Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 14 of 14

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Characterisation Of Porous Freeze Dried Conducting Carbon Nanotube-Chitosan Scaffolds, Simon Moulton, Gordon Wallace, Luke Sweetman Jul 2013

Characterisation Of Porous Freeze Dried Conducting Carbon Nanotube-Chitosan Scaffolds, Simon Moulton, Gordon Wallace, Luke Sweetman

Luke Sweetman

In this study, the fabrication and characterisation of highly porous yet conductive scaffolds was performed. The conductive component, namely single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), was incorporated into a chitosan bio-polymeric matrix utilising a dispersion-based freeze dry approach. The electroactive polymer poly(2-methoxy-5-sulfonic acid) (PMAS) was also successfully incorporated into scaffolds in an effort to improve the structural integrity of scaffolds in an aqueous, biologically relevant environment. Here, we report how the variation in dispersion and scaffold synthesis conditions, as well as the composition of constituent components, impact on scaffold properties.


Reactions Of Small Carbon-Bearing Radicals With Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: Product Detection And Low Temperature Kinetics, Adam Trevitt, Fabien Goulay, Stephen Leone Jul 2013

Reactions Of Small Carbon-Bearing Radicals With Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: Product Detection And Low Temperature Kinetics, Adam Trevitt, Fabien Goulay, Stephen Leone

Adam Trevitt

We report on results from two experimental techniques concerned with the reactions of small carbon based radicals (CN and CH) with unsaturated hydrocarbons. First, low temperature (100-300K) kinetic studies using a pulse Laval nozzle technique probe the reactions of the CN radical with benzene and toluene. The CN + benzene is found to be a fast, barrierless reaction. But in the case of toluene, two reaction pathways are in competition, one of which back dissociates to the reactants. The implications for the atmosphere of Titan are discussed. Product detection studies undertaken at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) using synchrotron coupled …


A Conductive Polypyrrole-Coated, Sulfur-Carbon Nanotube Composite For Use In Lithium-Sulfur Batteries, Jianli Wang, Lin Lu, Dongqi Shi, Richard Tandiono, Zhaoxiang Wang, Konstantin Konstantinov, Hua Liu Jul 2013

A Conductive Polypyrrole-Coated, Sulfur-Carbon Nanotube Composite For Use In Lithium-Sulfur Batteries, Jianli Wang, Lin Lu, Dongqi Shi, Richard Tandiono, Zhaoxiang Wang, Konstantin Konstantinov, Hua Liu

Jianli Wang

A novel ternary composite, polypyrrole (PPy)-coated sulphur-carbon nanotube (S-CNT), is synthesised by using an in situ, one-pot method. Firstly, elemental sulfur is loaded into the CNT network by a solution-based processing technique. Then conducting PPy is coated on the surface of the S-CNT composite to form the S-CNT-PPy ternary composite by carrying out polymerization of the pyrrole monomer in situ. The ternary composite is tested as a cathode for lithium-sulfur batteries. The results show that PPy coating improves significantly the performance of the binary composites (S-CNT and S-PPy). The conducting PPy is believed to serve multiple functions in the composite: …


Microscopic Role Of Carbon On Mgb2 Wire For Critical Current Density Comparable To Nbti, Jung Ho Kim, Sangjun Oh, Yoon-Uk Heo, Satoshi Hata, Hiroaki Kumakura, Akiyoshi Matsumoto, Masatoshi Mitsuhara, Seyong Choi, Yusuke Shimada, Minoru Maeda, Judith Macmanus-Driscoll, S X. Dou Jun 2013

Microscopic Role Of Carbon On Mgb2 Wire For Critical Current Density Comparable To Nbti, Jung Ho Kim, Sangjun Oh, Yoon-Uk Heo, Satoshi Hata, Hiroaki Kumakura, Akiyoshi Matsumoto, Masatoshi Mitsuhara, Seyong Choi, Yusuke Shimada, Minoru Maeda, Judith Macmanus-Driscoll, S X. Dou

Shi Xue Dou

Increasing dissipation-free supercurrent has been the primary issue for practical application of superconducting wires. For magnesium diboride, MgB2, carbon is known to be the most effective dopant to enhance high-field properties. However, the critical role of carbon remains elusive, and also low-field critical current density has not been improved. Here, we have undertaken malic acid doping of MgB2 and find that the microscopic origin for the enhancement of high-field properties is due to boron vacancies and associated stacking faults, as observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The carbon from the malic acid almost uniformly encapsulates …


Nano-Structured Sno2-Carbon Composites Obtained By In Situ Spray Pyrolysis Method As Anodes In Lithium Batteries, Ling Yuan, Konstantin Konstantinov, Guoxiu Wang, Hua-Kun Liu, S X. Dou Jun 2013

