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Nanoparticles are extensively used in industrial products or as food additives. However, despite their contribution to improving our quality of life, concerns have been raised regarding their potential impact on occupational and public health. To speed up research assessing nanoparticle-related hazards, this study was undertaken to identify early markers of harmful effects on the lungs. Female Sprague Dawley rats were either exposed to crystalline silica DQ-12 with instillation, or to titanium dioxide P25, carbon black Printex-90, or multi-walled carbon nanotube Mitsui-7 with nose-only inhalation. Tissues were collected at three post-exposure time points to assess short- and long-term effects. All particles induced lung inflammation. Histopathological and biochemical analyses revealed phospholipid accumulation, lipoproteinosis, and interstitial thickening with collagen deposition after exposure to DQ-12. Exposure to the highest dose of Printex-90 and Mitsui-7, but not P25, induced some phospholipid accumulation. Comparable histopathological changes were observed following exposure to P25, Printex-90, and Mitsui-7. Comparison of overall gene expression profiles identified 15 potential early markers of adverse lung outcomes induced by spherical particles. With Mitsui-7, a distinct gene expression signature was observed, suggesting that carbon nanotubes trigger different toxicity mechanisms to spherical particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preparation method of nanocomposites based on poly (3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (POT) and carbon black (CB) as the transducer of an all-solid potassium ion selective electrode is proposed. POT is used as the dispersant of CB, and the obtained nanocomposites have unique characteristics, including high conductivity, high capacitance and high stability. The potassium ion selective electrode based on POT and CB was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronopotentiometry. The results showed that the detection limit of potassium ions was 10−6.2 M, and the slope was 57.6 ± 0.8 mV/façade. The water layer test and anti-interference test show that the electrode has high hydrophobicity, the static contact angle reaches 139.7° and is not easily affected by light, O2 and CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a system comprised of cells, carbon black nanoparticles, and delivery molecules is irradiated with a laser beam, the nanoparticles can absorb and dissipate the laser-delivered energy, producing thermal and acoustic output and fluid mechanical forces. These can then interact with the nearby cell membrane, forming membrane pores that exogenous molecules can diffuse through and access the cytosol. This process, "nanoparticle-mediated photoporation," can cause bio-effects like intracellular delivery of molecules and, at more extreme conditions, loss of cell viability. Through this work, we found that carbon black and carbon nanotubes generated greater bio-effects compared to graphite, diamond, or non-carbon materials, probably due to their more efficient laser energy absorption. Examining the dependence of bio-effects on energy absorption parameters like total energy absorbed, energy absorbed per nanoparticle, and energy absorbed per nanoparticle mass produced poor correlations. However, the correlation of bio-effects was much better with energy transduction parameters more closely related to the energy form transferred to cells like peak temperature, size, and number of vapor bubbles generated by the nanoparticles heated by the laser. A power-law relationship involving these three parameters indicated that peak nanoparticle temperature was the strongest determinant of bio-effects followed by bubble number and radius. This study provides a better understanding of the roles of energy absorption and transduction parameters on bio-effects during nanoparticle-mediated photoporation and facilitates the design of photoporation parameters that achieve desired bio-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiC/Al–Cu nanocomposites were fabricated in Al–Ti–C powder systems using carbon black, a mixture of C and carbon nanotubes (C + CNTs), and CNTs via an in-situ method involving combustion synthesis and hot pressing. As the carbon source changed from pure carbon black to the C + CNT mixture and pure CNTs, the size of the TiC nanoparticles decreased gradually. The nanocomposites synthesized based on the C + CNT mixture exhibited the most uniform dispersion of TiC nanoparticles. The 30 vol% TiC/Al–Cu nanocomposite prepared from the C + CNT mixture had the best comprehensive mechanical properties (yield strength (411 MPa), compressive strength (712 MPa), fracture strain (17.2%), hardness (206.8 HV), and wear resistance under the experimental conditions due to having the most uniformly dispersed TiC nanoparticles. The wear mechanism was a combination of plastic deformation, abrasion, and