors electron transfer and improves the electrochemical activity of microorganisms. The crucial step is to fine-tune the continuous porosity inside the anode electrode, thus enhancing the bacterial growth, adhesion, and proliferation, and the substrate's transport and waste products removal, avoiding pore clogging. To this purpose, a novel approach to synthetize a 3D composite aerogel is proposed in the present work. A 3D composite aerogel, based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a conductive filler, was obtained by pouring this mixture over the commercial sugar, used as removable template to induce and tune the hierarchical continuous porosity into final nanostructures. In this scenario, the granularity of the sugar directly affects the porosities distribution inside the 3D composite aerogel, as confirmed by the morphological characterizations implemented. We demonstrated the capability to realize a high-performance bioelectrode, which showed a 3D porous structure characterized by a high surface area typical of aerogel materials, the required biocompatibility for bacterial proliferations, and an improved electron pathway inside it. Indeed, SCMFCs with 3D composite aerogel achieved current densities of (691.7 ± 9.5) mA m−2, three orders of magnitude higher than commercial carbon paper, (287.8 ± 16.1) mA m−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, Carbon nanotubes have been widely used in industry, engineering, science, and many other fields. The CNTs are formed of two classes, the first class is single-wall (SWCNTs) and the second is multi-wall (MWCNTs). Their synthesis is implemented using various methods such as Arc discharge and chemical vapor deposition processes. These methods produce stripping carbon atoms which exist as carbon whiskers formed as a side product in the air that could be breathed by human in the factories. These broad applications directly affect the human health because they are related to important areas involving direct influence to human health for example, in the pharmaceutical and food industries. One of the main risks facing the use of carbon nanotubes is to study the toxicity and the possibility of causing serious diseases such as lung cancer and skin cancer. As mentioned in the results of published researches explored in this review, especially those related to studying the effect of carbon nanotube on rat groups, for instance, direct exposure to specific amounts of carbon nanoparticles has caused serious complications, fibrosis and the emergence of carcinogenic infections in lung cells. Studies have shown that the toxicity of carbon nanotubes exceeded the toxicity of known toxic compounds such as quartz. These results, which have been discussed in the research, indicate that nanoparticles are considered as a toxic substance and we should be very cautious when dealing with them and take the necessary precautions in the laboratory especially those related to human health and food industries.

Polymers have a wide application. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a ubiquitous additive manufacturing (AM) technique that enables producers to manufacture polymer parts in a cost-effective way. However, the bed size limitation in 3D printers restricts their applicability in a variety of industries; therefore, it seems essential to find a great approach to join 3D-printed parts. Friction stir welding (FSW) is an excellent solution to join 3D-printed parts to overcome bed size limitation. A friction welding joint is referred as interface, fusion, or bond and is a point or edge where two or more pieces are joined together by friction. In the first stage, the aim of this investigation is to study the effect of groove shape and volume fraction of the multi-wall carbon nanotube powder on the mechanical properties including angular distortion, tensile and flexural strength, and hardness as well as electrical properties of ABS parts manufactured by fused deposition modeling machine. Secondly, the impact of those parameters on tensile strength via two artificial neural networks (ANN and GMDH) was investigated. The results showed that not only greater tensile and flexural strength was achieved thanks to the carbon nanotube, but also hardness was improved. The lower amount of powder and square groove shape leads to greater tensile and flexural strength. The square groove shape and more volume fraction of MWCNTS also gave rise to lower angular distortion. The positive influence of adding MWCNTs on joining 3d-printed parts via FSW was not restricted to mechanical properties and adding only 4.16% of MWCNTs showed a significant increase in electrical properties. Finally, both ANN and GMDH have shown excellent results (R-value of 0.94 and 0.93 with the error of 8 and 20%, respectively) in predicting the tensile strength of welded specimens.

A single bubble absorption column was used to examine the effect of hydrodynamic on carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) absorption in pure water and water-based nanofluids dispersed with neat, and OH and NH2 functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used as a surfactant and stabilizer. The maximum absorption of CO2 and H2S were found to be 0.0038 mmol/m2·s and 0.056 mmol/m2·s using NH2-MWCNTs /nanofluid with 0.5 wt% content, respectively. The diffusion coefficients of gases into the nanofluids were computed by using an equation attained based on Dankwert’s theory. A last, an empirical correlation was proposed to determine the Sherwood number for the absorption of the aforementioned gases into the nanofluids.