Nano-Structured Sno2-Carbon Composites Obtained By In Situ Spray Pyrolysis Method As Anodes In Lithium Batteries, Ling Yuan, Konstantin Konstantinov, Guoxiu Wang, Hua-Kun Liu, S X. Dou

Shi Xue Dou

In this paper, we report on a series of SnO2-carbon nano-composites synthesized by in situ spray pyrolysis of a solution of SnCl2·2H2O and sucrose at 700 °C. The process results in super fine nanocrystalline SnO2, which is homogeneously distributed inside the amorphous carbon matrix. The SnO2 was revealed as a structure of broken hollow spheres with porosity on both the inside and outside particle surfaces. This structure promises a highly developed specific surface area. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed the SnO2 crystal size is about 5–15 nm. These composites show a reversible lithium storage …


Strong Competition Between The Delta L And Delta T-C Flux Pinning Mechanisms In Mgb2 Doped With Carbon Containing Compounds, Shaban R. Ghorbani, Xiaolin Wang, Md S. Hossain, Qiwen Yao, S X. Dou, Sung-Ik Lee, K C. Chung, Y K. Kim Jun 2013

Strong Competition Between The Delta L And Delta T-C Flux Pinning Mechanisms In Mgb2 Doped With Carbon Containing Compounds, Shaban R. Ghorbani, Xiaolin Wang, Md S. Hossain, Qiwen Yao, S X. Dou, Sung-Ik Lee, K C. Chung, Y K. Kim

Shi Xue Dou

The transport and magnetic properties of 10 wt % malic acid and 5 wt % nanocarbon doped MgB2 have been studied by measuring the resistivity (p), critical current density (jc), connectivity factor (AF), irreversibility field (Hirr), and upper critical field (Hc2). The pinning mechanisms are studied in terms of the collective pinning model. It was found that both mean free path (δl) and critical temperature (δTc) pinning mechanisms coexist in both doped MgB2. For both the malic acid and nanocarbon doped samples, the temperature dependence of the crossover field, which separates the single vortex and the small bundle pinning regime, …


Nanostructured Carbon Electrodes, Gordon G. Wallace, Jun Chen, Dan Li, Simon E. Moulton, Joselito M. Razal Mar 2013

Nanostructured Carbon Electrodes, Gordon G. Wallace, Jun Chen, Dan Li, Simon E. Moulton, Joselito M. Razal

Gordon Wallace

In its conducting form, carbon has proven to be a versatile, robust and high performing electrode material in areas such as energy conversion, energy storage and even medical bionics. In our laboratories we have been interested in the fabrication and utilization of nanostructured electrodes based on more recently discovered forms of carbon. These include carbon nanotubes and graphene.


Electrocatalytic Reduction Of Carbon Dioxide By Cobalt-Phthalocyanine-Incorporated Polypyrrole, Jun Chen, Gordon G. Wallace, Jiaxing Lu, Aijian Zhang, Weimin Zhang Mar 2013

Electrocatalytic Reduction Of Carbon Dioxide By Cobalt-Phthalocyanine-Incorporated Polypyrrole, Jun Chen, Gordon G. Wallace, Jiaxing Lu, Aijian Zhang, Weimin Zhang

Gordon Wallace

In the quest for catalysts for the electrocatalytic reduction of , a cobalt phthalocyanine/polypyrrole (CoPc/PPy) composite electrode has been developed. The electrode is prepared by drop casting CoPc onto the PPy film from the CoPc/tetrahydrofuran solution (1 mg/mL). The onset potential for reduction occurred at potentials 160 mV more positive than observed with a simple PPy electrode. Furthermore, in the potentiostatic electrolysis, the catalytic current for reduction at CoPc/PPy was very stable, with a higher current density and current efficiency when compared to the PPy electrode.


Controlled Deposition Of Polymer Carbon Nanotube Composites Through Inkjet Printing, William Small, Fatemeh Masdarolomoor, Gordon G. Wallace, Marc In Het Panhuis Mar 2013

Controlled Deposition Of Polymer Carbon Nanotube Composites Through Inkjet Printing, William Small, Fatemeh Masdarolomoor, Gordon G. Wallace, Marc In Het Panhuis

Gordon Wallace

The controlled deposition of polyaniline carbon nanotube composites by inkjet printing is reported. It is demonstrated that the sheet resistance and transmittance can be expressed in amount of composite and MWNT material deposited. The most efficient way for improving the sheet resistance while keeping the cost in optical transparency to a minimum is by increasing the total amount of material deposited, rather than increasing MWNT loading fraction.


