Conversion of semiconducting behavior of carbon nanotubes using ball milling

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel chemo-mechanical method to in-situ functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Ball milling in the presence of ammonium bicarbonate allowed the introduction of amine and amide groups onto the surface of CNTs, resulting in the conversion of the semiconducting behavior of CNTs from p-type to n-type. The corresponding electrical conductivity of CNT increased gradually with ball milling time, presenting a remarkable 250% increase after 9 hrs of milling. These interesting observations are attributed to the nitrogen compounds introduced on CNTs, which function as the electron donor in the material.

Melt‐spinning of carboxylated MWNTs‐reinforced polyamide 6 fibers with solid mixing nanocomposites

“…This result is consistent with earlier findings. Ma et al used the ball‐milling method to introduce functional groups, such as amines and amides, to the surface of CNTs, and the semiconducting behavior of the CNTs was converted . Shao et al observed the strong interfacial interactions between PA6 and CNTs and PA6 grafting onto CNTs after pan‐milling .…”

Chemically Modified Carbon Nanotubes: Derivatization and Their Applications

“…have proposed a chemomechanical method for the insitu functionalization of nanotubes in presence of ammonium bicarbonate to introduce amine and amide groups. They have also observed that the conversion of semiconducting behaviour of tubes takes place from p-type to n-type [84]. Konya et.al.…”

Exploitation of Carbon Nanotubes in High Performance Polyvinylidene Fluoride Matrix Composite: A Review

“…Material is grinded to fine powder due to internal cascading effect of balls (ceramic, flint pebbles and stainless steel). Ball milling is successfully applied for conversion of CNTs into nanoparticle, curved or closed shell carbon nanoparticles produced from graphite, for the morphological modification of cup-stacked CNTs [86,87]. Ball milling of CNTs not only improves dispersion but can also add some functional groups on the CNT surface.…”