In this study, a magnetic solid-phase extraction method was developed based on multi-wall carbon nanotubes decorated by magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (Fe3O4@MWCNT-CdS) for trace extraction of cefixime and tetracycline antibiotics from urine and drug company wastewater. The adsorbent features were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Various effective parameters on the sorption and desorption cycle, such as sorption time, the mass of adsorbent, pH, salt addition, and material ratio, were investigated and optimized. The data were evaluated using isotherm models, and experimental data were well-fitted to both Langmuir (R2 = 0.975) and Freundlich (R2 = 0.985) models. Moreover, kinetic of reaction was agreement with pseudo-second-order (R2 = 0.999) as compared pseudo-first-order (R2 = 0.760). The maximum adsorption capacity for tetracycline and cefixime was achieved at 116.27 and 105.26 mg·g−1, respectively. Hence, the prepared adsorbent can be used as an alternative material for enhanced determination of pharmaceutical substances in biological fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Condensed particles in the internal flow field of a solid rocket motor can cause serious erosion to thermal insulations under overload flight condition. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can improve erosion resistance of insulations but at the cost of reduced thermal insulation performance. In this study, MWCNTs were precoated with pyrolytic carbon via chemical vapor deposition to reduce their thermal conductivity. Further, ethylene propylene diene monomer insulations reinforced with different contents of MWCNTs and precoated MWCNTs were prepared. Moreover, their ablation performances under simulated overload ablation conditions were tested and compared. Experimental results show that precoated MWCNTs can not only improve thermal insulation performance but also significantly increase particle erosion resistance of ethylene propylene diene monomer insulation materials. Charring ablation rate of the formula with 10phr precoated MWCNTs is 44.3% lower than that of basic formula and 41.6% lower than that of the formula with 3phr MWCNTs which has the same pure MWCNTs content. The char layers of MWCNTs reinforced formulas are more complete than basic formula, indicating that MWCNTs can improve char layer structure under particle erosion condition. The precoated MWCNTs can also promote the CVD reaction of pyrolysis gas in char layers during ablation, decreasing the porosity of char layers, which can increase the particle erosion resistance of insulation. • Particle resistance of EPDM insulation was studied with the overload simulation SRM; • EPDM insulation with less quantity of precoated MWCNTs retain good particle resistances; • Precoated MWCNTs can promote CVD reaction of pyrolysis gas within char layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a study of the linear viscoelastic properties of co-continuous polypropylene/polystyrene blends filled with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is presented. The YZZ rheological model [W. Yu et al., Polymer 51, 2091–2098 (2010)] is employed to correlate the rheological behavior of the blends with their microstructure and electrical properties. A test design involving a sequence of small amplitude oscillatory shear and a time sweep (simulating thermal annealing) is used to evaluate the morphology and evolution of electrical properties. It was shown that the YZZ rheological model could be successfully modified to be able to quantify a co-continuous morphology of filled composites. The calculated characteristic domain size was found to be in good agreement with the experimental data obtained via scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, it is shown that the characteristic domain size slightly decreased after 30 min of thermal annealing. It was shown, as well, that thermal annealing promoted a reduction in the electrical percolation threshold (wt. % MWCNT) from 0.28 to 0.06. