Showing papers on "Nanocomposite published in 2013"

Recent progress in the development and properties of novel metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets

Abstract: One-dimensional carbon nanotubes and two-dimensional graphene nanosheets with unique electrical, mechanical and thermal properties are attractive reinforcements for fabricating light weight, high strength and high performance metal-matrix composites. Rapid advances of nanotechnology in recent years enable the development of advanced metal matrix nanocomposites for structural engineering and functional device applications. This review focuses on the recent development in the synthesis, property characterization and application of aluminum, magnesium, and transition metal-based composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets. These include processing strategies of carbonaceous nanomaterials and their composites, mechanical and tribological responses, corrosion, electrical and thermal properties as well as hydrogen storage and electrocatalytic behaviors. The effects of nanomaterial dispersion in the metal matrix and the formation of interfacial precipitates on these properties are also addressed. Particular attention is paid to the fundamentals and the structure–property relationships of such novel nanocomposites.

Current Perspectives Calcium Phosphate Nanocoatings and Nanocomposite Coatings in Dentistry

Abstract: The purpose of coatings on implants is to achieve some or all of the improvements in biocompatibility, bioactivity, and increased protection from the release of harmful or unnecessary metal ions. During the last decade, there has been substantially increased interest in nanomaterials in biomedical science and dentistry. Nanocomposites can be described as a combination of two or more nanomaterials. By this approach, it is possible to manipulate mechanical properties, such as strength and modulus of the composites, to become closer to those of natural bone. This is feasible with the help of secondary substitution phases. Currently, the most common composite materials used for clinical applications are those selected from a handful of available and well-characterized biocompatible ceramics and natural and synthetic polymers. This approach is currently being explored in the development of a new generation of nanocomposite coatings with a wider range of oral and dental applications to promote osseointegration. The aim of this review is to give a brief introduction into the new advances in calcium phosphate nanocoatings and their composites, with a range of materials such as bioglass, carbon nanotubes, silica, ceramic oxide, and other nanoparticles being investigated or used in dentistry.

Cellulose Nanocrystals vs. Cellulose Nanofibrils: A Comparative Study on Their Microstructures and Effects as Polymer Reinforcing Agents

Abstract: Both cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are nanoscale cellulose fibers that have shown reinforcing effects in polymer nanocomposites. CNCs and CNFs are different in shape, size and composition. This study systematically compared their morphologies, crystalline structure, dispersion properties in polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix, interactions with matrix, and the resulting reinforcing effects on the matrix polymer. Transparent PEO/CNC and PEO/CNF nanocomposites comprising up to 10 wt % nanofibers were obtained via solution casting. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), and tensile testing were used to examine the above-mentioned properties of nanocellulose fibers and composites. At the same nanocellulose concentration, CNFs led to higher strength and modulus than did CNCs due to CNFs’ larger aspect ratio and fiber entangleme...

Facile preparation of lightweight microcellular polyetherimide/graphene composite foams for electromagnetic interference shielding.

Abstract: We report a facile approach to produce lightweight microcellular polyetherimide (PEI)/graphene nanocomposite foams with a density of about 0.3 g/cm3 by a phase separation process. It was observed that the strong extensional flow generated during cell growth induced the enrichment and orientation of graphene on cell walls. This action decreased the electrical conductivity percolation from 0.21 vol % for PEI/graphene nanocomposite to 0.18 vol % for PEI/graphene foam. Furthermore, the foaming process significantly increased the specific electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness from 17 to 44 dB/(g/cm3). In addition, PEI/graphene nanocomposite foams possessed low thermal conductivity of 0.065–0.037 W/m·K even at 200 °C and high Young’s modulus of 180–290 MPa.

High flux thin film nanocomposite membranes based on metal-organic frameworks for organic solvent nanofiltration.

Abstract: Thin-film nanocomposite membranes containing a range of 50-150 nm metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles [ZIF-8, MIL-53(Al), NH2-MIL-53(Al) and MIL-101(Cr)] in a polyamide (PA) thin film layer were synthesized via in situ interfacial polymerization on top of cross-linked polyimide porous supports. MOF nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the organic phase containing trimesoyl chloride prior to the interfacial reaction, and their subsequent presence in the PA layer formed was inferred by a combination of contact angle measurements, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, XPS, and TEM. Membrane performance in organic solvent nanofiltration was evaluated on the basis of methanol (MeOH) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) permeances and rejection of styrene oligomers (PS). The effect of different post-treatments and MOF loadings on the membrane performance was also investigated. MeOH and THF permeance increased when MOFs were embedded into the PA layer, whereas the rejection remained higher than 90% (molecular weight cutoff of less than 232 and 295 g·mol(-1) for MeOH and THF, respectively) in all membranes. Moreover, permeance enhancement increased with increasing pore size and porosity of the MOF used as filler. The incorporation of nanosized MIL-101(Cr), with the largest pore size of 3.4 nm, led to an exceptional increase in permeance, from 1.5 to 3.9 and from 1.7 to 11.1 L·m(-2)·h(-1)·bar(-1) for MeOH/PS and THF/PS, respectively.

