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Preparation, Separation, Characterization and Application of Carbon Nanotubes

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A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "2D and Carbon Nanomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 6395

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Zhao Li

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Guest Editor

Security and Disruptive Technologies Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, M-12, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
Interests: carbon nanotubes; conjugated polymers; transistors; sensors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the seminal discovery of carbon nanotubes by Sumio Iijima more than 30 years ago, research interest in this field has grown dramatically due to their unique optical and electronic properties. Synthesized raw tube material usually contains both semiconducting and metallic tubes with a wide diameter and chirality distribution, besides some other impurities, which means that it is usually not good enough for practical usage. Synthetic techniques have been improved substantially by finetuning the catalyst and preparation conditions used. Post-synthesis separation has also been sought out. The purity requirement is heavily dependent on the application. For example, for thin film transistors with channel lengths over 10 um, 99.9% semiconducting purity could be enough, but 99.9999% is desired for high-performance short-channel field-effect transistors. For optical applications, high-purity single-chirality samples are needed. Currently, high semiconducting purity and some single-chirality carbon nanotubes could be easily obtained from solution processes.

The present Special Issue of Nanomaterials is aimed at presenting the current state-of-the-art research related to carbon nanotubes, covering not only the preparation and enrichment process to address purity and chiral selectivity issues but also device applications, such as thin film transistors, photodetectors, single photo emission and sensors. For this Special Issue, we welcome contributions from leading groups in the field and hope to give a balanced view of the current state of the art in this discipline.

Dr. Zhao Li
Guest Editor

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Keywords

carbon nanotubes
purification
enrichment
transistors
sensors

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 13821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structure and Electrocatalytic Properties of Sulfur-Containing Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on a Titanium Substrate Modified by a Helium Ion Beam

by Petr M. Korusenko, Egor V. Knyazev, Alexander S. Vinogradov, Ksenia A. Kharisova, Sofya S. Filippova, Ulyana M. Rodionova, Oleg V. Levin and Elena V. Alekseeva

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(23), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14231948 - 4 Dec 2024

Viewed by 411

Abstract

In this work, a set of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman scattering spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), were used to study the impact of high-energy He⁺ ion irradiation on the structural and electrochemical characteristics of sulfur-containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (S-MWCNTs) placed on a titanium substrate. The results indicate that the ion beam treatment of the S-MWCNT system led to an increase in the level of imperfections on the surface structures of the nanotubes due to the formation of point defects on their outer walls and the appearance of oxygen-containing functional groups, including SO_x groups, near these defects. At the same time, a significant increase in the sulfur concentration (by 6.4 times) was observed on the surface of the S-MWCNTs compared to the surface of unirradiated nanotubes. This was due to the redeposition of sulfur atoms near the point defects under the action of the ion beam, followed by the subsequent formation of direct S–C chemical bonds. Electrochemical studies demonstrated that the irradiated S-MWCNTs/Ti system exhibit enhanced catalytic activity, with improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance and a substantial increase in anodic current during the oxidation reaction of hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions, highlighting their potential for advanced electrocatalytic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Separation, Characterization and Application of Carbon Nanotubes)

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10 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymer Coating Enabled Carrier Modulation for Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Network Inverters and Antiambipolar Transistors

by Zhao Li, Jenner H. L. Ngai and Jianfu Ding

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181477 - 11 Sep 2024

Viewed by 660

Abstract

The control of the performance of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) random network-based transistors is of critical importance for their applications in electronic devices, such as complementary metal oxide semiconducting (CMOS)-based logics. In ambient conditions, SWCNTs are heavily p-doped by the H₂O/O₂ redox couple, and most doping processes have to counteract this effect, which usually leads to broadened hysteresis and poor stability. In this work, we coated an SWCNT network with various common polymers and compared their thin-film transistors’ (TFTs’) performance in a nitrogen-filled glove box. It was found that all polymer coatings will decrease the hysteresis of these transistors due to the partial removal of charge trapping sites and also provide the stable control of the doping level of the SWCNT network. Counter-intuitively, polymers with electron-withdrawing functional groups lead to a dramatically enhanced n-branch in their transfer curve. Specifically, SWCNT TFTs with poly (vinylidene fluoride) coating show an n-type mobility up to 61 cm²/Vs, with a decent on/off ratio and small hysteresis. The inverters constructed by connecting two ambipolar TFTs demonstrate high gain but with certain voltage loss. P-type or n-type doping from polymer coating layers could suppress unnecessary n- or p-branches, shift the threshold voltage and optimize the performance of these inverters to realize rail-to-rail switching. Similar devices also demonstrate interesting antiambipolar performance with tunable on and off voltage when tested in a different configuration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Separation, Characterization and Application of Carbon Nanotubes)

