Showing papers on "Nanotube published in 2003"
TL;DR: In this article, a simple process to solubilize high weight fraction single-wall carbon nanotubes in water by nonspecific physical adsorption of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate was reported.
Abstract: We report a simple process to solubilize high weight fraction single-wall carbon nanotubes in water by the nonspecific physical adsorption of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate. The diameter distribution of nanotubes in the dispersion, measured by atomic force microscopy, showed that even at 20 mg/mL ∼63 ± 5% of single-wall carbon nanotube bundles exfoliated into single tubes. A measure of the length distribution of the nanotubes showed that our dispersion technique reduced nanotube fragmentation.
1,829 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the creation of a stable, superhydrophobic surface using the nanoscale roughness inherent in a vertically aligned carbon nanotube forest together with a thin conformal hydrophobic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) coating on the surface of the nanotubes was demonstrated.
Abstract: The present study demonstrates the creation of a stable, superhydrophobic surface using the nanoscale roughness inherent in a vertically aligned carbon nanotube forest together with a thin, conformal hydrophobic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) coating on the surface of the nanotubes. Superhydrophobicity is achieved down to the microscopic level where essentially spherical, micrometer-sized water droplets can be suspended on top of the nanotube forest.
1,568 citations
TL;DR: A systematic search of the ssDNA library selected a sequence d(GT)n, n = 10 to 45 that self-assembles into a helical structure around individual nanotubes in such a way that the electrostatics of the DNA-CNT hybrid depends on tube diameter and electronic properties, enabling nanotube separation by anion exchange chromatography.
Abstract: Wrapping of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was found to be sequence-dependent. A systematic search of the ssDNA library selected a sequence d(GT)n, n = 10 to 45 that self-assembles into a helical structure around individual nanotubes in such a way that the electrostatics of the DNA-CNT hybrid depends on tube diameter and electronic properties, enabling nanotube separation by anion exchange chromatography. Optical absorption and Raman spectroscopy show that early fractions are enriched in the smaller diameter and metallic tubes, whereas late fractions are enriched in the larger diameter and semiconducting tubes.
1,547 citations
TL;DR: Diazonium reagents functionalize single-walled carbon nanotubes suspended in aqueous solution with high selectivity and enable manipulation according to electronic structure to reverse the chemistry by using a thermal treatment that restores the pristine electronic structure of the nanotube.
Abstract: Diazonium reagents functionalize single-walled carbon nanotubes suspended in aqueous solution with high selectivity and enable manipulation according to electronic structure. For example, metallic species are shown to react to the near exclusion of semiconducting nanotubes under controlled conditions. Selectivity is dictated by the availability of electrons near the Fermi level to stabilize a charge-transfer transition state preceding bond formation. The chemistry can be reversed by using a thermal treatment that restores the pristine electronic structure of the nanotube.
1,332 citations
TL;DR: The use of a polymerizable ionic liquid as the gelling medium allows for the fabrication of a highly electroconductive polymer/nanotube composite material, which showed a substantial enhancement in dynamic hardness.
Abstract: When mixed with imidazolium ion-based room-temperature ionic liquid, pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes formed gels after being ground. The heavily entangled nanotube bundles were found to untangle within the gel to form much finer bundles. Phase transition and rheological properties suggest that the gels are formed by physical cross-linking of the nanotube bundles, mediated by local molecular ordering of the ionic liquids rather than by entanglement of the nanotubes. The gels were thermally stable and did not shrivel, even under reduced pressure resulting from the nonvolatility of the ionic liquids, but they would readily undergo a gel-to-solid transition on absorbent materials. The use of a polymerizable ionic liquid as the gelling medium allows for the fabrication of a highly electroconductive polymer/nanotube composite material, which showed a substantial enhancement in dynamic hardness.
1,258 citations
TL;DR: This first demonstration of nanotube-based biosensors provides a new tool for enzymatic studies and opens the way to biomolecular diagnostics.
Abstract: We demonstrate the use of individual semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes as versatile biosensors. Controlled attachment of the redox enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) to the nanotube sidewall is achieved through a linking molecule and is found to induce a clear change of the conductance. The enzyme-coated tube is found to act as a pH sensor with large and reversible changes in conductance upon changes in pH. Upon addition of glucose, the substrate of GOx, a steplike response can be monitored in real time, indicating that our sensor is also capable of measuring enzymatic activity at the level of a single nanotube. This first demonstration of nanotube-based biosensors provides a new tool for enzymatic studies and opens the way to biomolecular diagnostics.