Enhanced thermal conductivity of epoxy-graphene composites by using non-oxidized graphene flakes with non-covalent functionalization.

Abstract: Homogeneous distribution of graphene flakes in a polymer matrix, still preserving intrinsic material properties, is key to successful composite applications. A novel approach is presented to disperse non-oxidized graphene flakes with non-covalent functionalization of 1-pyrenebutyric acid and to fabricate nanocomposites with outstanding thermal conductivity (∼1.53 W/mK) and mechanical properties (∼1.03 GPa).

Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Graphene/Copper Nanocomposites Using a Molecular-Level Mixing Process

Abstract: RGO flakes are homogeneously dispersed in a Cu matrix through a molecular-level mixing process. This novel fabrication process prevents the agglomeration of the RGO and enhances adhesion between the RGO and the Cu. The yield strength of the 2.5 vol% RGO/Cu nanocomposite is 1.8 times higher than that of pure Cu. The strengthening mechanism of the RGO is investigated by a double cantilever beam test using the graphene/Cu model structure.

Synthesis of a novel and stable g-C3N4–Ag3PO4 hybrid nanocomposite photocatalyst and study of the photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Abstract: A facile and reproducible template free in situ precipitation method has been developed for the synthesis of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on the surface of a g-C3N4 photocatalyst at room temperature. The g-C3N4–Ag3PO4 organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite photocatalysts were characterized by various techniques. TEM results show the in situ growth of finely distributed Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on the surface of the g-C3N4 sheet. The optimum photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4–Ag3PO4 at 25 wt% of g-C3N4 under visible light is almost 5 and 3.5 times higher than pure g-C3N4 and Ag3PO4 respectively. More attractively, the stability of Ag3PO4 was improved due to the in situ deposition of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on the surface of the g-C3N4 sheet. The improved performance of the g-C3N4–Ag3PO4 hybrid nanocomposite photocatalysts under visible light irradiation was induced by a synergistic effect, including high charge separation efficiency of the photoinduced electron–hole pair, the smaller particle size, relatively high surface area and the energy band structure. Interestingly, the heterostructured g-C3N4–Ag3PO4 nanocomposite significantly reduces the use of the noble metal silver, thereby effectively reducing the cost of the Ag3PO4 based photocatalyst.

A Nitrogen-Doped Graphene/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite with Synergistically Enhanced Electrochemical Activity

Abstract: A new kind of nitrogen-doped graphene/carbon nanotube nanocomposite can be synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process under mild conditions, which exhibits synergistically enhanced electrochemical activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. This research provides a new route to access a metal-free electrocatalyst with high activity under mild conditions.

On the synergetic catalytic effect in heterogeneous nanocomposite catalysts.

Abstract: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1295 Dingxi Road, Shanghai 200050, People’s Republic of China; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200233, People’s Republic of China; and National Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology, 28 East Jiangchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, People’s Republic of China

Polyhedral Oligosilsesquioxane‐Modified Boron Nitride Nanotube Based Epoxy Nanocomposites: An Ideal Dielectric Material with High Thermal Conductivity

Abstract: Dielectric polymer composites with high thermal conductivity are very promising for microelectronic packaging and thermal management application in new energy systems such as solar cells and light emitting diodes (LEDs). However, a well-known paradox is that conventional composites with high thermal conductivity usually suffer from the high dielectric constant and high dielectric loss, while on the other hand, composite materials with excellent dielectric properties usually possess low thermal conductivity. In this work, an ideal dielectric thermally conductive epoxy nanocomposite is successfully fabricated using polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) functionalized boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) as fillers. The nanocomposites with 30 wt% fraction of POSS modified BNNTs exhibit much lower dielectric constant, dielectric loss tangent, and coefficient of thermal expansion in comparison with the pure epoxy resin. As an example, below 100 Hz, the dielectric loss of the nanocomposites with 20 and 30 wt% BNNTs is reduced by one order of magnitude in comparison with the pure epoxy resin. Moreover, the nanocomposites show a dramatic thermal conductivity enhancement of 1360% in comparison with the pristine epoxy resin at a BNNT loading fraction of 30 wt%. The merits of the designed composites are suggested to originate from the excellent intrinsic properties of embedded BNNTs, effective surface modification by POSS molecules, and carefully developed composite preparation methods.

Highly effective visible-light-induced H(2) generation by single-layer 1T-MoS(2) and a nanocomposite of few-layer 2H-MoS(2) with heavily nitrogenated graphene.