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13 pages, 2347 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ultra-Mild Fabrication of Highly Concentrated SWCNT Dispersion Using Spontaneous Charging in Solvated Electron System

by Junho Shin, Jung Hoon Kim, Jungeun Lee, Sangyong Lee, Jong Hwan Park, Seung Yol Jeong, Hee Jin Jeong, Joong Tark Han, Seon Hee Seo, Seoung-Ki Lee and Jungmo Kim

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131094 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1509

Abstract

The efficient dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been the subject of extensive research over the past decade. Despite these efforts, achieving individually dispersed SWCNTs at high concentrations remains challenging. In this study, we address the limitations associated with conventional methods, such as defect formation, excessive surfactant use, and the use of corrosive solvents. Our novel dispersion method utilizes the spontaneous charging of SWCNTs in a solvated electron system created by dissolving potassium in hexamethyl phosphoramide (HMPA). The resulting charged SWCNTs (c-SWCNTs) can be directly dispersed in the charging medium using only magnetic stirring, leading to defect-free c-SWCNT dispersions with high concentrations of up to 20 mg/mL. The successful dispersion of individual c-SWCNT strands is confirmed by their liquid-crystalline behavior. Importantly, the dispersion medium for c-SWCNTs exhibits no reactivity with metals, polymers, or other organic solvents. This versatility enables a wide range of applications, including electrically conductive free-standing films produced via conventional blade coating, wet-spun fibers, membrane electrodes, thermal composites, and core-shell hybrid microparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Separation, Characterization and Application of Carbon Nanotubes)

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Graphical abstract
Full article ">Figure 1
Charging behavior of SWCNTs in solvated electron system. (a) Schematic of c-SWCNT dispersion process. (b) Digital images of (i) p-SWCNT powder, (ii) c-SWCNT cake formed by the addition of electron solution. (c) XRD result of p-SWCNTs and c-SWCNTs. (d) Raman spectra of p-SWCNTs and c-SWCNTs exposed to electron solutions with different potassium concentration. Full article ">Figure 2
Characterization of c-SWCNT dispersion. (a) Digital image of c-SWCNT dispersion (20 mg/mL). (b) POM images of c-SWCNT dispersion (20 mg/mL): bright field image (left); dark field image (right). (c) AFM image of c-SWCNT sampled on SiO2 wafer (top); height profile corresponding to the dotted line in the AFM image (bottom). (d) Normalized Raman spectra of c-SWCNT and p-SWCNT films. (e) XPS survey of c-SWCNT and p-SWCNT films. (f) C1s scan of c-SWCNT and p-SWCNT films. Full article ">Figure 3
Free-standing film and fiber fabricated with c-SWCNT dispersion. (a) Digital images of (i) c-SWCNT dispersion coated on Al foil using blade coating, (ii) dried c-SWCNT film. (b) SEM images of c-SWCNT film fabricated with c-SWCNT dispersion with K concentrations of (i) 0.25 M, (ii) 0.5 M, (iii) 0.75 M, and (iv) 1 M. (c) Stress–strain curve of the c-SWCNT film (0.25 M). (d) Digital image and SEM image of the wet-spun c-SWCNT fiber. (e) SEM images of wet-spun c-SWCNT fiber fabricated using (i) DI water coagulant, (ii) DI water–ethanol solution coagulant. Full article ">Figure 4
Versatile applications of c-SWCNT. (a) Galvanostatic charge–discharge profile of c-SWCNT and p-SWCNT cathodes (current density = 0.1 A g−1). (b) Rate capability comparison of c-SWCNT and p-SWCNT cathodes. (c) (i) Digital image of SWCNT-PVDF composite (1 wt%); (ii) thermal enhancement in c-SWCNT-PVDF composite. (d) SEM images of hybridized c-SWCNT-PS microsphere fabricated with c-SWCNT dispersions with concentrations of (i,ii) 2 mg/mL, (iii) 5 mg/mL, and (iv) 1 mg/mL. Full article ">