adhesion. This method may be a low-cost and convenient means to control the sizes of in-situ TiC nanoparticles and prepare high-performance TiC/Al–Cu nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an energy storage device, Zn–air battery has great market prospects due to its relatively high theoretical energy density, low cost, safe and reliable performances. Since the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a sluggish kinetic process, efficient electrocatalysts are essential to facilitate the ORR. Herein, we report the one-step synthesis of non-precious metals loaded C–N tubular nanocomposites via the pyrolysis of the mixture composed of dicyandiamide (DCD), Co/Ni acetates, ethylenediamine, and different organic carbon sources like soluble starch(st), β-cyclodextrin(cyc) and carbon black(cb). The prepared nanocomposites present a hollow tubular structure, and the Co/Ni nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the CN nanotubes. In the prepared catalysts, Co3Ni2/CN(st) exhibits excellent ORR electroactivity close to the Pt/C catalyst in the alkaline medium. An alkaline Zn–air battery is assembled by using the Co3Ni2/CN(st) as the cathodic electrocatalyst. The open-circuit voltage reaches 1.51 V in 6 mol L−1 KOH electrolyte and the maximum power density reaches 331 mW cm−2. At different discharging current densities, the Co3Ni2/CN(st) battery exhibits stable and higher voltage plateaus than the Pt/C battery. The battery can discharge continuously for up to 80 and 51 h, corresponding to the constant discharge current density of 50 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. The results show that the Co3Ni2/C–N(st) catalyst has potential application prospects as an excellent cathodic material for alkaline Zn–air batteries. CoNi loaded C–N tubular nanocomposites with well-defined hollow tubular structure, synthesized by one-step pyrolyzing the mixture of cobalt//nickel salts, dicyandiamide (DCD) and different carbon sources including soluble starch(st), β-cyclodextrin(cyc) and carbon black(cb), present superior performance as the cathodic catalysts of alkaline Zn–air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, wearable piezoresistive physical sensors have attracted tremendous attention due to their broad applications in individual health-monitoring, human–machine interfaces, robotics, sports and therapeutics. Many different nanostructured materials, including nanowires, nanoparticles, nanoribbons, carbon black, carbon nanotubes and graphene, have been explored to construct stretchable piezoresistive sensors on an elastomer substrate. Thanks to its unique two-dimensional geometry, lightweight, flexibility, semi-transparency and outstanding transport and mechanical properties, graphene and its derivatives in particular are considered among the most suitable candidates as wearable sensors. This paper reviews various design strategies established for fabricating flexible, wearable sensors using graphene. The current state-of-the-art developments are discussed of flexible sensors made of 1D fibrous, 2D planar and 3D cellular interconnected graphene architectures for detecting physiological strains, tactile pressures and temperatures. The working mechanisms along with existing applications of flexible sensors are presented. The challenges these sensors are currently facing and potential opportunities for novel applications are revealed to offer new insights into future prospects in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the influence of carbon materials on the properties of adhesives. With the aim of the development of conductive and mechanically improved adhesives, different types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT), single-layer graphene, graphene nanoplatelets, graphite, and carbon black were dispersed into an epoxy adhesive. For inserting particles within the viscous matrices and to obtain homogenous and stable dispersions, two different methods namely a three-roll mill and a dual asymmetric centrifuge have been compared The results demonstrate that filling epoxies with carbon nanoparticles improves the conductivity differently. Measuring the electrical resistivity of MWNT-filled composites resulted in an electrical percolation starting underneath 0.1 wt.%. Further, with increasing the MWNT content, conductivity sharply increases. In contrast to the MWNT composites, other carbon nanoparticles require a higher filling content to reach similar values. With a filling ratio up to 17.0 wt.% for ACS graphene nanoplatelets 2–10 nm and the filling of 3.0 wt.% with MWNTs from Nanocyl, the lowest volume resistivities have been reached. