scholarly journals Edge Functionalized Graphene Layers for (Ultra) High Exfoliation in Carbon Papers and Aerogels in the Presence of Chitosan

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Silvia Guerra ◽  
Vincenzina Barbera ◽  
Alessandra Vitale ◽  
Roberta Bongiovanni ◽  
Andrea Serafini ◽  
...  

Ultra-high exfoliation in water of a nanosized graphite (HSAG) was obtained thanks to the synergy between a graphene layer edge functionalized with hydroxy groups and a polymer such as chitosan (CS). The edge functionalization of graphene layers was performed with a serinol derivative containing a pyrrole ring, serinol pyrrole (SP). The adduct between CS and HSAG functionalized with SP was formed simply with a mortar and pestle, then preparing water dispersions stable for months in the presence of acetic acid. Simple casting of such dispersions on a glass support led to carbon papers. Aerogels were prepared through the freeze-dry procedure. Exfoliation was observed in both these families of composites and ultra-high exfoliation was documented in aerogels swollen in water. Carbon papers and aerogels were stable for months in solvents in a wide range of solubility parameter and in a pretty wide range of pH. By considering that a moderately functionalized nanographite was straightforwardly exfoliated in water in the presence of one of the most abundant biobased polymers, the obtained results pave the way for the simple and sustainable preparation of graphene-based nanocomposites. HSAG–SP/CS adducts were characterized by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM and HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Thermal stability of the composites was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and their direct electrical conductivity with the four-point probe method.

Materials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohong Liu ◽  
Ming Li ◽  
Xuemei Zheng ◽  
Elias Retulainen ◽  
Shiyu Fu

As a type of functional group, azo-derivatives are commonly used to synthesize responsive materials. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), prepared by acid hydrolysis of cotton, were dewatered and reacted with 2-bromoisobuturyl bromide to form a macro-initiator, which grafted 6-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl-azo) phenoxy] hexyl methacrylate (MMAZO) via atom transfer radical polymerization. The successful grafting was supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Solid magnetic resonance carbon spectrum (MAS 13C-NMR). The morphology and surface composition of the poly{6-[4-(4-methoxyphenylazo) phenoxy] hexyl methacrylate} (PMMAZO)-grafted CNCs were confirmed with Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The grafting rate on the macro-initiator of CNCs was over 870%, and the polydispersities of branched polymers were narrow. The crystal structure of CNCs did not change after grafting, as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The polymer PMMAZO improved the thermal stability of cellulose nanocrystals, as shown by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). Then the PMMAZO-grafted CNCs were mixed with polyurethane and casted to form a composite film. The film showed a significant light and pH response, which may be suitable for visual acid-alkali measurement and reversible optical storage.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruiqi Wang ◽  
Duanyang Li ◽  
Hailong Wang ◽  
Chenglun Liu ◽  
Longjun Xu

S-doped Bi2MoO6 nanosheets were successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental mapping spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-visible diffused reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS). The photo-electrochemical performance of the samples was investigated via an electrochemical workstation. The S-doped Bi2MoO6 nanosheets exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. The photo-degradation rate of Rhodamine B (RhB) by S-doped Bi2MoO6 (1 wt%) reached 97% after 60 min, which was higher than that of the pure Bi2MoO6 and other S-doped products. The degradation rate of the recovered S-doped Bi2MoO6 (1 wt%) was still nearly 90% in the third cycle, indicating an excellent stability of the catalyst. The radical-capture experiments confirmed that superoxide radicals (·O2−) and holes (h+) were the main active substances in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB by S-doped Bi2MoO6.


Catalysts ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunugunuri K. Reddy ◽  
Torin C. Peck ◽  
Charles A. Roberts

Direct decomposition of NO into N2 and O2 (2NO→N2 + O2) is recognized as the “ideal” reaction for NOx removal because it needs no reductant. It was reported that the spinel Co3O4 is one of the most active single-element oxide catalysts for NO decomposition at higher reaction temperatures, however, activity remains low below 650 °C. The present study aims to investigate new promoters for Co3O4, specifically PdO vs. PtO. Interestingly, the PdO promoter effect on Co3O4 was much greater than the PtO effect, yielding a 4 times higher activity for direct NO decomposition at 650 °C. Also, Co3O4 catalysts with the PdO promoter exhibit higher selectivity to N2 compared to PtO/Co3O4 catalysts. Several characterization measurements, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and in situ FT-IR, were performed to understand the effect of PdO vs. PtO on the properties of Co3O4. Structural and surface analysis measurements show that impregnation of PdO on Co3O4 leads to a greater ease of reduction of the catalysts and an increased thermal stability of surface adsorbed NOx species, which contribute to promotion of direct NO decomposition activity. In contrast, rather than remaining solely as a surface species, PtO enters the Co3O4 structure, and it promotes neither redox properties nor NO adsorption properties of Co3O4, resulting in a diminished promotional effect compared to PdO.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1777-1787
Author(s):  
Yadian Xie ◽  
Shanshan Wang ◽  
Ning Fu ◽  
Yan Yang ◽  
Xingliang Liu ◽  
...  

Carbon dots (CDs) also nitrogen-doped CDs (N-CDs) were produced by green hydrothermal synthesis using Pea and ethanediamine as the carbon and nitrogen source, separately. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images displayed that the prepared CDs and N-CDs were well dispersed, had a spherical morphology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) figures of CDs and N-CDs presented a graphitic amorphous structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) verified that CDs and N-CDs carried many different hydrophilic groups (for example hydroxyl, carboxyl/carbonyl, amide, amino groups) on the surface, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) together verified this result. However, the optical properties and fluorescence quantum yield for N-CDs were obviously superior to those of CDs. Furthermore, the prepared N-CDs displayed outstanding advantages including low toxicity, satisfactory biocompatibility, and excellent chemical stability. More prominently, the prepared N-CDs could detect Hg2+ ions with high sensitivity and selectivity in both water samples and HeLa cells.