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a microfluidic device used for X-/Y-sperm separation based on monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads, which become positively charged in the flow system. Y-sperms were selectively captured via a monoclonal antibody and transferred onto the microfluidic device and were discarded, so that X-sperms can be isolated and commercially exploited for fertilization demands of female cattle in dairy industry. Therefore, the research team used monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads to increase the force that causes the Y-sperm to be pulled out of the system, leaving only the X-sperm for further use. The experimental design was divided into the following: Model 1, the microfluid system for sorting positive magnetic beads, which yielded 100% separation; Model 2, the sorting of monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads in the fluid system, yielding 98.84% microcirculation; Model 3, the sorting of monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads with sperm in the microfluid system, yielding 80.12% microcirculation. Moreover, the fabrication microfluidic system had thin film electrodes created via UV lithography and MWCNTs electrode structure capable of erecting an electrode wall 1500 µm above the floor with a flow channel width of only 100 µm. The system was tested using a constant flow rate of 2 µL/min and X-/Y-sperm were separated using carbon nanotube electrodes at 2.5 V. The structure created with the use of vertical electrodes and monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads technique produced a higher effective rejection effect and was able to remove a large number of unwanted sperm from the system with 80.12% efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shahab Zomorodbakhsh,1 Yasamin Abbasian,2 Maryam Naghinejad,3 Mojgan Sheikhpour3,4 1Department of Chemistry, Mahshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mahshahr, Iran; 2Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; 4Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IranCorrespondence: Mojgan Sheikhpour Tel +989122969712Fax +98 21 64112313Email mshaikhpoor@gmail.comBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) has always been recognized as one of the fatal infectious diseases, which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). Isonicotinic acid hydrazide or isoniazid (INH) is one of the most commonly utilized drugs in the treatment of TB. Patients need to take 300 mg daily of INH for 6 months in combination with another anti-TB drug and tolerate several side effects of INH. On the other hand, the emergence of resistant strains of anti-TB antibiotics is one of the major problems in the treatment of this disease. So, antimicrobial drug delivery by nanofluids could improve the efficacy, and reduce the adverse effects of antimicrobial drugs. The purpose of this study was to perform a novel method to synthesize INH-conjugated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for more effective drug delivery, as well as, TB treatment.Methods: INH-conjugated functionalized MWCNTs were prepared, using a reflux system. The characterization of the obtained nano-drug was performed by the elemental analyses of total nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon and sulfur (CHNS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The nanofluid of nano-drug was prepared by the ultrasonic method, and the related antibacterial effect studies were carried out on the two strains of M.tb.Results: The antimicrobial effect of INH-conjugated MWCNTs was found to be much better at low concentrations than the pure drug in all of the strains.Conclusion: Since one of the main antimicrobial mechanisms of MWCNTs is through the destruction of the bacterial cell wall, in addition to its antimicrobial effects, it increased the drug delivery of INH at lower doses compared to drug alone. So, the nanofluid, containing INH-conjugated MWCNTs, had a better lethal effect on a variety of M.tb strains than that of the drug alone.Keywords: isoniazid, multi-wall carbon nanotubes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, nano-drug, nanofluid

The mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were identified by adding carbon-based nano-reinforcements, such as multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene platelets (GP), into the epoxy matrix by conducting suitable experiments. The main focus of this study is to compare the tensile modulus, tensile strength, flexural modulus, flexural strength, and thermal conductivity of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites with nanoparticle reinforcement. The results revealed that adding CNTs and GP nanoparticles improved the mechanical properties compared to a pure carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composite. However, compared to CNTs, the GP’s addition has increased the mechanical properties of the CFRP composite. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were presented to explore the microstructural characterization of carbon fiber-reinforced nanoparticle-reinforced composites. Further, using numerical studies, the transverse modulus, major and minor Poisson’s ratio of the carbon fibre reinforced with CNT and GP particle reinforcement were estimated. The current study is applied to the efficient design of nanoparticle reinforced carbon fibre reinforced composites.

