Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece, Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vass. Constantinou Avenue, 116 35 Athens, Greece, Institut de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, UPR9021 CNRS, Immunologie et Chimie Therapeutiques, 67084 Strasbourg, France, and Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita di Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy

Chemistry of Carbon Nanotubes

We review the present state of polymer nanocomposites research in which the fillers are single-wall or multiwall carbon nanotubes. By way of background we provide a brief synopsis about carbon nanotube materials and their suspensions. We summarize and critique various nanotube/polymer composite fabrication methods including solution mixing, melt mixing, and in situ polymerization with a particular emphasis on evaluating the dispersion state of the nanotubes. We discuss mechanical, electrical, rheological, thermal, and flammability properties separately and how these physical properties depend on the size, aspect ratio, loading, dispersion state, and alignment of nanotubes within polymer nanocomposites. Finally, we summarize the current challenges to and opportunities for efficiently translating the extraordinary properties of carbon nanotubes to polymer matrices in hopes of facilitating progress in this emerging area.

Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Carbon Nanotubes

The boundary layer equations for plane, incompressible, and steady flow are 

$$\matrix{ {u{{\partial u} \over {\partial x}} + v{{\partial u} \over {\partial y}} = - {1 \over \varrho }{{\partial p} \over {\partial x}} + v{{{\partial ^2}u} \over {\partial {y^2}}},} \cr {0 = {{\partial p} \over {\partial y}},} \cr {{{\partial u} \over {\partial x}} + {{\partial v} \over {\partial y}} = 0.} \cr }$$

Boundary Layer Theory

Initial-value ordinary differential equation solution via variable order Adams method (SIVA/DIVA) package is collection of subroutines for solution of nonstiff ordinary differential equations. There are versions for single-precision and double-precision arithmetic. Requires fewer evaluations of derivatives than other variable-order Adams predictor/ corrector methods. Option for direct integration of second-order equations makes integration of trajectory problems significantly more efficient. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Solving Ordinary Differential Equations

Cerium dioxide (CeO2, ceria) is becoming an ubiquitous constituent in catalytic systems for a variety of applications. 2016 sees the 40th anniversary since ceria was first employed by Ford Motor Company as an oxygen storage component in car converters, to become in the years since its inception an irreplaceable component in three-way catalysts (TWCs). Apart from this well-established use, ceria is looming as a catalyst component for a wide range of catalytic applications. For some of these, such as fuel cells, CeO2-based materials have almost reached the market stage, while for some other catalytic reactions, such as reforming processes, photocatalysis, water-gas shift reaction, thermochemical water splitting, and organic reactions, ceria is emerging as a unique material, holding great promise for future market breakthroughs. While much knowledge about the fundamental characteristics of CeO2-based materials has already been acquired, new characterization techniques and powerful theoretical methods are dee...

Fundamentals and Catalytic Applications of CeO2-Based Materials

Evaluation of view clarity through solar shading fabrics

Both single‐walled and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs and MWNTs) are produced using a solar reactor working under nitrogen atmosphere. Samples were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The produced MWNTs exhibit the typical morphologies observed for nitrogen‐doped MWNTs synthesized with other methods and EELS measurements point out the presence of substituted nitrogen within the tubes. The doping level is not uniform and the maximum value reaches 11 at.%.

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes produced by solar energy

3E analysis of a biomass-to-liquids production system based on solar gasification

Concentrated Solar Power plants (CSP) are a promising technology for electricity generation. Indirect particle receivers can operate at high receiver temperatures and foster the application of advanced power generation cycles. The present work specifically considers the scale-up of the CNRS concept, referred to as Upflow Bubbling Fluidized Bed (UBFB) system. Previous papers have provided detailed information concerning the on-sun testing of a single tube and of a 150 kW pilot module consisting of 16 parallel tubes. SiC, a Geldart A type powder, was used and fluidized at superficial gas velocities of ∼0.03 to 0.25 m s−1. To scale-up these vertical UBFBs, some phenomena require additional attention. These phenomena are 5-fold, and related to (i) the pressure balance over the receiver and the achievable solids’ flux and air velocity relationship; (ii) the efficiency of the vertical transport; (iii) the possible particle choking; (iv) the gas-solid hydrodynamics gradually transforming from a freely bubbling into a slugging mode in long UBFB tubes; and (v) attrition and erosion. These phenomena will be further discussed.

Gilles Flamant

Papers

Evaluation of view clarity through solar shading fabrics

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes produced by solar energy

3E analysis of a biomass-to-liquids production system based on solar gasification

Scale-up considerations of the UBFB solar receiver

Towards the Large Scale Production of Fullerenes and Nanotubes by Solar Energy