Hydrogels from a Self-Assembling Tripeptide and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs): Comparison between Single-Walled and Double-Walled CNTs

Abstract

Supramolecular hydrogels obtained from the self-organization of simple peptides, such as tripeptides, are attractive soft materials. Their viscoelastic properties can be enhanced through the inclusion of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), although their presence can also hinder self-assembly, thus requiring investigation of the compatibility of CNMs with peptide supramolecular organization. In this work, we compared single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) as nanostructured additives for a tripeptide hydrogel, revealing superior performance by the latter. Several spectroscopic techniques, as well as thermogravimetric analyses, microscopy, and rheology data, provide details to elucidate the structure and behavior of nanocomposite hydrogels of this kind.

A novel PVA/MWCNTs hydrogel with high toughness and electromagnetic shielding properties

“…The appropriate design and preparation method, as well as the selection of effective functional fillers, can improve EMI shielding performance while maintaining unique performance and a rich internal water environment, which is the key for developing hydrogel-type EMI shielding materials. [26][27][28][29] Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have great potential in the packaging of shielding materials due to their lightweight, flexibility, and strong absorption. [30][31][32][33] In practical applications, CNTs tend to agglomerate, but this problem can be solved by modifying them or using dispersants to make them uniformly dispersed.…”

“…This functionalization can facilitate the binding of MWCNTs to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). 29 In this experiment, a new simple one-bath hydrothermal method was selected for functionalization. The active group produced in the grafting process of the modifier is considered to be the key for improving the dispersion of MWCNTs.…”

“…However, hydrogels are generally nonconductive, and their EMI shielding capabilities are inadequate. The appropriate design and preparation method, as well as the selection of effective functional fillers, can improve EMI shielding performance while maintaining unique performance and a rich internal water environment, which is the key for developing hydrogel‐type EMI shielding materials 26–29 …”

“…Similarly, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS, 90.3%) is also a surface modifier that improves the dispersion of MWCNTs in matrix materials. This functionalization can facilitate the binding of MWCNTs to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) 29 . In this experiment, a new simple one‐bath hydrothermal method was selected for functionalization.…”

Evaluation of Piezoresistive and Electrical Properties of Conductive Nanocomposite Based on Castor-Oil Polyurethane Filled with MWCNT and Carbon Black

“…Another study examined how structural factors affected the electrochemical performance of carbon composites [35]. Carbonization of binary composites formed by graphene nanoplatelets and melamine (GNP/MM), multi-walled carbon nanotubes and melamine (CNT/MM), and trinary composites (GNP/CNT/MM) plays a crucial role in tailoring electrochemical properties of carbon hybrid materials, which are considered noble metal-free alternatives to traditional electrodes [36]. In a study conducted by Rozhin et al, 2023, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were compared with double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) as nanostructured additives for tripeptide hydrogels.…”