This article focused on further investigation of passive vibration damping of a cantilever plate using carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite. A damping ratio depends on many factors, for example carbon nanotube content, type of carbon nanotubes, and frequency, so the epoxy composite reinforced with 0.2 wt. % multi-wall carbon nanotubes has been used with structural damping. Dynamic analysis for an aluminum cantilever plate has been studied to determine the effect of the epoxy nanocomposite material on the plate vibration. The main goal of the study was to minimize the frequency response function amplitude and shift the resonant frequency of the plate as high as possible, especially for the fundamental frequency. An finite element model exhibited an increase in the resonant frequency by 10.6% and 1.2% in addition to a reduction in the frequency response function amplitude by 79.5% and 43.26% at the first and second bending modes, respectively, when using 0.2 wt. % multi-wall carbon nanotubes/epoxy circular patches at an optimal position compared with the bare plate. In case of using a stiffener below the plate, the results exposed an increase in resonant frequency by 154.6% and 181.7%, whereas the frequency response function amplitude showed reduction by 95.9% and 98.2% at the first and second bending modes, respectively, when using three stiffeners of multi-wall carbon nanotubes/epoxy nanocomposite with the same mass of circular patches compared also with the bare plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, to enhance the toughness of resins and tensile strength of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated as a toughening material into resin matrices. The effects of the MWCNT addition on the fracture toughness (KIC) and mechanical properties of epoxy and vinyl ester resins, and the tensile strength (σr) and stiffness of impregnated basalt, carbon, and glass fiber rovings were systematically examined. The enhancement mechanism was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The enhancement in the tensile strength of the FRPs was predicted. The results showed that as compared to pure epoxy resin, the 0.3 wt% MWCNT-modified epoxy resin exhibited elevated KIC, tensile strength (σt), flexural strength (σf), and impact strength (αcU). Similar improvements were discovered for the MWCNT-modified vinyl ester resins. Concentrated tortuous textures due to the bonding and bridging effects of MWCNTs were observed on the fracture surface by SEM. The σr of the basalt, carbon, and glass rovings obviously increased with the addition of MWCNTs, owing to the combined action of restricted crack propagation and the promoted co-stress of fibers. Additionally, the σr of MWCNT-modified basalt and carbon rovings exhibited a lower dispersion, resulting in a higher guaranteed strength. The modification method proposed above can effectively improve the mechanical properties and design strength of FRP.

This study proposes a microfluidic device used for X-/Y-sperm separation based on monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads, which become positively charged in the flow system. Y-sperms were selectively captured via a monoclonal antibody and transferred onto the microfluidic device and were discarded, so that X-sperms can be isolated and commercially exploited for fertilization demands of female cattle in dairy industry. Therefore, the research team used monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads to increase the force that causes the Y-sperm to be pulled out of the system, leaving only the X-sperm for further use. The experimental design was divided into the following: Model 1, the microfluid system for sorting positive magnetic beads, which yielded 100% separation; Model 2, the sorting of monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads in the fluid system, yielding 98.84% microcirculation; Model 3, the sorting of monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads with sperm in the microfluid system, yielding 80.12% microcirculation. Moreover, the fabrication microfluidic system had thin film electrodes created via UV lithography and MWCNTs electrode structure capable of erecting an electrode wall 1500 µm above the floor with a flow channel width of only 100 µm. The system was tested using a constant flow rate of 2 µL/min and X-/Y-sperm were separated using carbon nanotube electrodes at 2.5 V. The structure created with the use of vertical electrodes and monoclonal antibody-conjugated magnetic beads technique produced a higher effective rejection effect and was able to remove a large number of unwanted sperm from the system with 80.12% efficiency.

Functionalised multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are exclusively used in antibacterial activity due to their high aspect ratio and surface penetration characteristics. This study reports the synthesis of piperazine and dopamine functionalised MWCNTs to investigate antibacterial activity against strains like Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus. MWCNTs were activated through acid oxidation and then refluxed at 75°C for 10 and 8 h in the presence of piperazine and dopamine, respectively. The functionalised MWCNTs were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, functionalised MWCNTs were subjected to zone inhibition assay on agar plates. Results revealed the significant antibacterial activity against various bacteria up to 50%. Similarly, it was observed that the effect of different solvents, such as dimethyl formamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was non‐prevalent to the bacterial zone of inhibition. Such facile nano‐modifications provide passage to nano‐antibacterials for advanced studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new sensitive enzyme-based electrode for electrochemical cholesterol biosensor was fabricated based on a nanocomposite of Au nanoparticles, ZnO nanoparticles and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (Au/ZnO/MWCNTs). The nanocomposite was prepared by sol–gel method and deposited on FTO substrate by dip coating, followed by cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) enzyme immobilized (ChOx/Au/ZnO/MWCNTs). Structural properties and morphology of the nanocomposite have been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The sample was subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine functional groups. Electrochemical behavior of the electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques as a function of cholesterol concentration. