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Carboxyl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT-COOH) decorated with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs, Pd-MWNT-COOH) are prepared by using a one-pot thermal decomposition method without addition of reductant or surfactant. An increased ratio of the D band to G band in Raman spectra and a decreased ratio of oxygen-containing groups measured using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggest the interaction between Pd NPs and carboxyl groups in Pd-MWNT-COOH. TEM studies reveal improved dispersion of Pd NPs after introducing MWNT-COOH or MWNTs; the carboxyl groups act as anchors to perfectly disperse Pd NPs in Pd-MWNT-COOH, which is responsible for the highest peak current of Pd-MWNT-COOH for the methanol oxidation reaction. The best catalytic performance is observed in conditions that afford a balanced adsorption between hydroxide and methanol through varying the concentrations of methanol and KOH. Increasing temperature can also improve the catalyst performance due to enhanced reaction kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame-retardant polypropylene (PP)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposites influenced by surface functionalization and surfactant molecular weights are studied. 3-Aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES) is utilized to modify the CNTs (f-CNTs), and maleic-anhydride-grafted PP (MAPP) with two molecular weights ( [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The thermal stability of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been studied experimentally by direct in situ observations using a heating stage in a transmission electron microscope, from room temperature (RT) to about 1000°C. It was found that the thermal stability of the functionalized CNTs was significantly reduced during the in situ heating process. Their average diameter dramatically expanded from RT to about 500°C, and then tended to be stable until about 1000°C. The X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis suggested that the diameter expansion was associated with coalescence of the carbon structure instead of deposition with additional foreign elements during the heating process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Herein we report the design of antimicrobial nanohybrids, f-MWCNTs-CdS and f-MWCNTs-Ag2S developed by covalent grafting of cationic hyperbranched dendritic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and successive deposition of CdS and Ag2S quantum dots (QDs). The CdS and Ag2S QDs were in situ deposited on PAMAM grafted MWCNTs instead of anchoring the pre-synthesized QDs. The fourth generation, amine terminated hyperbranched PAMAM was grafted on MWCNTs, which was achieved through repetitive reactions of Michael addition of methylmethacrylate to the surface amino groups and amidation of terminal ester groups with ethylenediamine. The covalent grafting of PAMAM onto MWCNTs and the consecutive conjugation of CdS and Ag2S QDs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of f-MWCNTs-CdS and f-MWCNTs-Ag2S nanohybrids was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and the results were compared with the activity of carboxylated MWCNTs, PAMAM grafted MWCNTs, PAMAM dendrimer, and CdS and Ag2S QDs. It was found that the germicidal action of MWCNTs was enhanced by grafting of PAMAM, which was further improved with immobilization of CdS and Ag2S QDs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Herein a simple and effective approach is introduced to functionalize single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by in-situ grafting of hydroxyapatite (HA). The pristine SWCNTs were chemically activated through introduction of carboxylic groups on their surfaces by refluxing in the mixture of H2SO4 and HNO3. The resulting carboxylated SWCNTs were further utilized for grafting of HA. The Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies demonstrated the formation of HA and its grafting over SWCNTs. The phase composition of HA and existence Ca2+ and PO4 3− ions were studied using X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analyses, respectively. The surface morphology of functionalized SWCNTs was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the existence of HA on SWCNTs by exhibiting different thermogram for pure HA and functionalized SWCNTs. Overall, this method produced uniform grafting of low crystalline HA on carboxylated SWCNTs with strong interfacial bonding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, Al 2 O 3 –TiC composites synergistically reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplates (GNPs) were prepared via spark plasma sintering (SPS). The effects of the MWCNT and GNP contents on the phase composition, mechanical properties, fracture mode, and toughening mechanism of the composites were systematically investigated. The experimental results indicated that the composite grains became more refined with the addition of MWCNTs and GNPs. The nanocomposites presented high compactness and excellent mechanical properties. The composite with 0.8 wt% MWCNTs and 0.2 wt% GNPs presented the best properties of all analysed specimens, and its relative density, hardness, and fracture toughness were 97.3%, 18.38 ± 0.6 GPa, and 9.40 ± 1.6 MPa m1/2, respectively. The crack deflection, bridging, branching, and drawing effects of MWCNTs and GNPs were the main toughening mechanisms of Al 2 O 3 –TiC composites synergistically reinforced with MWCNTs and GNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The single walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were effectively functionalized through grafting with chitosan (CTS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Prior to grafting reaction, the carboxylated SWNCTs (SWNCTs–COOH) were obtained by treating pristine CNTs with a mixture of 3:1 (v/v) H2SO4 and HNO3, and the successive treatment of SWNCTs–COOH with SOCl2 yielded the acylated CNTs (CNTs–COCl). The functionalized derivatives of CNTs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Both CTS and PMMA grafted CNTs showed better dispersability in acetic acid and tetrahydrofuran, in addition to higher stability in solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aims to improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) using carbon nanotubes as scaffolds to support nanocatalyst for power generation over prolonged time periods, compared to the current designs. The carbon nanotubes are prepared using chemical vapor deposition and decorated by platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) using an amphiphilic approach. The PEMFC devices are then constructed using these aligned carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) decorated with Pt-NPs as the cathode. The electrochemical analyses of the PEMFC devices indicate the maximum power density reaches to 860mWcm−2 and current density reaches 3200mAcm−2 at 0.2V, respectively, when O2 is introduced into cathode. Importantly, the Pt usage was decreased to less than 0.2mgcm−2, determined by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as complimentary tools. Electron microscopic analyses are employed to understand the morphology of Pt-ACNT catalyst (with diameter of 4–15nm and length from 8 to 20μm), which affects PEMFC performance and durability. The Pt-ACNT arrays exhibit unique alignment, which allows for rapid gas diffusion and chemisorption on the catalyst surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acid functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes were covalently grafted to chitosan by first reacting the oxidized carbon nanotubes with thionyl chloride to form acyl-chlorinated carbon nanotubes which are subsequently dispersed in chitosan and covalently grated to form composite material, CNT–chitosan, 1, which was washed several times to remove un-reacted materials. This composite has been characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR, TGA, SEM and TEM and has been shown to exhibit enhanced thermal stability. The reaction of 1, with poly lactic acid has also been accomplished to yield CNTchitosan–g-poly(LA), 2 and fully characterized by the above techniques. Results showed covalent attachment of chitosan and chitosan–poly lactic acid to the carbon nanotubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A strategy for the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes is reported. The synthesis involved the conversion of fluorinated single-walled carbon nanotubes to the thiolated derivative assisted by phosphorous pentasulfide. The thiol group is then quantitatively oxidized to the sulfonic acid group. The extent of oxidation of the thiol precursor is confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which proved to be immensely useful to discriminate between the –SH and –SO3H with a chemical shift for the sulfur 2p (approx. 5eV). The functionalized carbon nanotubes were further characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy which revealed a significant change in morphology between the fluoro carbon nanotubes, the thiol and sulfonic acid-modified carbon nanotubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]