Abstract: Two sorts of MoS2 : A single-layer, metallic form of MoS2 (1T-MoS2 ) and a nanocomposite of a second form of MoS2 (few-layer 2H-MoS2 ) with heavily nitrogenated reduced graphene oxide (NRGO; N content ca. 15 %) show outstanding performance in the production of H2 under visible-light illumination.

Ultra high energy density nanocomposite capacitors with fast discharge using Ba0.2Sr0.8TiO3 nanowires.

Abstract: Nanocomposites combining a high breakdown strength polymer and high dielectric permittivity ceramic filler have shown great potential for pulsed power applications. However, while current nanocomposites improve the dielectric permittivity of the capacitor, the gains come at the expense of the breakdown strength, which limits the ultimate performance of the capacitor. Here, we develop a new synthesis method for the growth of barium strontium titanate nanowires and demonstrate their use in ultra high energy density nanocomposites. This new synthesis process provides a facile approach to the growth of high aspect ratio nanowires with high yield and control over the stoichiometry of the solid solution. The nanowires are grown in the cubic phase with a Ba0.2Sr0.8TiO3 composition and have not been demonstrated prior to this report. The poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites resulting from this approach have high breakdown strength and high dielectric permittivity which results from the use of high aspect rati...

Facile synthesis of low crystalline MoS2 nanosheet-coated CNTs for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract: In this work, a networked MoS2/CNT nanocomposite has been synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The as-prepared sample exhibits high catalytic activity for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Mechanically strong graphene oxide/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide nanocomposite hydrogel with improved dye adsorption capacity

Abstract: In this paper, a novel graphene oxide (GO)/sodium alginate (SA)/polyacrylamide (PAM) ternary nanocomposite hydrogel with excellent mechanical performance has been fabricated through free-radical polymerization of acrylamide (AAm) and SA in the presence of GO in an aqueous system followed with ionically crosslinking of calcium ions As-prepared GO/SA/PAM (weight ratio SA : AAm = 1 : 2) ternary nanocomposite hydrogel with 5 wt% of GO displays a compressive stress as high as 1543 MPa at the compressive deformation of 70% The tensile strength and modulus of the hydrogel achieved ∼2017 and ∼308 kPa, respectively In the meantime, the ternary nanocomposite hydrogels can recover a large proportion of elongation at breakage and exhibits good elasticity Additionally, the GO/SA/PAM ternary nanocomposite hydrogel exhibited good adsorption properties for water-soluble dyes After introducing GO, the dye adsorption capacities of the hydrogel were significantly improved

Embedding sulfur in MOF-derived microporous carbon polyhedrons for lithium-sulfur batteries

Abstract: As a promising rechargeable battery system, lithium– sulfur (Li–S) batteries can deliver an exceptionally high theoretical specific capacity of 1672 mAhg 1 and an energy density of 2500 Whkg 1 with the low-cost and environmentfriendly sulfur as the cathode material. Although the potential use of sulfur as a cathode material has long been discovered, several severe drawbacks have hindered the realization of Li–S batteries. One limitation is the insulating nature of sulfur with a very low conductivity of 5 10 30 Scm , which results in low utilization of sulfur. Another well-known problem is associated with the easy dissolution of polysulfides, the intermediate products formed during the electrochemical reaction, in organic electrolytes. The dissolved polysulfides “shuttle” between the electrodes, leading to the low Coulombic efficiency and deposition of a highly resistive layer on the surface of electrodes. These detrimental issues result in unsatisfactory electrochemical performance with rapid fading of capacity. Several approaches have been proposed to overcome the above-mentioned challenges in Li–S batteries, such as developing novel electrolytes and electrode materials. Among these efforts, using sulfur-containing composites instead of pure sulfur as the cathode materials has been demonstrated as an effective way towards high-performance Li–S batteries. Polymers and porous carbons are the common candidates to form composites with sulfur, which immobilize the loaded sulfur, and probably also the derived polysulfides via physical and/or chemical interactions. In addition, the electrical conductivity of composite materials is also better than that obtained with pristine sulfur. In particular, porous carbon materials have attracted intensive attention due to their good compatibility with sulfur, easy accessibility, and the abundance of candidates with diverse porosity and structures. Mesoporous carbon materials have been widely studied as the host materials to confine sulfur. For example, nanocomposites consisting of sulfur and ordered mesoporous carbon or mesoporous hollow carbon spheres have shown improved sulfur utilization and cycling stability. Nonetheless, continuous capacity fading upon prolonged cycling is still commonly observed, and the use of optimized ether-based electrolytes seems to be indispensable. Recent reports on carbon materials with rich micropores have revealed distinct characteristics. 25] Sulfur embedded in microporous carbon shows a pronounced discharge plateau at a lower potential of about 1.8 V versus Li/Li, which is different from the two plateaus of a typical sulfur cathode. More importantly, these microporous carbon/sulfur nanocomposites generally show outstanding capacity retention upon cycling and good compatibility with conventional carbonate-based electrolytes. However, the origins of the unusual characteristics of microporous carbon are not fully understood yet. In recently years, syntheses of porous carbon materials from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or porous coordination polymers (PCPs) have attracted growing attention due to the facile preparation procedures, high carbon yield, and unique porous structures. For example, carbonization of MOF-5 with furfuryl alcohol results in nanoporous carbon, which shows excellent supercapacitive performance. The carbon materials with fiber-like morphology prepared from Al-based PCPs exhibit remarkably high porosity. In particular, MOFs and PCPs are very attractive as both the template and the precursor for the fabrication of microporous carbon. Compared with many other highly porous carbon materials, such as those prepared by post-activation processes, the porous carbon derived from MOFs and PCPs exhibits highly uniform porosity, largely originating from the ordered crystalline structures of the MOFs and PCPs. However, the interesting application of these carbon materials derived from MOFs and PCPs for Li–S batteries needs to be further explored. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of microporous carbon polyhedrons (MPCPs) using unique MOF polyhedrons as both the template and precursor, and their use as carbon host to incorporate sulfur for Li–S batteries. The asprepared MPCPs with abundant and uniform micropores serve as an ideal model system for investigating the electrochemical behaviors of sulfur embedded in microporous [a] H. B. Wu, S. Wei, Dr. L. Zhang, Prof. R. Xu, Prof. X. W. Lou School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Nanyang Technological University 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459 (Singapore) E-mail : rxu@ntu.edu.sg xwlou@ntu.edu.sg Homepage: http://www.ntu.edu.sg/home/xwlou [b] H. B. Wu, Prof. H. H. Hng School of Materials Science and Engineering Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 (Singapore) Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.201301689.

