Carbon Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Sensing Applications

Abstract

Recent advances in nanomaterial design and synthesis has resulted in robust sensing systems that display superior analytical performance. The use of nanomaterials within sensors has accelerated new routes and opportunities for the detection of analytes or target molecules. Among others, carbon-based sensors have reported biocompatibility, better sensitivity, better selectivity and lower limits of detection to reveal a wide range of organic and inorganic molecules. Carbon nanomaterials are among the most extensively studied materials because of their unique properties spanning from the high specific surface area, high carrier mobility, high electrical conductivity, flexibility, and optical transparency fostering their use in sensing applications. In this paper, a comprehensive review has been made to cover recent developments in the field of carbon-based nanomaterials for sensing applications. The review describes nanomaterials like fullerenes, carbon onions, carbon quantum dots, nanodiamonds, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Synthesis of these nanostructures has been discussed along with their functionalization methods. The recent application of all these nanomaterials in sensing applications has been highlighted for the principal applicative field and the future prospects and possibilities have been outlined.

Electrophoretic Deposition of Graphene Oxide on Stainless Steel Substrate

“…Two cleaned SS plates served as cathodes, one piece of SS in the middle served as the anode ( Figure 1 ) and electrodes were connected to the power supply (Statron 2225, Bad Herrenalb, Germany). Other materials such as aluminum foil, copper or nickel substrate could also be used as anode material [ 30 ]. The direct current (DC) voltage of 10 V was applied between the SS substrate for 8 min during the deposition.…”

“…The last mode provides increased sharpness of the edges of the surface features, when commonly used height mode image is blurry or distorted by some artefacts. Image processing was performed in NanoScope Analysis (software distributed by Bruker with AFM machines) and Gwyddion—a modular, multiplatform, open-source software for scanning probe microscopy data processing [ 30 ].…”

“…The multi-layered graphene film can be continuously grown through stainless steel (SS) and significantly increase its corrosion resistance [ 22 , 29 ]. A number of researchers have confirmed that steel microstructure was also one of the main factors influencing corrosion resistance [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. The graphene layering on SS also maintains good conductivity and active surface area for adsorbing charged particles [ 29 ].…”

Application of Carbon Nanoparticles in Oncology and Regenerative Medicine

“…Delocalization of 30 double bonds and sharing of all π electrons gives the molecule a high stability. Due to their hydrophobic properties, fullerenes show poor solubility in polar liquids [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Self-Assembling Peptides and Carbon Nanomaterials Join Forces for Innovative Biomedical Applications

“…Furthermore, synergy can be created by leveraging on their very different chemical nature. For instance, one of the main limitations of carbon nanomaterials is their hydrophobic nature and tendency to aggregate that may be alleviated through chemical functionalization [ 97 ]. Alternatively, the amphiphilic nature of self-assembling peptides can be convenient to enhance carbon nanomaterials’ dispersibility in water [ 66 , 98 , 99 ].…”