1,242 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a polyethyleneimine coating is applied to nanotubes for detecting NO2 at less than 1 ppb (parts-per-billion) concentrations while being insensitive to NH3.
Abstract: Arrays of electrical devices with each comprising multiple single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) bridging metal electrodes are obtained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of nanotubes across prefabricated electrode arrays. The ensemble of nanotubes in such a device collectively exhibits large electrical conductance changes under electrostatic gating, owing to the high percentage of semiconducting nanotubes. This leads to the fabrication of large arrays of low-noise electrical nanotube sensors with 100% yield for detecting gas molecules. Polymer functionalization is used to impart high sensitivity and selectivity to the sensors. Polyethyleneimine coating affords n-type nanotube devices capable of detecting NO2 at less than 1 ppb (parts-per-billion) concentrations while being insensitive to NH3. Coating Nafion (a polymeric perfluorinated sulfonic acid ionomer) on nanotubes blocks NO2 and allows for selective sensing of NH3. Multiplex functionalization of a nanotube sensor array is carried out by microspotti...
1,063 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that the transistors exhibit hysteresis in their electrical characteristics because of charge trapping by water molecules around the nanotubes, including SiO2 surface-bound water proximal to the nanotsubes.
Abstract: Carbon nanotube field-effect transistors commonly comprise nanotubes lying on SiO2 surfaces exposed to the ambient environment. It is shown here that the transistors exhibit hysteresis in their electrical characteristics because of charge trapping by water molecules around the nanotubes, including SiO2 surface-bound water proximal to the nanotubes. Hysteresis persists for the transistors in vacuum since the SiO2-bound water does not completely desorb in vacuum at room temperature, a known phenomenon in SiO2 surface chemistry. Heating under dry conditions significantly removes water and reduces hysteresis in the transistors. Nearly hysteresis-free transistors are obtainable by passivating the devices with polymers that hydrogen bond with silanol groups on SiO2 (e.g., with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)). However, nanotube humidity sensors could be explored with suitable water-sensitive coatings. The results may have implications to field-effect transistors made from other chemically derived materials.
962 citations
IBM1
TL;DR: Electrical measurements show that the observed optical emission originates from radiative recombination of electrons and holes that are simultaneously injected into the undoped nanotubes, consistent with a nanotube FET model in which thin Schottky barriers form at the source and drain contacts.
Abstract: Polarized infrared optical emission was observed from a carbon nanotube ambipolar field-effect transistor (FET). An effective forward-biased p-n junction, without chemical dopants, was created in the nanotube by appropriately biasing the nanotube device. Electrical measurements show that the observed optical emission originates from radiative recombination of electrons and holes that are simultaneously injected into the undoped nanotube. These observations are consistent with a nanotube FET model in which thin Schottky barriers form at the source and drain contacts. This arrangement is a novel optical recombination radiation source in which the electrons and holes are injected into a nearly field-free region. Sucha source may form the basis for ultrasmall integrated photonic devices.
926 citations
Book•
01 Jan 2003
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a review of the application of Nanocomposites in the following areas: 1.1 Encapsulated Composite Nanosystems, 2.2 Polyamide Matrices, 3.3 Polypropylene and Polyethylene Matrices and 4.4 Other Nanotubes.