Biogenic Synthesis, Photocatalytic, and Photoelectrochemical Performance of Ag–ZnO Nanocomposite

Abstract: The development of coupled photoactive materials (metal/semiconductor) has resulted in significant advancements in heterogeneous visible light photocatalysis. This work reports the novel biogenic synthesis of visible light active Ag–ZnO nanocomposite for photocatalysis and photoelectrode using an electrochemically active biofilm (EAB). The results showed that the EAB functioned as a biogenic reducing tool for the reduction of Ag+, thereby eliminating the need for conventional reducing agents. The as-prepared Ag–ZnO nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic experiments showed that the Ag–ZnO nanocomposite possessed excellent visible light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange, methylene blue, and 4-nitrophenol. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear scan voltammetry under dark and visible light irradiation ...

Semiconductor-based nanocomposites for photocatalytic H2 production and CO2 conversion.

Abstract: Semiconductor-based photocatalysis has attracted much attention in recent years because of its potential for solving energy and environmental problems that we are now facing. Among many photocatalytic reactions, the splitting of H2O into H2 and O2 and the reduction of CO2 with H2O into organic compounds such as CH4 and CH3OH are two of the most important and challenging reactions. Many studies have been devoted to designing and preparing novel photocatalytic materials for these two reactions. This article highlights recent advances in developing semiconductor-based nanocomposite photocatalysts for the production of H2 and the reduction of CO2. The systems of semiconductor–cocatalyst, semiconductor–carbon (carbon nanotube or graphene) and semiconductor–semiconductor nanocomposites have mainly been described. It has been demonstrated that the design and preparation of nanocomposites with proper structures can facilitate charge separation/migration and decrease the charge recombination probability, thus promoting the photocatalytic activity. Keeping the reduction and oxidation processes in different regions in the nanocomposite may also enhance the photocatalytic efficiency and stability. The location and size of cocatalysts, the interfacial contact between semiconductor and carbon materials, and the heterojunctions between different semiconductors together with the suitable alignment of band edges of semiconductors are key factors determining the photocatalytic behaviours of the nanocomposite catalysts.

A review on nanomaterial dispersion, microstructure, and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube and nanofiber reinforced cementitious composites

Abstract: Excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanofibers (CNFs) have motivated the development of advanced nanocomposites with outstanding and multifunctional properties. After achieving a considerable success in utilizing these unique materials in various polymeric matrices, recently tremendous interest is also being noticed on developing CNT and CNF reinforced cement-based composites. However, the problems related to nanomaterial dispersion also exist in case of cementitious composites, impairing successful transfer of nanomaterials' properties into the composites. Performance of cementitious composites also depends on their microstructure which is again strongly influenced by the presence of nanomaterials. In this context, the present paper reports a critical review of recent literature on the various strategies for dispersing CNTs and CNFs within cementitious matrices and the microstructure and mechanical properties of resulting nanocomposites.