Carbon-Nanotube Biofiber Microelectrodes, Carol M. Lynam, Gordon G. Wallace, Willo Grosse Mar 2013

Carbon-Nanotube Biofiber Microelectrodes, Carol M. Lynam, Gordon G. Wallace, Willo Grosse

Gordon Wallace

All-biocompatible carbon-nanotube fibers were formed using wet spinning. In this process the spinning solutions used are carbon nanotubes dispersed using biomolecules such as hyaluronic acid and chitosan. We compare the effect of a coagulation bath containing either a polymer binder, e.g., polyethyleneimine, or simply a precipitating solvent system, e.g., acetone. The electrical, mechanical, and morphological properties of the resulting fibers were studied. Biocompatible electrode structures were generated suitable for a variety of biomedical applications, e.g.,in biosensors or in systems where the application of an electrical field is advantageous e.g., stimulation of electrically excitable cells such as nerve and muscle cells.


Photocatalytic Oxidation Of Methanol Using Titanium Dioxide/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite, Jun Chen, Carol M. Lynam, Chonlada Dechakiatkrai, Gordon G. Wallace, Sukon Phanichphant Mar 2013

Photocatalytic Oxidation Of Methanol Using Titanium Dioxide/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite, Jun Chen, Carol M. Lynam, Chonlada Dechakiatkrai, Gordon G. Wallace, Sukon Phanichphant

Gordon Wallace

Titanium dioxide/single-walled carbon nanotube TiO2/SWNT composites were prepared for photocatalytic applications. Thecomposites were characterized using UV-visible and Raman spectroscopy, zeta-potential measurements, cyclic voltammetrycoupled with a photoreactor, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersiveX-ray spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and the TiO2/SWNT composite was investigated using the photo-oxidationof methanol in sulfuric acid as supporting electrolyte. The results indicate that the TiO2/SWNT composite enhances the photocatalyticactivity compared to TiO2 alone. Electrochemical studies of the TiO2/SWNT composite were also carried out in varioussupporting electrolytes and the presence of SWNTs was shown to increase the current achieved in voltammetric …


Direct Ascorbic Acid Detection With Ferritin Immobilized On Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, Chonlada Dechakiatkrai, Jun Chen, Carol M. Lynam, Kwang Min Shin, Seon Jeong Kim, Sukon Phanichphant, Gordon G. Wallace Mar 2013

Direct Ascorbic Acid Detection With Ferritin Immobilized On Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, Chonlada Dechakiatkrai, Jun Chen, Carol M. Lynam, Kwang Min Shin, Seon Jeong Kim, Sukon Phanichphant, Gordon G. Wallace

Gordon Wallace

Ferritin protein was noncovalently immobilized onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). This SWNT/ferritin composite was characterized using cyclic voltammetry, UV-visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The use of the SWNT/ferritin film as an amperometric biosensor was demonstrated by sensing ascorbic acid in phosphate-buffered saline solution with a sensitivity of 767 uAmg. It demonstrated that ferritin protein bound to SWNTs enhances the oxidation reaction of ascorbic acid over 11-fold.


Free-Standing Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Sno2 Anode Paper For Flexible Lithium-Ion Batteries, Lukman Noerochim, Jia-Zhao Wang, Shulei Chou, David Wexler Feb 2013

Free-Standing Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Sno2 Anode Paper For Flexible Lithium-Ion Batteries, Lukman Noerochim, Jia-Zhao Wang, Shulei Chou, David Wexler

Shulei Chou

Free-standingsingle-walledcarbonnanotube/SnO2 (SWCNT/SnO2) anodepaper was prepared by vacuum filtration of SWCNT/SnO2 hybrid material which was synthesized by the polyol method. From field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, the CNTs form a three-dimensional nanoporous network, in which ultra-fine SnO2 nanoparticles, which had crystallite sizes of less than 5 nm, were distributed, predominately as groups of nanoparticles on the surfaces of singlewalled CNT bundles. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the anodepaper with 34 wt.% SnO2 had excellent cyclic retention, with the high specific capacity of 454 mAh g−1 beyond 100 cycles at a current …


Irradiation Si On Carbon Nanotube Paper As A Flexible Anode Material For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Shulei Chou, Mihail Ionescu, Jia-Zhao Wang, Brad Winton, Hua Liu Feb 2013

Irradiation Si On Carbon Nanotube Paper As A Flexible Anode Material For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Shulei Chou, Mihail Ionescu, Jia-Zhao Wang, Brad Winton, Hua Liu

Shulei Chou

Silicon single walled carbon nanotube composite paper was modified by low energy ion implantation using 5i to obtain a flexible composite paper. Raman and FE-SEM results show that structure of SWCNT could be destroyed by the implantation. Electrochemical measurements display that the implanted SI can improve the specific capacity and the reversible capacity of CNT paper. After 50 cycles, the specific capacity of 5Hmplanted CNT paper is 30 per cent higher than the pristine CNT.