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was also considered to study of surface modified electrodes. The ChOx/Au/ZnO/MWCNTs electrode has been found to have enhanced electron transfer and display excellent analytical linear performances. The fabricated electrode exhibited low detection limit (0.1 μM), high sensitivity (25.89 μA/μM) evaluated from DPV data in the detection range of 0.1–100 µM and high selectivity in the determination of cholesterol over glucose and uric acid. The application of the ChOx/Au/ZnO/MWCNTs electrode in detection of cholesterol in human serum was also confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with aluminium hydroxide/iron hydroxide/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (AH/IH/MWCNTs) composites has been prepared by a simple method and applied for dihydro‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) detection. AH/IH can not only accelerate electron transfer but also electrostatically interact with the phosphate groups of NADH through iron hydroxide to improve the sensitivity of the sensor. Meanwhile, MWCNTs served as a bonding agent to provide a built‐in conductor, which resulted in boosted electron transfer at the interface. Compared with the GCE, MWCNTs–GCE, and AH/MWCNTs–GCE, the AH/IH/MWCNTs–GCE exhibited an extraordinary electrocatalytic response towards NADH, with a wide linear concentration range from 0.5 to 220 μM with a low‐detection limit of 0.30 μM, at a comparatively low potential (+0.15 V versus Ag/AgCl). Moreover, alcohol dehydrogenase was used as a model system for the design of a sensitive ethanol biosensor. The resulting biosensor exhibited an ethanol sensitivity of 9 μA/mM, a concentration range of 20–400 μM, and a detection limit of 5 μM. These results demonstrate the potential of the AH/IH/MWCNTs nanocomposite film for biosensors in combination with NADH‐producing enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple ultrasonic assisted chemical technique was used to synthesise cadmium oxide (CdO) nanoparticles (NPs) and CdO NPs/c‐Multiwalled carbon nanotube (c‐MWCNT) nanocomposite fibres.To confirm the physio‐chemico properties and to analyse surface morphology of the obtained nanomaterials X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were performed. To evaluate the anti‐cancer property of CdO NPs, c‐MWCNT NPs and CdO NPs/c‐MWCNT nanocomposite fibres, an anti‐proliferative assay test (Methylthiazolyl diphenyl‐ tetrazolium bromide ‐ MTT assay) were performed on HeLa cells which further estimated IC50 value (Least concentration of sample in which nearly 50% of cells remain alive) under in‐vitro conditions. On comparison, CdONPs/c‐MWCNT based system was found to be superior by achieving 52.3% cell viability with its minimal IC50 value of 31.2 μg/ml. Lastly, the CdO NPs based system was taken up for an apoptotic study using DNA fragmentation assay for estimating its ability to cleave the DNA of the HeLa cells into internucleosomal fragments using the agarose gel electrophoresis method. In conclusion, based on our observations, CdO NPs/c‐MWCNT hybrid based system can be further used for the development of efficient drug delivery and therapeutic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The redox behavior of the catalyst and the catalytic decomposition of carbon monoxide (CO) were investigated in the synthesis process of multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) using Ni/MgO catalyst. The surface morphology of the heated Ni layer was observed by TEM to confirm the formation of NiO particles (50 nm or less) and NiO (222). The chemical reaction behavior of the catalyst in CO the atmosphere was displayed via TG‐DSC analysis, and the reduction of NiO was revealed due to the mass decrease of 2.71 wt% and the exothermic peak at around 400°C. The deposition of carbon was identified with an increase in mass and the exothermic peak near 600°C. Ni (111) and carbon (002) facets was taken place in a diffraction pattern of carbon deposited catalyst, indicating the reduction in NiO and the graphitic carbon deposition. The crystallinity of the graphitic carbon was analyzed as the ratios of 0.998 for ID/IG and 0.26 for sp3/sp2 in Raman and photoelectron spectra. The encapsulated Ni in MWCNT was observed through TEM‐EDS, verifying the activation of the catalyst by CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes represent one of the best examples of novel nanostructures, exhibit a range of extraordinary physical properties, strong antimicrobial activity and can pierce bacterial cell walls. This investigation handles the antimicrobial activity of functionalised multiwall carbon nanotubes (F‐MWNTs) as an alternative antimicrobial material compared to the commercial antibiotics. Antibacterial activities of F‐MWNTs are investigated through two different kinds of bacteria, E. coli and S. aureus. The results demonstrate that the best concentration of F‐MWNTs for the maximum inhibition