Abstract: 1. Bulk Metal and Ceramics Nanocomposites (Pulickel M. Ajayan).1.1 Introduction.1.2 Ceramic/Metal Nanocomposites.1.2.1 Nanocomposites by Mechanical Alloying.1.2.2 Nanocomposites from SolGel Synthesis.1.2.3 Nanocomposites by Thermal Spray Synthesis.1.3 Metal Matrix Nanocomposites.1.4 Bulk Ceramic Nanocomposites for Desired Mechanical Properties.1.5 Thin-Film Nanocomposites: Multilayer and Granular Films.1.6 Nanocomposites for Hard Coatings.1.7 Carbon Nanotube-Based Nanocomposites.1.8 Functional Low-Dimensional Nanocomposites.1.8.1 Encapsulated Composite Nanosystems.1.8.2 Applications of Nanocomposite Wires.1.8.3 Applications of Nanocomposite Particles.1.9 Inorganic Nanocomposites for Optical Applications.1.10 Inorganic Nanocomposites for Electrical Applications.1.11 Nanoporous Structures and Membranes: Other Nanocomposites.1.12 Nanocomposites for Magnetic Applications.1.12.1 Particle-Dispersed Magnetic Nanocomposites.1.12.2 Magnetic Multilayer Nanocomposites.1.12.2.1 Microstructure and Thermal Stability of Layered Magnetic Nanocomposites.1.12.2.2 Media Materials.1.13 Nanocomposite Structures having Miscellaneous Properties.1.14 Concluding Remarks on Metal/Ceramic Nanocomposites.2. Polymer-based and Polymer-filled Nanocomposites (Linda S. Schadler).2.1 Introduction.2.2 Nanoscale Fillers.2.2.1 Nanofiber or Nanotube Fillers.2.2.1.1 Carbon Nanotubes.2.2.1.2 Nanotube Processing.2.2.1.3 Purity.2.2.1.4 Other Nanotubes.2.2.2 Plate-like Nanofillers.2.2.3 Equi-axed Nanoparticle Fillers.2.3 Inorganic FillerPolymer Interfaces.2.4 Processing of Polymer Nanocomposites.2.4.1 Nanotube/Polymer Composites.2.4.2 Layered FillerPolymer Composite Processing.2.4.2.1 Polyamide Matrices.2.4.2.2 Polyimide Matrices.2.4.2.3 Polypropylene and Polyethylene Matrices.2.4.2.4 Liquid-Crystal Matrices.2.4.2.5 Polymethylmethacrylate/Polystyrene Matrices.2.4.2.6 Epoxy and Polyurethane Matrices.2.4.2.7 Polyelectrolyte Matrices.2.4.2.8 Rubber Matrices.2.4.2.9 Others.2.4.3 Nanoparticle/Polymer Composite Processing.2.4.3.1 Direct Mixing.2.4.3.2 Solution Mixing.2.4.3.3 In-Situ Polymerization.2.4.3.4 In-Situ Particle Processing Ceramic/Polymer Composites.2.4.3.5 In-Situ Particle Processing Metal/Polymer Nanocomposites.2.4.4 Modification of Interfaces.2.4.4.1 Modification of Nanotubes.2.4.4.2 Modification of Equi-axed Nanoparticles.2.4.4.3 Small-Molecule Attachment.2.4.4.4 Polymer Coatings.2.4.4.5 Inorganic Coatings.2.5 Properties of Composites.2.5.1 Mechanical Properties.2.5.1.1 Modulus and the Load-Carrying Capability of Nanofillers.2.5.1.2 Failure Stress and Strain Toughness.2.5.1.3 Glass Transition and Relaxation Behavior.2.5.1.4 Abrasion and Wear Resistance.2.5.2 Permeability.2.5.3 Dimensional Stability.2.5.4 Thermal Stability and Flammability.2.5.5 Electrical and Optical Properties.2.5.5.1 Resistivity, Permittivity, and Breakdown Strength.2.5.5.2 Optical Clarity.2.5.5.3 Refractive Index Control.2.5.5.4 Light-Emitting Devices.2.5.5.5 Other Optical Activity.2.6 Summary.3. Natural Nanobiocomposites, Biomimetic Nanocomposites, and Biologically Inspired Nanocomposites (Paul V. Braun).3.1 Introduction.3.2 Natural Nanocomposite Materials.3.2.1 Biologically Synthesized Nanoparticles.3.2.2 Biologically Synthesized Nanostructures.3.3 Biologically Derived Synthetic Nanocomposites.3.3.1 Protein-Based Nanostructure Formation.3.3.2 DNA-Templated Nanostructure Formation.3.3.3 Protein Assembly.3.4 Biologically Inspired Nanocomposites.3.4.1 Lyotropic Liquid-Crystal Templating.3.4.2 Liquid-Crystal Templating of Thin Films.3.4.3 Block-Copolymer Templating.3.4.4 Colloidal Templating.3.5 Summary.4. Modeling of Nanocomposites (Catalin Picu and Pawel Keblinski).4.1 Introduction The Need For Modeling.4.2 Current Conceptual Frameworks.4.3 Multiscale Modeling.4.4 Multiphysics Aspects.4.5 Validation.Index.
910 citations
TL;DR: Unusually structure-selective growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been attained using a CVD method with a solid supported catalyst using silica-supported catalytic nanoclusters of Co formed in situ from mixed salts of Co and Mo.
