Characterization of Carbon Nanomaterials Dispersions: Can Metal Decoration of MWCNTs Improve Their Physicochemical Properties?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Brandao, ATSC (Author) Other; Rosoiu, S (Author) Other; Costa, R (Author) FCUP; Silva, F (Author) FCUP; Anicai, L (Author) Other; Enachescu, M (Author) Other; Carlos M Pereira (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Nanomaterials

Vol. 11

Final page: 99

ISSN: 2079-4991

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 8 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-3C7

DOI: 10.3390/nano12010099

Abstract (EN): A suitable dispersion of carbon materials (e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) in an appropriate dispersant media, is a prerequisite for many technological applications (e.g., additive purposes, functionalization, mechanical reinforced materials for electrolytes and electrodes for energy storage applications, etc.). Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have been considered as a promising "green" alternative, providing a versatile replacement to volatile organic solvents due to their unique physical-chemical properties, being recognized as low-volatility fluids with great dispersant ability. The present work aims to contribute to appraise the effect of the presence of MWCNTs and Ag-functionalized MWCNTs on the physicochemical properties (viscosity, density, conductivity, surface tension and refractive index) of glyceline (choline chloride and glycerol, 1:2), a Type III DES. To benefit from possible synergetic effects, AgMWCNTs were prepared through pulse reverse electrodeposition of Ag nanoparticles into MWCNTs. Pristine MWCNTs were used as reference material and water as reference dispersant media for comparison purposes. The effect of temperature (20 to 60 degrees C) and concentration on the physicochemical properties of the carbon dispersions (0.2-1.0 mg cm(-3)) were assessed. In all assessed physicochemical properties, AgMWCNTs outperformed pristine MWCNTs dispersions. A paradoxical effect was found in the viscosity trend in glyceline media, in which a marked decrease in the viscosity was found for the MWCNTs and AgMWCNTs materials at lower temperatures. All physicochemical parameters were statistically analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), at a 5% level of significance.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 23