and antibacterial functionality is 80 and 60 μg/ml for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The transmission electron microscope reveals the morphological changes damage mechanism for the cellular reliability on these microorganisms. F‐MWNTs are capable of biologically isolating the cell from their microenvironment, contributing to the development of toxic substances and placing the cell under oxidative stress leading to cellular death. The efficiency of F‐MWNTs is compared with the common antibiotics and shows an enhancement in the inhibitory effect with percentages reaches 85%. To account for the bactericidal performance of F‐MWNTs towards these pathogens, the dielectric conductivity and the bacterial growth measurements are conducted. The present study endeavour that F‐MWNTs could be exploited in biomedical devices and altering systems for hospital and industrial cleaning applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was determined in various berries using carbon paste tyrosinase biosensor with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), coated with Nafion® layer. Electrochemical behaviour of the biosensor and influence of MWCNTs on carbon paste surface were studied with respect to the sensitive amperometric detection of total content of phenolic compounds in berries, expressed as concentration equivalent of Trolox. After optimization of key instrumental and electroanalytical parameters, the biosensor was used for determination of TEAC in blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries by method of multiple standard additions. Electrochemical TEAC assays corresponded well with results obtained by spectrophotometric 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical method, known as DPPH assay. Obtained values were compared with those listed in the National Nutrient Database for additional antioxidant capacity assays as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the optimisation of the various parameters (wt% of multiwalled carbon nanotube, pore size, size of the middle plate and time of testing) for evaluation of fractional exponent of a solid‐state fractional capacitor. For this, full factorial design of experiments is carried out to understand the crucial parameters, which have an effect on fractional exponent α. Then, contributions of each of the significant parameters are estimated. Later, by one‐way analysis of variance, the combination of various parameters by which one can obtain fractional capacitors of varying α is given in detail. The fractional capacitor for which the optimised design is done has a constant phase angle in between 0° and −90° in the frequency range from 1 to 100 kHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and magnesium oxide (MgO) on the thermal conductivity of MWCNTs and MgO-reinforced silicone rubber was studied. The increment of thermal conductivity was found to be linear with respect to increased loading of MgO. In order to improve the thermal transportation of phonons 0.3 wt % and 0.5 wt % of MWCNTs were added as filler to MgO-reinforced silicone rubber. The MWCNTs were functionalized by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to activate organic groups onto the surface of MWCNTs. These functional groups improved the compatibility and adhesion and act as bridging agents between MWCNTs and silicone elastomer, resulting in the formation of active conductive pathways between MgO and MWCNTs in the silicone elastomer. The surface functionalization was confirmed with XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy confirms the pristine structure of MWCNTs after oxidation with H2O2. The thermal conductivity is improved to 1 W/m·K with the addition of 20 vol% with 0.5 wt % of MWCNTs, which is an ~8-fold increment in comparison to neat elastomer. Improved thermal conductive properties of MgO-MWCNTs elastomer composite will be a potential replacement for conventional thermal interface materials.

Background: Due to the application of carbon nanotubes in biological fields and the possibility of their toxic effects, this study was conducted to examine the toxic effect of multi-wall carbon nanotubes on ovaries in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 50 rats were studied as follows: control group received normal saline, and experimental groups received the concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg of multi-wall carbon nanotubes functionalized with the carboxylic group in 8 steps intraperitoneally. Blood samples were collected in two phases (one day and 20 days after the last injection) and the serum hormone levels of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone and also the amount of malondialdehyde were measured. In addition, the tissue sections of ovary were stained by hematoxylin-eosin and studied. Results: The results of the first stage showed a significant reduction in all hormones in all concentrations in the experimental group compared to the control group. In the second stage, the level of FSH increased significantly in exposure to 10 and 20mg/kg concentrations of nanotubes and the estrogen level increased by 20mg/kg concentration of nanotubes, but the LH and progesterone hormones showed no significant change compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in the mean weight of the rats and the amount of malondialdehyde during the experiment. The histological results showed degradation of the granular layer, absence of corpus luteum and non-oocyte follicles in exposure to 10 and 20mg/kg concentrations of carbon nanotubes. Conclusion: It seems that carbon nanotubes, along with probable accumulation in the ovary, with the effect of oxidative stress, affect the level of sex hormones and cause disorders in the ovarian tissue.