Abstract: Unusually structure-selective growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been attained using a CVD method with a solid supported catalyst. In this method, CO feedstock disproportionates on silica-supported catalytic nanoclusters of Co that are formed in situ from mixed salts of Co and Mo. The nanotube products are analyzed by spectrofluorimetry to reveal distributions resolved at the level of individual (n,m) structures. Two structures, (6,5) and (7,5), together dominate the semiconducting nanotube distribution and comprise more than one-half of that population. The average diameter of produced SWNTs is only 0.81 nm, and a strong propensity is found favoring chiral angles near the armchair limit.
TL;DR: The observed flow rates are high, comparable to those through the transmembrane protein aquaporin-1, and are practically independent of the length of the nanotube, in contrast to predictions of macroscopic hydrodynamics.
Abstract: We use molecular dynamics simulations to study osmotically driven transport of water molecules through hexagonally packed carbon nanotube membranes. Our simulation setup comprises two such semipermeable membranes separating compartments of pure water and salt solution. The osmotic force drives water flow from the pure-water to the salt-solution compartment. Monitoring the flow at molecular resolution reveals several distinct features of nanoscale flows. In particular, thermal fluctuations become significant at the nanoscopic length scales, and as a result, the flow is stochastic in nature. Further, the flow appears frictionless and is limited primarily by the barriers at the entry and exit of the nanotube pore. The observed flow rates are high (5.8 water molecules per nanosecond and nanotube), comparable to those through the transmembrane protein aquaporin-1, and are practically independent of the length of the nanotube, in contrast to predictions of macroscopic hydrodynamics. All of these distinct characteristics of nanoscopic water flow can be modeled quantitatively by a 1D continuous-time random walk. At long times, the pure-water compartment is drained, and the net flow of water is interrupted by the formation of structured solvation layers of water sandwiched between two nanotube membranes. Structural and thermodynamic aspects of confined water monolayers are studied.
TL;DR: In this article, a long, macroscopic nanotube strands or cables, up to several tens of centimeters in length, of aligned single-walled nanotubes are synthesized by the catalytic pyrolysis of n-hexane using an enhanced vertical floating catalyst CVD technique.
Abstract: Long, macroscopic nanotube strands or cables, up to several tens of centimeters in length, of aligned single-walled nanotubes are synthesized by the catalytic pyrolysis of n-hexane using an enhanced vertical floating catalyst CVD technique. The long strands of nanotubes assemble continuously from ropes or arrays of nanotubes, which are intrinsically long. These directly synthesized long nanotube strands or cables can be easily manipulated using macroscopic tools.
TL;DR: In this article, the transport properties of random networks of single-wall carbon nanotubes fabricated into thin-film transistors were investigated and shown to behave like a p-type semiconductor with a field effect mobility of ∼10 cm2/V and a transistor on-to-off ratio of ∼105.
Abstract: We report on the transport properties of random networks of single-wall carbon nanotubes fabricated into thin-film transistors. At low nanotube densities (∼1 μm−2) the networks are electrically continuous and behave like a p-type semiconductor with a field-effect mobility of ∼10 cm2/V s and a transistor on-to-off ratio ∼105. At higher densities (∼10 μm−2) the field-effect mobility can exceed 100 cm2/V s; however, in this case the network behaves like a narrow band gap semiconductor with a high off-state current. The fact that useful device properties are achieved without precision assembly of the nanotubes suggests the random carbon nanotube networks may be a viable material for thin-film transistor applications.
IBM1
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the basis for a new nanoelectronic technology was evaluated and compared to those of corresponding silicon devices.
Abstract: We evaluate the potential of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the basis for a new nanoelectronic technology. After briefly reviewing the electronic structure and transport properties of CNTs, we discuss the fabrication of CNT field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) formed from individual single-walled nanotubes (SWCNTs), SWCNT bundles, or multiwalled (MW) CNTs. The performance characteristics of the CNTFETs are discussed and compared to those of corresponding silicon devices. We show that CNTFETs are very competitive with state-of-the-art conventional devices. We also discuss the switching mechanism of CNTFETs and show that it involves the modulation by the gate field of Schottky barriers at the metal-CNT junctions. This switching mechanism can account for the observed subthreshold and vertical scaling behavior of CNTFETs, as well as their sensitivity to atmospheric oxygen. The potential for integration of CNT devices is demonstrated by fabricating a logic gate along a single nanotube molecule. Finally, we discuss our efforts to grow CNTs locally and selectively, and a method is presented for growing oriented SWCNTs without the involvement of a metal catalyst.