2012 ◽  
Vol 151 ◽  
pp. 392-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Hui Gao ◽  
Yu Feng Li ◽  
Hong Chao Wang

Polyacrylate latex containing fluorine and silicon was successfully synthesized by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerization, using organic silicon(OSi) monomer, fluorocarbon(FC), methacrylic acid(MAA), and butyl acrylate(BA) as raw materials. Transmission electron microscope(TEM) characterization indicated that the latex particles were form uniform analogous core-shell structure. Dynamic light scattering(DLS) show a narrow size distribution. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) revealed the fluorine and silicon transfer to the film-air interface. The reaction was evaluated using fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectrum. The thermal stability of the latex films which analysed by thermogravimetric(TG) was improved due to the join of OSi and FC.


NANO ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (06) ◽  
pp. 1850063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinhua Zhang ◽  
Huiyue Qian ◽  
Wencheng Liu ◽  
Hao Chen ◽  
Yang Qu ◽  
...  

A heterostructural composite composed of g-C3N4 and Bi2O3 was achieved by the one-pot and thermal-induced polycondensation method using melamine and Bi(NO[Formula: see text] as precursor at 550[Formula: see text]C under air atmosphere. The crystalline phase, components and morphologies of the as-prepared composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Besides, the photocatalytic activity of composites was evaluated by degrading RhB aqueous solution at room temperature under visible light irradiation. Compared with bulk g-C3N4, the photocatalytic efficiency of the 0.5% Bi2O3/g-C3N4 (Bi–CN) was increased by up to four times. The introduction of Bi2O3 enhances not only the light absorption ability, but also the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs.


2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (06) ◽  
pp. 1240044 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHOULI BAI ◽  
SONG CHEN ◽  
YUAN TIAN ◽  
RUIXIAN LUO ◽  
DIANQING LI ◽  
...  

Thermodynamically stable molybdenum trioxide nanorods have been successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process. The product exhibits high-quality, single-crystalline layered orthorhombic structure (α- MoO3 ), and aspect ratio over 20 by characterizations of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The growth mechanism of α- MoO3 nanorods can be understood by electroneutral and dehydration reaction, which is highly dependent on solution acidity and hydrothermal temperature. The sensing tests show that the sensor based on MoO3 nanorods exhibits high sensitivity to NO2 and is not interferred by CO and CH4 , which makes this kind sensor a competitive candidate for NO2 detection. The intrinsic sensing performance of MoO3 maybe arise from its nonstoichiometry of MoO3 owing to the presence of Mo5+ and oxygen vacancy in MoO3 lattice, which has been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The sensing mechanism of MoO3 for NO2 is also discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 2823-2831
Author(s):  
S. Muthamizh ◽  
C. Sengottaiyan ◽  
R. Jayavel ◽  
V. Narayanan

MoO3 nanostructures with tunable phases such as α-MoO3, β-MoO3 and their mixed phases were synthesized via a simple solid state decomposition method and employed as electrocatalyst for the detection of biomolecule. The phase and crystal structure of the synthesized MoO3 nanostructures were confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The MoO3 nanostructures were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-Vis spectroscopy for their structural, chemical state and optical properties, respectively. The observed results confirmed the successful formation of phase tunable MoO3 nanostructures. The surface texture and morphology of the samples was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained images showed the formation of hexagons, cubes and rods morphology of MoO3. The synthesized MoO3 nanostructures were used to modify the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to detect biomolecule (quercetin).


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
M.-J. Zhou ◽  
N. Zhang ◽  
Z. H. Hou

In the present work, graphene-WO3nanowire clusters were synthesizedviaa facile hydrothermal method. The obtained graphene-WO3nanowire clusters were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) techniques. The photocatalytic oxygen (O2) evolution properties of the as-synthesized samples were investigated by measuring the amount of evolved O2from water splitting. The graphene-WO3nanowire clusters exhibited enhanced performance compared to pure WO3nanowire clusters for O2evolution. The amount of evolved O2from water splitting after 8 h for the graphene-WO3nanowire clusters isca.0.345 mmol/L, which is more than 1.9 times as much as that of the pure WO3nanowire clusters (ca.0.175 mmol/L). The high photocatalytic activity of the graphene-WO3nanowire clusters was attributed to a high charge transfer rate in the presence of graphene.


2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 6283-6289
Author(s):  
Yang Dong ◽  
Ying Ma ◽  
Tianyou Zhai ◽  
Yi Zeng ◽  
Hongbing Fu ◽  
...  

Hybrid microgel particles were prepared by one step incubation of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-poly(acrylic acid) (PNIPAM-co-PAA) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). PNIPAM-co-PAA microgel particles were synthesized by surfactant-free emulsion polymerization with different crosslinking densities (4.5 wt.-%, 10 wt.-%, 15 wt.-%, MBA to NIPAM) and AuNPs obtained by trisodium citrate reduction method independently. The effect of crosslinking density of synthesized microgel particles on the loadings of AuNPs was investigated. The results showed that 18±2 nm AuNPs could be well entrapped in the loosely crosslinked (4.5 wt.-%, MBA to NIPAM) PNIPAM-co-PAA microgel particles with high loadings. The final hybrid microgel particles were well characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FT-IR. In particular, the PNIPAM-co-PAA/AuNPs hybrid microgel particles were thermoresponsive and completely reversible with several heating/cooling cycles. Therefore, the PNIPAM-co-PAA/AuNPs hybrid microgel particles allow for combined surface plasmon and thermal switching applications.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document