12 pages, 6429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Adhesion of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes to Titanium by Irradiating the Interface with He⁺ Ions: Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study

by Petr M. Korusenko, Egor V. Knyazev, Olga V. Petrova, Denis V. Sokolov, Sergey N. Povoroznyuk, Konstantin E. Ivlev, Ksenia A. Bakina, Vyacheslav A. Gaas and Alexander S. Vinogradov

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(8), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14080699 - 17 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1288

Abstract

A complex study of the adhesion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to a titanium surface, depending on the modes of irradiation with He⁺ ions of the “MWCNT/Ti” system, was conducted using atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A quantitative assessment of the adhesion force at the interface, performed using atomic force microscopy, demonstrated its significant increase as a result of treatment of the “MWCNT/Ti” system with a beam of helium ions. The nature of the chemical bonding between multi-walled carbon nanotubes and the surface of the titanium substrate, which causes this increase in the adhesion of nanotubes to titanium as a result of ion irradiation, was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was established that this bonding is the result of the formation of chemical C–O–Ti bonds between titanium and carbon atoms with the participation of oxygen atoms of oxygen-containing functional groups, which are localized on defects in the nanotube walls formed during ion irradiation. It is significant that there are no signs of direct bonding between titanium and carbon atoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Separation, Characterization and Application of Carbon Nanotubes)

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SEM images of “MWCNT/Ti” surface layer: (a) initial and irradiated with He+ for (b) 10 min, (c) 20 min, and (d) 30 min. Full article ">Figure 2
AFM images of “MWCNT/Ti” surface layer: (a) initial and irradiated with He+ for (b) 10 min, (c) 20 min and (d) 30 min. Full article ">Figure 3
Survey PE spectra of “MWCNT/Ti” surface: (a) initial and irradiated with He+ for (b) 10 min, (c) 20 min, and (d) 30 min. Full article ">Figure 4
C 1s PE spectra of “MWCNT/Ti” surface: (a) initial and irradiated with He+ for (b) 10 min, (c) 20 min, and (d) 30 min. Full article ">Figure 5
Ti 2p1/2,3/2 PE spectra of “MWCNT/Ti” surface: (a) initial and irradiated with He+ for (b) 10 min, (c) 20 min, and (d) 30 min. Full article ">Figure 6
O 1s PE spectra of “MWCNT/Ti” surface: (a) initial and irradiated with He+ for (b) 10 min, (c) 20 min, and (d) 30 min. Full article ">

Review

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20 pages, 3745 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effectiveness Mechanisms of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) as Reinforcements for Magnesium-Based Composites for Biomedical Applications: A Review

by Abbas Saberi, Madalina Simona Baltatu and Petrica Vizureanu

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090756 - 25 Apr 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1823

Abstract

As a smart implant, magnesium (Mg) is highly biocompatible and non-toxic. In addition, the elastic modulus of Mg relative to other biodegradable metals (iron and zinc) is close to the elastic modulus of natural bone, making Mg an attractive alternative to hard tissues. However, high corrosion rates and low strength under load relative to bone are some challenges for the widespread use of Mg in orthopedics. Composite fabrication has proven to be an excellent way to improve the mechanical performance and corrosion control of Mg. As a result, their composites emerge as an innovative biodegradable material. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have superb properties like low density, high tensile strength, high strength-to-volume ratio, high thermal conductivity, and relatively good antibacterial properties. Therefore, using CNTs as reinforcements for the Mg matrix has been proposed as an essential option. However, the lack of understanding of the mechanisms of effectiveness in mechanical, corrosion, antibacterial, and cellular fields through the presence of CNTs as Mg matrix reinforcements is a challenge for their application. This review focuses on recent findings on Mg/CNT composites fabricated for biological applications. The literature mentions effective mechanisms for mechanical, corrosion, antimicrobial, and cellular domains with the presence of CNTs as reinforcements for Mg-based nanobiocomposites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Separation, Characterization and Application of Carbon Nanotubes)

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