Ultrasonically Induced Polymerization and Polymer Grafting in the Presence of Carbonaceous Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanotechnology refers to technologies using at least one nanometric dimension. Most advances have been in the field of nanomaterials used in research and industry. The vast potential of polymeric nanocomposites for advanced materials and applications such as hybrid nanocomposites with customized electrical conductivity, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fog properties have attracted considerable attention. The number of studies on the preparation of nanocomposites in the presence of carbon materials, i.e., carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene, has intensified over the last decade with the growing interest in their outstanding synergic properties. However, the functionality of such nanocomposites depends on overcoming three key challenges: (a) the breakdown of nanoparticle agglomerates; (b) the attachment of functional materials to the nanoparticle surfaces; and (c) the fine dispersion of functional nanoparticles within the polymeric matrices. Ultrasonic polymerization and grafting in the presence of nanoparticles is an innovative solution that can meet these three challenges simultaneously. These chemical reactions are less well known and only a few research groups have dealt with them to date. This review focuses on two main pathways to the design of ultrasonically induced carbon-based nanocomposites: the covalent approach which is based on the chemical interactions between the carbon fillers and the matrix, and the non-covalent approach which is based on the physical interactions.

Development and Characterization of Integrated Nano-Sensors for Organic Residues and pH Field Detection

“…The steric hindrance generated by PANI coating prevented the CNTs from re-aggregating to each other, thus avoiding cluster formation and allowing the sensor to preserve its excellent performance. The synergic effect of the high surface area of CNTs and high electrical conductivity of the PANI contributed to the high capacity of the sensor as well [ 44 ].…”

“…One of the drawbacks of CNTs is their tendency to agglomerate, which decreases their surface area. However, several methods are currently available to prevent this, including using a surfactant to stabilize the CNTs, performing ultrasonication shear or in-situ polymerizing of monomers in the presence of CNT, or a combination of these methods [ 44 ]. Although the cost of neat graphene makes it less affordable for designing sensors, other variants have been used, such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO).…”

Effect of Ultrasonication Parameters on the Structural, Morphological, and Electrical Properties of Polypyrrole Nanoparticles and Optimization by Response Surface Methodology

“…Ultrasonication involves the application of high shear forces to the mixture and the creation of bubbles with ultrasonic waves within a medium. The bubbles grow until they collapse violently when high- and low-pressure waves impinge on them [ 24 ]. For instance, Kowalski et al [ 23 ] imposed ultrasonic irradiation during PPy electropolymerization.…”

Facile synthesis of polystyrene‐coated carbon nanotubes via microwave‐assisted in‐situ polymerization and tuning of the DC electrical conductivity and impedance characteristics

“…It is possible to coat the tubes using different techniques, including layer‐by‐layer assembly, 19 which, however, requires several difficult and time‐consuming steps. A simple technique to coat the nanotubes is in‐situ polymerization, applied in several research works 20–28 . Wu et al successfully coated carbon nanotubes with polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate by in‐situ polymerization 29 .…”