Structural Recovery of Highly Oxidized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Fabricated by Kneading and Electrochemical Applications

Abstract

Harsh oxidation of 1 nm single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can lead to fatal defect structures, which can jeopardize their mechanical and electrical performances. Here, we show the structural recovery of highly oxidized SWCNTs (Ox-SWCNTs), which were rapidly (within 1 h) oxidized by kneading without forming failurecausing defects inspired by flour dough. The rational oxidation of SWCNTs by kneading debundled the SWCNTs and led to obtaining thermodynamically stable SWCNT solutions in water or even in alcohol without dispersant molecules. Importantly, the structure of the Ox-SWCNTs could be recovered by chemical, thermal, photothermal, or solvothermal reduction, enhancing the electrical conductivity of the Ox-SWCNT films from ∼100 to ∼1000 S cm −1 . These Ox-SWCNTs and chemically reduced Ox-SWCNTs showed high performance in supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries as electrochemical conductors, respectively.

All-Printed Paper-Based Micro-supercapacitors Using Water-Based Additive-Free Oxidized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Pastes

“…Ox-SWCNTs were obtained by the oxidation of pristine SWCNT (p-SWCNT, TUBALL, and OCSiAl) powders using a modified Brodie’s method. , Subsequently, 1 g of p-SWCNT and 8 g of sodium chlorate (NaClO 3 , Sigma-Aldrich) were mixed and ground in a mortar using a pestle. Thereafter, 20 mL of fuming nitric acid (>90%, Sigma-Aldrich) was added dropwise to the mixture.…”

“…SWCNTs are promising materials for use in supercapacitors, particularly as both the electrodes of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and conductive auxiliaries for pseudo-capacitive materials . This is due to their high surface area (SA), superior electrical conductivity, and electrochemical stability. , In addition, free-standing SWCNT films fabricated using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or vacuum filtration , provide high mechanical integrity and electrode flexibility in supercapacitors. However, because of the strong van der Waals interactions between the individual SWCNTs, it is challenging to prepare high-viscosity (>10 4 cP), pseudo-plastic SWCNT pastes and gels without adding several unnecessary auxiliaries .…”

Advances on Emerging Materials for Flexible Supercapacitors: Current Trends and Beyond

“…In addition, the controlled chemical reduction and oxidation could also enhance the electrochemical performances of the CNTs. [ 84 ] Further, the capacitors suffering from the fast discharge cycles can be addressed by simply taking advantage of the length of the nanotubes that can act as the path for the electron transport. [ 85 ] But at the same time, the interdistance can interrupt the fast charging cycles since the distance is directly proportional to the time.…”

Carbon-Based Polymer Nanocomposite for High-Performance Energy Storage Applications

“…The high aspect ratio of CNTs helps to create CNT fiber that gives about 10 GPa highly tensile continuous fiber [66]. Highly oxidized SWCNTs of electrical conductivity in the range 100-1000 S·cm −1 have been reported to have high performance in supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries as electrochemical conductors [67]. More excellent conductivity and improved charge transmission cylinders of CNTs deliver the greatest encouraging element toward energy-saving purposes.…”