TL;DR: Self-assemblies were obtained from mixed micelles of SDS and different water-insoluble double-chain lipids after dialysis of the surfactant and could be further exploited for the development of new biosensors and bioelectronic nanomaterials.
Abstract: Images of the assembly of surfactants and synthetic lipids on the surface of carbon nanotubes were obtained by transmission electron microscopy Above the critical micellar concentration, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) forms supramolecular structures made of rolled-up half-cylinders on the nanotube surface Depending on the symmetry and the diameter of the carbon nanotube, we observed rings, helices, or double helices Similar self-assemblies were also obtained with several synthetic single-chain lipids designed for the immobilization of histidine-tagged proteins At the nanotube-water interface, permanent assemblies were produced from mixed micelles of SDS and different water-insoluble double-chain lipids after dialysis of the surfactant Such arrangements could be further exploited for the development of new biosensors and bioelectronic nanomaterials
TL;DR: In this article, a concentrated nitric acid was used to disentangle CNT aggregates for producing CNT nanofluids, which were successfully dispersed into polar liquids like distilled water, ethylene glycol and decene with oleylamine as surfactant.
Abstract: Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as produced are usually entangled and not ready to be dispersed into fluids. We treated CNTs by using a concentrated nitric acid to disentangle CNT aggregates for producing CNT nanofluids. Oxygen-containing functional groups have been introduced on the CNT surfaces and more hydrophilic surfaces have been formed during this treatment, which enabled to make stable and homogeneous CNT nanofluids. Treated CNTs were successfully dispersed into polar liquids like distilled water, ethylene glycol without the need of surfactant and into nonpolar fluid like decene with oleylamine as surfactant. We measured the thermal conductivities of these nanotube suspensions using a transient hot wire apparatus. Nanotube suspensions, containing a small amount of CNTs, have substantially higher thermal conductivities than the base fluids, with the enhancement increasing with the volume fraction of CNTs. For the suspensions with the same loading, the enhanced thermal conductivity ratios are re...
TL;DR: In this article, a technique is presented for developing constitutive models for polymer composite systems reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT), where the interaction at the polymer/nanotube interface is highly dependent on the local molecular structure and bonding.
TL;DR: The report that the flow of a liquid on single-walled carbon nanotube bundles induces a voltage in the sample along the direction of the flow is highlighted, which highlights the device potential for nanotubes as sensitive flow sensors and for energy conversion.
Abstract: We report that the flow of a liquid on single-walled carbon nanotube bundles induces a voltage in the sample along the direction of the flow. The voltage that was produced fit a logarithmic velocity dependence over nearly six decades of velocity. The magnitude of the voltage depended sensitively on the ionic conductivity and on the polar nature of the liquid. Our measurements suggest that the dominant mechanism responsible for this highly nonlinear response involves a direct forcing of the free charge carriers in the nanotubes by the fluctuating Coulombic field of the liquid flowing past the nanotubes. We propose an explanation based on pulsating asymmetric ratchets. Our work highlights the device potential for nanotubes as sensitive flow sensors and for energy conversion.
TL;DR: In this paper, the stability of titanium oxide nanotube arrays at elevated temperatures was studied in dry oxygen as well as dry and humid argon environments, and it was found that the nanotubes architecture was stable up to approximately 580 °C, above which oxidation and grain growth in the titanium support disrupted the overlying nanotub array.
Abstract: The stability of titanium oxide nanotube arrays at elevated temperatures was studied in dry oxygen as well as dry and humid argon environments. The tubes crystallized in the anatase phase at a temperature of about 280 °C irrespective of the ambient. Anatase crystallites formed inside the tube walls and transformed completely to rutile at about 620 °C in dry environments and 570 °C in humid argon. No discernible changes in the dimensions of the tubes were found when the heat treatment was performed in oxygen. However, variations of 10% and 20% in average inner diameter and wall thickness, respectively, were observed when annealing in a dry argon atmosphere at 580 °C for 3 h. Pore shrinkage was even more pronounced in humid argon environments. In all cases the nanotube architecture was found to be stable up to approximately 580 °C, above which oxidation and grain growth in the titanium support disrupted the overlying nanotube array.
TL;DR: In this paper, a nanoelectrode array based on vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) embedded in SiO2 is used for ultrasensitive DNA detection.
