Application-Driven Carbon Nanotube Functional Materials

Abstract

Carbon nanotube functional materials (CNTFMs) represent an important research field in transforming nanoscience and nanotechnology into practical applications, with potential impact in a wide realm of science, technology, and engineering. In this review, we combine the state-of-the-art research activities of CNTFMs with the application prospect, to highlight critical issues and identify future challenges. We focus on macroscopic long fibers, thin films, and bulk sponges which are typical CNTFMs in different dimensions with distinct characteristics, and also cover a variety of derived composite/hierarchical materials. Critical issues related to their structures, properties, and applications as robust conductive skeletons or high-performance flexible electrodes in mechanical and electronic devices, advanced energy conversion and storage systems, and environmental areas have been discussed specifically. Finally, possible solutions and directions are proposed for overcoming current obstacles and promoting future efforts in the field.

Unraveling the pulmonary drug delivery carriers in inhalable nanostructures

“…Since the emergence of nanoscience and nanotechnology, various kinds of nano-systems have been designed and developed in the academy and industry, including but not limited to nanospheres (Ganganboina et al 2021), nanomicelles (Rezaeisadat et al 2021), nanotubes (Wu et al 2021), nanowires (Dai et al 2021), and nanosheets (Yang et al 2021). Nowadays, it has become a consensus that there is an interplay between nano-systems and human health.…”

Surface Phosphatization for a Sawdust‐Derived Carbon Catalyst as Kinetics Promoter and Corrosion Preventer in Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

“…Carbon materials are one of the most attractive candidates for cathode catalysts in LOBs because of their adjustable microstructure, surface active centers, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, and large specific surface area. [ 12–14 ] Various functional structures derived from biomass, self‐assembly of carbon units, and organic sources are facile strategies for efficient mass transfer and discharge product loading to improve the electrochemical performance of LOBs. On the other hand, poor cycle stability and rate capability limit the application of carbon materials as cathode catalysts for LOBs.…”

“…The elemental (N or P) doping of carbon materials can induce charge redistribution, promote the adsorption and charge transfer of the adsorbate, activate the catalytic sites, and enhance the catalytic performance in LOBs. For example, N‐doped carbon‐based materials, such as nanotubes, [ 14,19 ] nanofibers, [ 20–22 ] aerogels, [ 23,24 ] and graphene, [ 25,26 ] have been used as cathode catalysts for LOBs and exhibit enhanced cycle stability and high specific capacity. Moreover, P‐doped carbon cathodes can promote the nucleation and crystallization of discharge products.…”

Carbon Nanomaterials (CNMs) and Enzymes: From Nanozymes to CNM-Enzyme Conjugates and Biodegradation

“…CNTs have attracted great interest although there are still challenges to overcome to enable a wider commercial use of their unique properties [ 153 ]. Key areas of application include various types of high-performing composite materials, where demands of conductivity, robustness, flexibility, and mechanical resistance are high [ 154 ]. These include artificial neuromuscular prostheses [ 155 , 156 ], and more generally nano-bioelectronics [ 157 ] and wearable electronics [ 158 ], but also sensing [ 159 ] and imaging [ 160 ], orthopedic devices [ 161 ], tissue regeneration and biomedical use [ 162 , 163 , 164 ], electroactive materials for environmental and energy technology [ 165 , 166 , 167 , 168 , 169 , 170 , 171 ], electronics and computing [ 172 , 173 ], and various forms of catalysis [ 174 , 175 , 176 , 177 , 178 , 179 ].…”