Recent applications of carbon-based nanomaterials in analytical chemistry: Critical review

Abstract

The objective of this review is to provide a broad overview of the advantages and limitations of carbon-based nanomaterials with respect to analytical chemistry. Aiming to illustrate the impact of nanomaterials on the development of novel analytical applications, developments reported in the 2005–2010 period have been included and divided into sample preparation, separation, and detection. Within each section, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and composite materials will be addressed specifically. Although only briefly discussed, included is a section highlighting nanomaterials with interesting catalytic properties that can be used in the design of future devices for analytical chemistry.

Modeling and simulation of protein–surface interactions: achievements and challenges

“…Furthermore, the excellent electrical properties of graphene and CNTs make them suitable for biosensor applications (Liu & Liang, 2012). In all the four materials, the carbon atoms make three chemical bonds with other carbons in the surface-plane with delocalized π electron clouds in the direction perpendicular to the surface (Scida et al 2011). This configuration makes the mutual van der Waals interactions between CNTs very strong and hence leads them to be very hydrophobic (Guldi et al 2006).…”

“…This configuration makes the mutual van der Waals interactions between CNTs very strong and hence leads them to be very hydrophobic (Guldi et al 2006). To alter the hydrophobicity, surface modifications with surface defects and polar groups have been suggested, but these affect the stability of the materials as well as their mechanical and electrical properties (Scida et al 2011). Computational studies of protein-carbon surface interactions have mostly focused on graphene/graphite (Mereghetti & Wade, 2011;Mücksch & Urbassek, 2011;Raffaini & Ganazzoli, 2010;Kang et al 2013;Sun et al 2014b;Yu et al 2012b), CNT (Balamurugan et al 2010;Chen et al 2009b;Tallury & Pasquinelli, 2010;Wang et al 2003) and fullerenes (Durdagi et al 2008;Kraszewski et al 2010;Noon et al 2002).…”

“…Owing to their unique thermal, electrical, chemical and mechanical properties, carbon-based nanomaterials have been the subject of numerous applications in analytical chemistry (Scida et al 2011). These applications mostly focus on carbon nanomaterials with sp 2 -carbon bonding, such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene and graphite.…”

Nanomaterial and their applications in Environmental sample preparation techniques: A Review

“…In both cases, the basic structure is composed of a layer of sp 2 -bonded carbon atoms, where each atom is connected to three other carbon atoms in the x-y plane and by a weakly delocalized π-electron cloud along the z-axis. This configuration, which resembles that of graphene, is responsible for the good electrical conductivity, the capability to form charge transfer complexes when in contact with electron donor groups 20 and the π-plasmon resonance observed in some of these particles 21 . Furthermore, this configuration is also responsible for the development of strong van der Waals' forces that significantly hamper the dispersion and solubility of carbon-based nanoparticles.…”

“…Even though there are different formats of carbon based nanomaterials as described above, in this paper particular attention has been paid to carbon nanotubes and graphene because, recent applications mainly focus on the use of graphene and nanotubes (CNT) 20 . In both cases, the basic structure is composed of a layer of sp 2 -bonded carbon atoms, where each atom is connected to three other carbon atoms in the x-y plane and by a weakly delocalized π-electron cloud along the z-axis.…”