Abstract: A nanoelectrode array based on vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) embedded in SiO2 is used for ultrasensitive DNA detection. Characteristic electrochemical behaviors are observed for measuring bulk and surface-immobilized redox species. Sensitivity is dramatically improved by lowering the nanotube density. Oligonucleotide probes are selectively functionalized to the open ends of nanotubes. The hybridization of subattomole DNA targets can be detected by combining such electrodes with Ru(bpy)32+ mediated guanine oxidation.
IBM1
TL;DR: In this article, a single carbon nanotube incorporated as the channel of an ambipolar field-effect transistor (FET) was observed to have an estimated quantum efficiency of >10%.
Abstract: We observe infrared laser excited photoconductivity from a single carbon nanotube incorporated as the channel of an ambipolar field-effect transistor (FET). Electron−hole pairs are generated within the nanotube molecule, and the carriers are separated by an applied electric field between the source and drain contacts. The photocurrent shows resonances whose energies are in agreement with the energies of exciton states of semiconducting nanotubes of the appropriate diameter. The photocurrent is maximized for photons polarized along the direction of the carbon nanotube. Thus, the nanotube FET acts as a polarized photodetector with a diameter 1000 times smaller than the wavelength of the light it detects and has an estimated quantum efficiency of >10%. A photovoltage is observed when an asymmetric band lineup due to two nonequivalent Schottky barriers or an asymmetric coupling of the gate to the nanotube is present.
TL;DR: In this paper, the electrical properties of single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) reinforced polyimide composites were investigated as a function of SWNT concentration, and the frequency behavior of the specific admittance was investigated.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effects of chemical modifications of the surface on the extent of nanotube-surfactant interaction and found that intrinsic surface properties such as the PZC (point of zero charge) are greatly affected by the purification method.
Abstract: The insolubility of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in either water or organic solvents has been a limitation for the practical application of this unique material. Recent studies have demonstrated that the suspendability of SWNT can be greatly enhanced by employing appropriate surfactants. Although the efficiency of anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants has been demonstrated to different extents, the exact mechanism by which carbon nanotubes and the different surfactants interact is still uncertain. To deepen the understanding of this interfacial phenomenon, we have investigated the effects of chemical modifications of the surface on the extent of nanotube-surfactant interaction. Such changes in the surface chemistry of the SWNT can be achieved by simply varying the pretreatment method, which can be acidic or basic. We have found that intrinsic surface properties such as the PZC (point of zero charge) are greatly affected by the purification method. That is, the electrical charge of the SWNT surface varies with the pH of the surrounding media. However, it has been found that during the adsorption of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (NaDDBS) on SWNT Coulombic forces do not play a central role, but are overcome by the hydrophobic interactions between the surfactant tail and the nanotube walls. Only at pH values far from the PZC do the Coulombic forces become important. The hydrophobic forces between the surfactant tail and the nanotube determine the structure of the surfactant-stabilized nanotubes. In such a structure, each nanotube is covered by a monolayer of surfactant molecules in which the heads form a compact outer surface while the tails remain in contact with the nanotube walls. It is important to note that although the final configuration can be described as a cylindrical micelle with a nanotube in the center, the mechanism of formation of this structure does not proceed by incorporation of a nanotube into a micelle, but rather by a two-step adsorption that ends up in the formation of a surfactant monolayer.
TL;DR: In this paper, the structure and elastic properties of a model composite system of aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes embedded in a polystyrene matrix were characterized, and a micromechanical approach for modelling of short fibre composites was modified to account for the structure of the nanotube reinforcement to predict the elastic modulus of the composite as a function of the constituent properties, reinforcement geometry and nanotubular structure.
Abstract: The exceptional mechanical and physical properties observed for carbon nanotubes has stimulated the development of nanotube-based composite materials, but critical challenges exist before we can exploit these extraordinary nanoscale properties in a macroscopic composite. At the nanoscale, the structure of the carbon nanotube strongly influences the overall properties of the composite. The focus of this research is to develop a fundamental understanding of the structure/size influence of carbon nanotubes on the elastic properties of nanotube-based composites. Towards this end, the nanoscale structure and elastic properties of a model composite system of aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes embedded in a polystyrene matrix were characterized, and a micromechanical approach for modelling of short fibre composites was modified to account for the structure of the nanotube reinforcement to predict the elastic modulus of the nanocomposite as a function of the constituent properties, reinforcement geometry and nanotube structure. The experimental characterization results are compared with numerical predictions and highlight the structure/size influence of the nanotube reinforcement on the properties of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite elastic properties are particularly sensitive to the nanotube diameter, since larger diameter nanotubes show a lower effective modulus and occupy a greater volume fraction in the composite relative to smaller-diameter nanotubes.
