Search results for "OTU"
showing 10 items of 2539 documents
Anodic alumina membranes as template for the synthesis of 1-D metal oxide and hydroxide nanostructures
2008
Anodic alumina membranes with highly ordered cylindrical pores and tuneable geometry have been prepared (pore diameters=20−200 nm; pore density 1012-1014 pores/m2; thickness: 20-100 mm) by controlling the anodizing process of aluminum in phosphoric, oxalic and sulphuric acid. The influence of different parameters (initial treatment of aluminium surface, composition of electrolyte, temperature and applied potential) on the final characteristics of the membranes have been investigated. The use anodic alumina membranes as template for the electrosynthesis of some metal hydroxides and oxides 1-D nanostructures (nanowires and nanotubes) will be also proved.
Nano-hybrids based on quercetin and carbon nanotubes with excellent anti-oxidant activity
2016
Abstract Multi-functional nano-hybrids based on Quercetin (Q), a natural antioxidant, and functionalized Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have been formulated and used to prepare Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE)-based nanocomposites. The study of the nanocomposites rheological behaviour shows that the immobilization of Q molecules onto CNTs outer surface leads to a beneficial effect on the state of the interface between polymer and nanoparticles. Additionally, the investigation of the thermo- and photo-oxidation processes reveals that the hybrids nanoparticles are able to exert a remarkable stabilizing action, due to strong physical interaction between Q and CNTs. In particular, the…
Water-soluble carbon nanotubes through sugar azide functionalization
2011
In this work we report a covalent functionalization of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) directly with three sugar azides, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-galactopyranosyl or 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-mannopyranosyl azide. Microwave-assisted functionalization was carried out for SWCNTs prepared with the HiPCO method. The as-prepared, new type of sugar-functionalized SWCNTs were analyzed by Raman and IR spectroscopy. Deacetylation of the functionalized tubes by sodium methoxide yielded nitrogen-linked, sugar-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that formed stable dispersions in water. Reactivity of the sugar azides towards SWCNTs was es…
An insight into the functionalisation of carbon nanotubes by diazonium chemistry: Towards a controlled decoration
2014
The derivatisation of materials including iron, gold, and carbon by addition of diazonium salts is a reliable process to tune their interfacial interaction with the surrounding media. In this regard, the functionalisation of carbon nanostructures by diazonium chemistry is a versatile strategy to obtain soluble nanomaterials with degrees of functionalisation among the highest ever reported. Starting from these premises we have studied the functionalisation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes by addition of the aryl diazonium salts generated in situ by treatment of 4-methoxyaniline with isopentylnitrite. Following a thorough purification and characterisation protocol (UV-vis, TGA, ATR-IR, cyclic…
Halloysite nanotubes as support for metal-based catalysts
2017
Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are clay minerals with a hollow nanotubular structure. There is growing interest in these nanomaterials, due to their biocompatibility, potential applications and availability. The surface chemistry of HNTs is versatile for the targeted chemical modification of the inner lumen and outer surface. Functionalized halloysite constitutes a valuable support for metal nanoparticles, promoting catalytic applications with tunable properties. The peculiar tubular shape of HNTs favors the dispersion and surface availability of the supported metal nanoparticles that are active in the catalytic path. Moreover, the presence of an empty lumen opens new perspectives for the prod…
Nanozymes in Nanofibrous Mats with Haloperoxidase-like Activity To Combat Biofouling.
2018
Electrospun polymer mats are widely used in tissue engineering, wearable electronics, and water purification. However, in many environments, the polymer nanofibers prepared by electrospinning suffer from biofouling during long-term usage, resulting in persistent infections and device damage. Herein, we describe the fabrication of polymer mats with CeO2–x nanorods that can prevent biofouling in an aqueous environment. The embedded CeO2–x nanorods are functional mimics of natural haloperoxidases that catalyze the oxidative bromination of Br– and H2O2 to HOBr. The generated HOBr, a natural signaling molecule, disrupted the bacterial quorum sensing, a critical step in biofilm formation. The pol…
Biopolymer-Targeted Adsorption onto Halloysite Nanotubes in Aqueous Media.
2017
Studies on the adsorption of biopolymers onto halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in water were conducted. Three polymers with different charges-anionic (pectin), neutral (hydroxypropyl cellulose), and cationic (chitosan)-were chosen. The thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of polymers onto the HNT surface were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The experimental data were interpreted based on a Langmuir adsorption model. The standard variations in free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of the process were obtained and discussed. Turbidimetry was used to evaluate the stability of functionalized nanoparticles in water. The ζ-potential clarified the surface charge properties of …
Two-terminal nanoelectromechanical devices based on germanium nanowires.
2009
A two-terminal bistable device, having both ON and OFF regimes, has been demonstrated with Ge nanowires using an in situ TEM-STM technique. The function of the device is based on delicately balancing electrostatic, elastic, and adhesion forces between the nanowires and the contacts, which can be controlled by the applied voltage. The operation and failure conditions of the bistable device were investigated, i.e. the influence of nanowire diameter, the surface oxide layer on the nanowires and the current density. During ON/OFF cycles the Ge nanowires were observed to be more stable than carbon nanotubes, working at similar conditions, due to the higher mechanical stability of the nanowires. …
Two-terminal nanoelectromechanical bistable switches based on molybdenum–sulfur–iodine molecular wire bundles
2010
We demonstrate the application of Mo(6)S(3)I(6) molecular wire bundles for electrically controllable two-terminal on-off switches. We investigate how changes in the contact electrode material and geometry influence the device characteristics, hysteretic switching behavior and device stability. We also determine the device operating parameters, particularly the Young's moduli (40-270 GPa), operating current densities (3.2 x 10(5)-7 x 10(6) A m(-2)) and force constants. Although qualitatively, the properties of Mo(6)S(3)I(6) nanowires in nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches are similar to those of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), their lower friction coefficient, higher mechanical stability and highe…
Improved carbon nanotubes dispersion through polar dispersant agents in polyamide
2016
The potential enhancement of the nanocomposite properties, with respect to the neat matrix, is strictly related to uniform distribution and dispersion of the nanofillers in the host polymer. In this work, two dispersant agents, particularly a polar wax and a silanol polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes POSS, have been used in order to improve the dispersion of bare and functionalized carbon nanotubes in polyamide matrix. To ensure a good compatibility between matrix and nanofillers, the dispersing agents having specific polarity have been chosen, in order to match that of the matrix. Significant alterations of the mechanical and rheological behaviour due to dispersion action of used additi…