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hollow graphitic carbon nanoparticles (HGCNs) obtained by catalytic graphitization of acetylene carbon black (ACB) were investigated using ultra-soft X-ray emission spectroscopy. The electronic structures of the ACB HGCNs were compared with those of HGCNs obtained from iron carbide-filled carbon nanocapsules (Fe3C@CNCs) and Q-graphenes. The occupation of the π sub-band decreased in the following sequence: Fe3C@CNC HGCNs > ACB HGCNs > Q-graphenes. This sequence can be explained by changes in the occupations of the C2p states due to the formation of bonds between carbon and residual metal atoms within the HGCNs. It was also found that the contribution of the overlapping ofppπ+ppσ-states in the ACB HGCN walls toward the spectra of the HGNCs was greater in comparison with the reference Q-graphenes. It was established that ACB was not fully transformed into the HGCNs. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy methods were used to study the spatial structures and morphologies of the fabricated HGCNs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An 'abiotic' biofuel cell composed of catalytic electrodes modified with inorganic nanostructured species was used to activate a pacemaker. The catalytic nanoparticles of various compositions, Au xPt y, deposited on carbon black (CB) were prepared and extensively characterized to select the species with selectivity for glucose oxidation and oxygen reduction. Then two kinds of 3D-electrode materials with different morphology, buckypaper composed of carbon nanotubes (ca. 50 nm diameter) and carbon paper made of carbon fibers (ca. 7 µm diameter), were used in a combination with different catalytic species. Finally, Au/CB nanospecies deposited on buckypaper were selected for catalyzing glucose oxidation (composing the biofuel cell anode) and Au60Pt40/CB species deposited on carbon paper were selected for catalyzing oxygen reduction (composing the biofuel cell cathode). The catalytic electrodes were characterized by cyclic voltammetry in an aqueous buffer solution and the polarization function for the biofuel cell was studied in a human serum solution. The open circuit voltage, Voc, short circuit current density, jsc, and maximum power produced by the biofuel cell, Pma x, were found as 0.35 V, 0.65 mA cm−2 and 104 µW, respectively (in human serum at 5.4 mM glucose). The biofuel cell produced the steady state open circuit voltage over 10 hours with its slow decrease over 50 hours originating from the glucose depletion and slow mass-transport within the 3D-electrode. The voltage produced by the biofuel cell was amplified with an energy harvesting circuit and applied to a pacemaker resulting in its proper operation. The present study continues the research line where different implantable (enzyme-based or abiotic) biofuel cells are used for the activation of biomedical electronic devices, e.g., pacemakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Post-fire curing of cement composites was notably modified by carbon nanomaterials. • CBN and MWCNT improved rehydration and strength recovery of mortars exposed to 200–400 °C. • Recured nanomodified mortars exposed to 200–400 °C and 600 °C had relative residual factors higher than 85% and 40%, respectively. • Decomposition of CBN and MWCNT after 500 °C decreased strength recovery of rehydrated mortars. Concrete elements exposed to fire can partially recover strength and stiffness if recured in water or in a moist environment. This paper reports a pioneering investigation of the influence of post-fire curing on residual mechanical properties and microstructure of cement mortars containing different concentrations of carbon-black nanoparticles (CBN) or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). A total of 84 specimens were subjected to various maximum exposure temperatures (200, 400, or 600 °C) and post-fire curing (water-recuring for 1 day followed by air-recuring for 27 days). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) were used to investigate the microstructure of different types of specimens. Experimental tests were carried out to determine the compressive strength, static modulus of elasticity, and dynamic modulus of elasticity of rehydrated specimens. Nanofillers enhanced the strength recovery of composites exposed to temperatures up to 400 °C, since they improved rehydration reactions. In this case, the rehydration process provided values of relative residual strength and elastic modulus factors higher than 85%. Composites containing 0.4% MWCNT and 3% CBN presented the best strength and stiffness recovery. Therefore, small contents of carbon nanomaterials provided additional nucleation sites for dehydration products to sediment and being rehydrated. Moreover, water adsorbed by the nanomaterials during the water-recuring process was used later to provide greater rehydration. Composites containing 1.2% MWCNT and 9% CBN presented lower mechanical properties recovery, as high contents of nanomaterials made it harder for water to reach decomposed C-S-H gel, hindering the development of rehydration reactions. After 600 °C, lower relative residual factors were obtained, but always higher than 40%. It happened because nanofillers were not able to provide those rehydration