TL;DR: A bottom-up approach to integrate multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) into multilevel interconnects in silicon integrated-circuit manufacturing is reported in this paper.
Abstract: We report a bottom-up approach to integrate multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) into multilevel interconnects in silicon integrated-circuit manufacturing. MWNTs are grown vertically from patterned catalyst spots using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. We demonstrate the capability to grow aligned structures ranging from a single tube to forest-like arrays at desired locations. SiO2 is deposited to encapsulate each nanotube and the substrate, followed by a mechanical polishing process for planarization. MWNTs retain their integrity and demonstrate electrical properties consistent with their original structure.
TL;DR: In this article, an analytical model based on a molecular mechanics approach is presented to relate the elastic properties of a single-walled carbon nanotube to its atomic structure and derive closed-form expressions for elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio as a function of the diameter.
Abstract: An analytical model based on a molecular mechanics approach is presented to relate the elastic properties of a single-walled carbon nanotube to its atomic structure. We derive closed-form expressions for elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio as a function of the nanotube diameter. Properties at different length scales are directly connected via these expressions. The analytically calculated elastic properties for achiral nanotubes using force constants obtained from experimental data of graphite are compared to those based on tight binding numerical calculations. This study represents a preliminary effort to develop analytical methods of molecular mechanics for applications in nanostructure modeling.
TL;DR: The ionic surfactant-assisted dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes in aqueous solution has been studied by Raman and fluorescent spectroscopy during ultrasonic processing and the former is found to be controlling with the use of a derived kinetic model for the dispersion process and extraction of the characteristic rate of nanotube isolation.
Abstract: The ionic surfactant-assisted dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes in aqueous solution has been studied by Raman and fluorescent spectroscopy during ultrasonic processing. During the process, an equilibrium is established between free individuals and aggregates or bundles that limits the concentration of the former that is possible. This equilibrium is a function of free sodium dodecyl sulfate concentration. At surfactant concentrations below this value, fluorescence is shifted to a lower energy due to an increase in micropolarity from water association at the nanotube surface. The mechanism of dispersion is postulated as the formation of gaps or spaces at the bundle ends in the high shear environment of the ultrasonicated solution. Surfactant adsorption and diffusion then propagate this space along the bundle length, thereby separating the individual nanotube. The former is found to be controlling, with the use of a derived kinetic model for the dispersion process and extraction of the characteristic rate of nanotube isolation.
TL;DR: Gold nanoparticles were selectively attached to chemically functionalized surface sites on nitrogen-doped carbon (CNx) nanotubes by electrostatic interaction between carboxyl groups on the chemically oxidized nanotube surface and polyelectrolyte chains as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Gold nanoparticles were selectively attached to chemically functionalized surface sites on nitrogen-doped carbon (CNx) nanotubes. A cationic polyelectrolyte was adsorbed on the surface of the nanotubes by electrostatic interaction between carboxyl groups on the chemically oxidized nanotube surface and polyelectrolyte chains. Negatively charged 10 nm gold nanoparticles from a gold colloid suspension were subsequently anchored to the surface of the nanotubes through the electrostatic interaction between the polyelectrolyte and the nanoparticles. This approach provides an efficient method to attach other nanostructures to carbon nanotubes and can be used as an illustrative detection of the functional groups on carbon nanotube surfaces.
TL;DR: A fundamentally new single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotube sidewall functionalization technique has been developed in which solvent is not required and the reaction times are greatly shortened, exploiting the long linear dimension of the nanotubes by macroscopic mechanical deformation.
Abstract: A fundamentally new single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotube sidewall functionalization technique has been developed in which solvent is not required and the reaction times are greatly shortened (1 h at 60 degrees C). Exploiting the long linear dimension of the nanotube ropes by macroscopic mechanical deformation, reactive sites are generated merely by mechanically deforming the tubes using a stir bar. This approach eliminates the need for large volumes of solvent ( approximately 2 L/g), which were formerly considered essential due to the insolubility of carbon nanotubes. Using a series of 4-substituted anilines and a nitrite, the aryl diazonium intermediates were generated in situ and permitted to react with the tubes. Raman, IR, and UV spectroscopies, coupled with thermogravimetric analyses and solubility studies, support the assignments.