Surface Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes for Energy Applications

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are receiving a great deal of attention as a catalyst support for different energy applications, due to their high surface area and high conductivity. Recent literature studies have shown that the application of CNTs mainly depends on their surface functionalization process. Typically, pristine CNTs (as produced) have no functional groups, which is usually considered as an obstacle to their widespread application. In this chapter, we highlight the different techniques used to functionalize the surface of CNTs, including physical and chemical functionalization processes. We show the advantages and the drawbacks of the different functionalization processes. Additionally, we explain in detail the different techniques used to characterize the CNTs before and after functionalization processes. Furthermore, we focus on polymer wrapping techniques of CNTs to create active nanocomposite materials for energy applications, in particular the applications in the agriculture field to fight pollution and make farming activity easier and more efficient.

Manufacturing Poly(3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene) Electrocatalytic Sheets for Large‐Scale H2O2 Production

“…For that purpose, environmentally friendly and easily decomposable biopolymers such as cellulose acetate (CA) and gelatin are mixed in PEDOT 1M + CF composites. CA and gelatin are well known to improve the dispersion of carbon nanotubes, [38,39] hence we expect that they will also provide good interaction with the large CF and help the homogenization of the layer. Figure 3b shows the variation of α m with composite materials containing no fibers, only CF, and fibers with above mentioned biopolymers.…”

Microstructural Modeling and Simulation of a Carbon Black-Based Conductive Polymer─A Template for the Virtual Design of a Composite Material

“…Conductive additives are used in a great number of applications—for conductive coatings, 1 , 2 three-dimensional (3D) printing, 2 or as a mechanical and electrical connector in energy storage devices, especially lithium-ion batteries. 3 , 4 Lithium ion batteries comprise two electrodes, each one consisting of a current collector that provides electronic conductivity and an active material layer that partakes in the electrochemical reaction.…”

“…Conductive additives are used in a great number of applicationsfor conductive coatings, , three-dimensional (3D) printing, or as a mechanical and electrical connector in energy storage devices, especially lithium-ion batteries. , Lithium ion batteries comprise two electrodes, each one consisting of a current collector that provides electronic conductivity and an active material layer that partakes in the electrochemical reaction. − The most common active materials, especially cathode-active materials like LiNiMnCoO 2 (NMC), are available in the form of a powder and as such, are neither mechanically nor electrically cohesive. , To render the active material layer stable and conductive, a combination of binder, e.g., Sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose (NA-CMC) or poly­(vinylidene fluoride- co -hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and conductor-like carbon black (CB) are used …”

Evaluating Particle Emissions and Toxicity of 3D Pen Printed Filaments with Metal Nanoparticles As Additives: In Vitro and in Silico Discriminant Function Analysis

“…However, new filaments supplemented with additives such as wood, to improve the natural texture, or metal, to aid in the mechanical strength, are increasingly being added to the filament. Furthermore, conductive filaments with graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as additives are getting popular for designing 3D printed sensors, circuits, and connectors to form smart textiles, fabrics, and wearable electronics. , In addition, these filaments are adopted into additive manufacturing of 3D-printed educational models. , The CNTs/graphene and metal/metal oxide (M/MOx) nanomaterials (NMs) are well-known for inducing DNA damage, cytotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. − Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of data regarding the physicochemical analysis and biosafety assessment of low-cost 3D printer filaments and their emission products. Particularly, low-cost filaments for 3D printing devices with harmful additives exhibit a big knowledge gap in terms of their hazard and exposure assessment.…”