improvements, since their thermal decomposition started at about 500 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The increased production of nanoparticles is providing increased investigation of the biological influences they induce. Studies of the biological influences of nanocarbons are also increasing. Some nanocarbons, such as carbon black, fullerene and carbon nanotubes, induce oxidative stress on cultured cells. On the other hand, there are few reports about the cellular influences of nanodiamond. A risk assessment based on accurate evaluation of biological influences is essential for the effective utilization of nanodiamond. In the present study, we prepared nanodiamond culture medium dispersions kept stable for the experimental period and examined their cellular influences. The secondary particle size of nanodiamond in the medium dispersion was 41–103nm. The dispersion was exposed to HaCaT and A549 cells at concentrations of 1.0, 0.1 and 0.01mg/mL for 6 and 24h. After that, mitochondrial activity, apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen level, lipid peroxidation, colony formation and cellular uptake were examined. Transmission electron microscopic observations showed cellular uptake of nanodiamond. Slight apoptosis and inhibition of colony formation were shown in the HaCaT cells at a concentration of 1.0mg/mL. Nanodiamond did not influence cell viability, cell membrane injury, or intracellular oxidative stress. Our results suggest that the cellular influences of nanodiamond are smaller than other nanocarbons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polyaniline (PANI) or carbon black (CB) was used as a conductive additive in porous electrodes of a dry-type carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymer actuator to improve the actuation properties. We estimated the strain from the bending motion of the actuator in the frequency range of 200–0.005Hz. The generated stress was calculated from the Young’s modulus of the electrode film and the maximum strain. Eight different types of electrode films were prepared by changing the mixed amount of PANI or CB into the CNT electrode film. When a same amount of PANI (50mg) against CNT (50mg) was added to the CNT electrode (in the case of CNT/PANI(50/50)), the strain of CNT/PANI(50/50) was increased to be almost three times larger than that of CNT(50) (without any additives). As a result, CNT/PANI(50/50) showed more than five times the generated stress compared to CNT(50). Using 40mg of CB as an additive, CNT/CB(50/40) showed a more than four times larger stress compared to CNT(50). The electrochemical properties such as conductivity and capacitance were also investigated and discussed. An asymmetrical three-layered actuator element was fabricated to investigate the actuation mechanism. The results imply that the anode contracts and the cathode expands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Plasma processes, mostly involving so-called “thermal” plasmas, have been exploited in many instances for the gas phase synthesis of carbon nanoparticles such as carbon black, fullerenes or carbon nanotubes. A non-thermal plasma process, based on low current–high voltage discharges, has been developed for the gas phase synthesis of carbon nanoparticles at atmospheric pressure. This process can produce a broad range of products such as furnace-type carbon blacks, acetylene-type carbon blacks, and nanoparticles with a peculiar morphology that we call “crumpled paper sheets”. The products were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and BET measurements. Some correlations between the operating conditions and the characteristics of carbon nanostructures highlight temperature as a key parameter for controlling the growth, formation, and type of the nanoparticles obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Epoxy nanocomposites including multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and carbon black (CB) were produced and investigated by means of electrical conductivity measurements and microscopical analysis. Varying the weight fraction of the nanoparticles, electrical percolation behaviour was studied. Due to synergistic effects in network formation and in charge transport the inclusion of both MWCNT and CB in the epoxy matrix leads to an identical electrical behaviour of this ternary nanocomposite system compared to the binary MWCNT-epoxy system. For both types of nanocomposites an electrical percolation threshold of around 0.025 wt% and 0.03 wt% was observed. Conversely, the binary CB nanocomposites exhibit a three-times higher percolation threshold of about 0.085 wt%. The difference between the binary MWCNT-epoxy and the ternary CB/MWCNT-epoxy in electrical conductivity at high filler concentrations (e.g. 0.5 wt%) turns out to be less than expected. Thus, a considerable amount of MWCNTs can be replaced by CB without changing the electrical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]