Functionalization of CNTs: New Routes Towards the Development of Novel Electrochemical Sensors

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess high electrical conductivity, high chemical stability, and extremely high mechanical strength and modulus. These special properties of both single-walled and multi-walled CNTs (SWNTs and MWNTs, respectively) have attracted much attention in electrochemistry. Functionalization of CNTs is one of the most active fields in carbon nanotube research, which provides an effective tool to broaden the spectrum of electrochemical application of CNTs. In this review, we summarize various approaches to functionalize CNTs for the development of novel electrochemical sensors. Particular emphasis is directed to the use of lipid-functionalized CNTs for sensors and biosensors and for the fabrication of photo switched-functional devices. The functionalization of the nanotubes generates a novel, interesting class of nanomaterials, which combines the properties of the nanotubes and the functional moiety, thus offering new opportunities in electrochemical sensors.

Graphene versus Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Glucose Biosensing

“…It is of considerable interest to evaluate if graphene is advantageous compared to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in various applications; particularly, in electrochemical biosensing for glucose, since the latter, with a high surface-volume ratio, has been extensively used in the development of super capacitors [ 13 , 14 , 15 ], energy storage devices [ 16 ], environmental sensing devices [ 17 , 18 ], drug delivery systems [ 19 ], biosensors [ 20 , 21 ] and other devices. The literature also offers several reviews discussing the comparison of graphene- and CNT-based electronic devices [ 15 , 22 , 23 ], hydrogen physical adsorption [ 24 ], chemical sensors/biosensors [ 25 ] and fuel cells [ 26 ].…”

The multiple faces of self-assembled lipidic systems

“…Lipid bilayers can be also obtained around nanotubes by coating them with layers of oppositely charged flexible polyelectrolytes prior to liposome fusion [ 191 ]. These systems are anticipated to yield novel sensors, biosensors and photo-switched functional devices [ 192 ], and may be used for nanotoxicological studies [ 193 ].…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoalumina and CNTs-Reinforced Microcapsules with n-Dodecane as a Phase Change Material for Cold Energy Storage

“…Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are functional nanoreinforcement materials with a high aspect ratio, outstanding thermal conductivity, and low density; hence, it is effective to enhance the heat storage/release performance of PCMs. , Furthermore, the inherent performance of CNTs makes it susceptible to combine with different materials to improve the characteristics of the composites. Meanwhile, compared to pure polymers, the composites impregnated with CNTs had a higher thermal conductivity . Hence, CNTs have caused great concern with the nanoreinforcement materials, especially in the field of polymer-based composites .…”

“…Meanwhile, compared to pure polymers, the composites impregnated with CNTs had a higher thermal conductivity. 26 Hence, CNTs have caused great concern with the nanoreinforcement materials, especially in the field of polymer-based composites. 27 The MEPCMs doped with modified CNTs were synthesized using in situ polymerization by Li et al 28 The results show that the thermal conductivity of MEPCMs with 4.0% CNTs increased by 79.2%, and the doping of CNTs improved the durability and thermal stability.…”