The effect of the crystallization of polypropylene (PP) forming an immiscible polymer blend with polystyrene (PS) containing conductive multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on its electrical conductivity and electrical percolation threshold (PT) was investigated in this work. PP/PS/MWCNTs composites with a co-continuous morphology and a concentration of MWCNTs ranging from 0 to 2 wt.% were obtained. The PT was greatly reduced by a two-step approach. First, a 50% reduction in the PT was achieved by using the effect of double percolation in the blend system compared to PP/MWCNTs. Second, with the additional thermal treatments, referred to as slow-cooling treatment (with the cooling rate 0.5 °C/min), and isothermal treatment (at 135 °C for 15 min), ultra-low PT values were achieved for the PP/PS/MWCNTs system. A 0.06 wt.% of MWCNTs was attained upon the use of the slow-cooling treatment and 0.08 wt.% of MWCNTs upon the isothermal treatment. This reduction is attributed to PP crystals’ volume exclusion, with no alteration in the blend morphology.

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In this work, the specimen of the fabrics (polyester/viscose blend) was prepared. At first, the samples were placed under microwave radiation at different times, and then the optimum condition of treated fabrics (8 min) was selected for treatment. The physical properties and surface morphology of Cu nanoparticle and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different percentages were measured using dispersing agent, washing performance, stability, and physical properties of the fabric. The image of surface morphology's specimens was also photographed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Afterwards, we measured the specimens' electrical conductivity properties, according to AATCC 2005-76 standards, and subsequently, K/S, %R, and Lab value of specimens was analyzed using reflection spectrophotometer. In fact, the results indicated that optimum electrical resistivity, which was also the aim of the study, is 9% one weight of fabric (o.w.f.) nanoparticles on the fabric and that electrical resistivity for the values of 9% o.w.f. for CNT is slightly greater than Cu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the specimen of the fabrics (polyester/viscose blend) was prepared. At first, the samples were placed under microwave radiation at different times, and then the optimum condition of treated fabrics (8 min) was selected for treatment. The physical properties and surface morphology of Cu nanoparticle and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different percentages were measured using dispersing agent, washing performance, stability, and physical properties of the fabric. The image of surface morphology's specimens was also photographed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Afterwards, we measured the specimens' electrical conductivity properties, according to AATCC 2005-76 standards, and subsequently, K/S, %R, and Lab value of specimens was analyzed using reflection spectrophotometer. In fact, the results indicated that optimum electrical resistivity, which was also the aim of the study, is 9% one weight of fabric (o.w.f.) nanoparticles on the fabric and that electrical resistivity for the values of 9% o.w.f. for CNT is slightly greater than Cu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IrO 2 –Ta 2 O 5 multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite coatings were synthesized on Ti electrodes at different calcination temperatures from 350 to 550 °C used as anodes in membrane cell for brine electrolysis. The physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance of the coatings were investigated by simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. Results indicate that the degree of IrO 2 crystallinity significantly affects the coating properties. XRD pattern of the coating prepared at 350 °C has shown no reflection peaks indicating that the IrO 2 and Ta 2 O 5 were amorphous. The DSC-TGA showed two major exothermic peaks at 475 and 575 °C attributed to the crystallization of IrO 2 and oxidation of Ta 2 O 5 from chloride precursor solution, respectively. XPS data reveals the presence of both Ir valance states, which confirms the reversible redox transition of Ir (III)/Ir (IV). The Raman spectra of the coatings demonstrated that the MWCNT gradually loses its tube structure at the calcination temperatures of 450 and 550 °C, and they transform into a graphite-like structure by crystallization of IrO 2. However, in the coating without IrO 2 , the modification of the MWCNT structure was not observed at the calcination temperature of 550 °C. The performance of calcined anodes for brine electrolysis was studied using a membrane cell, which showed that the output current density reduces with increasing calcination temperature. The results of the EIS analysis at oxygen evolution potential showed that the charge transfer resistance of IrO 2 –Ta 2 O 5 -MWCNT