Methods for dispersing carbon nanotubes for nanotechnology applications: liquid nanocrystals, suspensions, polyelectrolytes, colloids and organization control

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a central part of advanced nanomaterials and are used in state-of-the-art technologies, based on their high tensile strength, excellent thermal transfer properties, low-band gaps and optimal chemical and physical stability. Carbon nanotubes are also intriguing given their unique π-electron-rich structures, which opens a variety of possibilities for modifications and alterations of their chemical and electronic properties. In this review, a comprehensive survey of the methods of solubilization of carbon nanotubes is presented, forming the methodological foundation for synthesis and manufacturing of modified nanomaterials. The methods presented herein show that solubilized carbon nanotubes have a great potential in being applied as reactants and components for advanced solar cell technologies, nanochemical compounds in electronics and as parts in thermal transfer management. An example lies in the preservation of the aromatic chemistry in CNTs and ligation of functional groups to their surfaces, which confers CNTs with an optimal potential as tunable Schottky contacts, or as parts in nanotransistors and nano-resistances. Future nanoelectronic circuits and structures can therefore depend more and more on how carbon nanotubes are modified and functionalized, and for this, solubilization is often a critical part of their fabrication process. This review is important, is in conjecture with the latest developments in synthesis and modification of CNTs, and provides the know-how for developing new CNT-based state-of-the-art technologies, particularly with emphasis on computing, catalysis, environmental remediation as well as microelectronics.

Stereochemistry of Simple Molecules inside Nanotubes and Fullerenes: Unusual Behavior of Usual Systems

“…The history of nanotubes [1,2] and fullerenes [3] spans several decades; the most important stages in understanding of their nature and properties are well represented in recent reviews and books [4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. The main directions of practical application of such nanoobjects are connected with creation of new materials [4,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14], applications in pharmacy and medicine [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] and wastewater treatment [25]. These possibilities resulted mainly from the formation of endohedral complexes of fullerenes and nanotubes; the first example, synthesis of lanthanum complexes of C 60 , was described in [26].…”

Metal Nanoparticles and Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Improved Performances of Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors with Biomedical Applications

“…Moreover, more active binding sites can be created on the surface of nanotubes making them more easily dispersible in various solvents. Some types of functionalized CNTs are soluble in water and in other highly polar solvents [ 157 , 158 ]. Additionally, for biological applications different biomolecules (lipids, proteins, etc.)…”

Cellulose Bio–ink on 3D Printing Applications

“…Some of the nanocellulose derivatives are nanocrystals (NCC), nanofibrils (CNF) bacteria nanocellulose. 13 Materials produced depends on the source and treatment of cellulose. The availability of thermoplastics in Nanocellulose has led to research and studies that have helped in biomedical applications like 3D bio-ink since the nanocellulose can be used as modifiers for inks.…”

“…Several advanced research on how to improve on already discovered techniques of cartilage repair and growth using 3D bio-ink printers. 40 It is worth noting that more research in this field is ongoing. The stem cells of MSCs have chondrogenic potentials and proliferative growth and regeneration capacity.…”