composite increases from 1.1 to 18.2 (ꭥ.cm2) due to gradual IrO 2 crystallization, which illustrates a sharp reduction in the electrochemical OER activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motive of work was to develop a multi‐walled carbon nanoplatform through facile method for transportation of potential anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). Folic acid (FA)‐ethylene diamine (EDA) anchored and acid functionalised MWCNTs were covalently grafted with DOX via π–π stacking interaction. The resultant composite was corroborated by 1 H NMR, FTIR, XRD, EDX, SEM, and DSC study. The drug entrapment efficiency of FA‐conjugated MWCNT was found high and stability study revealed its suitability in biological system. FA‐EDA‐MWCNTs‐DOX conjugate demonstrated a significant in vitro anticancer activity on human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells. MTT study revealed the lesser cytotoxicity of folate‐conjugated MWCNTs. The obtained results demonstrated the targeting specificity of FA‐conjugate via overexpressed folate receptor deemed greater scientific value to overcome multidrug protection during cancer therapy. The proposed strategy is a gentle contribution towards development of biocompatible targeted drug delivery and offers potential to address the current challenges in cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanobiotechnology is a promising field concerned with the using of engineered nanomaterials, which leads to the improvement of new human remedial against pathogenic bacteria modalities. In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by an easy, cheap and low‐cost electro‐chemical method. The AgNPs were then loaded successfully on to multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using a modified chemical reaction process. The AgNPs on the MWCNTs were well spread and evenly distributed on the surfaces of the long nanotubes with well‐graphitised walls as examined by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used for sample characterisation. Good dispersion of AgNPs was obtained on the surface of MWCNTs, resulting in an efficient reactivity of the carbon nanotubes surfaces. Finally, the antibacterial activity of AgNPs/MWCNTs hybrid was evaluated against two pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus exhibited excellent activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon aerogels have attracted considerable attention in basic research and for their potential applications in many fields. Here, the fabrication of a magnetic cellulose nanofibre (CNF)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) carbon aerogel (m‐CPMCA) is reported using a simple freeze‐drying followed by a carbonisation process, and direct immobilisation of Fe3 O4 nanoparticle on the surface of aerogels. The obtained target aerogel has the characteristics of low density (0.098 g/cm3), high porosity (>90%) and 3D interpenetrating porous structures. Furthermore, m‐CPMCA has a surprising compressive strength (about 0.35 MPa) which is obviously higher than many other cellulose‐based carbon aerogels. After Carbonization, m‐CPMCA exhibits superhydrophobicity, selective absorption for organic solvents and fire‐resistance. The m‐CPMCA also exhibited a magnetic response and can absorb oil on the water surface and can be actuated by a small magnet. More importantly, the m‐CPMCA could be recycled many times by combustion, which showed economic significance. To sum up, the authors believe that m‐CPMCA will become a very potential adsorbent for dealing with the increasingly serious problem of organic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work considers the effects of various carbon nanomaterials and fibres on bioelectrocatalytic and respiratory activity of bacterial cells during the oxidation of ethanol in the presence of an electron transport mediator. Gluconobacter oxydans sbsp. industrius VKM B‐1280 cells were immobilised on the surfaces of graphite electrodes and had an adsorption contact with a nanomaterial (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, thermally expanded graphite, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide). The electrochemical parameters of the electrodes (the polarisation curves, the value of generated current at the introduction of substrate, the impedance characteristics) were measured in two‐electrode configuration. Modification by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes led to the increase of microbial fuel cell (MFC) electric power by 26%. The charge transfer resistance of modified electrodes was 47% lower than unmodified ones. Thermally expanded and pyrolytic graphites had a slight negative effect on the electrochemical properties of modified electrodes. The respiratory activity of bacterial cells did not change in the presence of nanomaterials. The data can be used in the development of microbial biosensors and MFC electrodes based on Gluconobacter cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]