Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemical Engineering / Placidus B. Amama / The continued depletion of fossil fuels and concomitant increase in greenhouse gases have encouraged worldwide research on alternative processes to produce clean fuel. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a heterogeneous catalytic reaction that converts syngas (CO and H₂) to liquid hydrocarbons. FTS is a well-established route for producing clean liquid fuels. However, the broad product distribution and limited catalytic activity are restricting the development of FTS. The strong interactions between the active metal catalyst (Fe or Co) and support (Al₂O₃, SiO₂ and TiO₂) during post-synthesis treatments of the catalyst (such as calcination at ~500°C and reduction ~550°C) lead to formation of inactive and unreducible inert material like Fe₂SiO₄, CoAl₂O₄, Co₂SiO₄. The activity of FTS catalyst is negatively impacted by the presence of these inactive compounds. In our study, we demonstrate the use of a modified photo-Fenton process for the preparation of carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported Co and Fe catalysts that are characterized by small and well-dispersed catalyst particles on CNTs that require no further treatments. The process is facile, highly scalable, and involves the use of green catalyst precursors and an oxidant. The reaction kinetic results show high CO conversion (85%), selectivity for liquid hydrocarbons and stability. Further, a gaseous product mixture from FTS (C1-C4) was utilized as an efficient feedstock for the growth of high-quality, well-aligned single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) carpets of millimeter-scale heights on Fe and (sub) millimeter-scale heights on Co catalysts via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Although SWCNT carpets were grown over a wide temperature range (between 650 and 850°C), growth conducted at optimal temperatures for Co (850°C) and Fe (750°C) yielded predominantly SWCNTs that are straight, clean, and with sidewalls that are largely free of amorphous carbon. Also, low-temperature CVD growth of CNT carpets from Fe and Fe–Cu catalysts using a gaseous product mixture from FTS as a superior carbon feedstock is demonstrated. The efficiency of the growth process is evidenced by the highly dense, vertically aligned CNT structures from both Fe and Fe–Cu catalysts even at temperatures as low as 400°C–a record low growth temperature for CNT carpets obtained via conventional thermal CVD. The use of FTS-GP facilitates low-temperature growth of CNT carpets on traditional (alumina film) and nontraditional substrates (aluminum foil) and has the potential of enhancing CNT quality, catalyst lifetime, and scalability. We demonstrate growth of SWCNT carpets with diameter distributions that are smaller than SWCNTs in conventional carpets using a CVD process that utilizes the product gaseous mixture from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS-GP). The high-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) and Raman spectroscopic results reveal that the use of a high melting point metal as a catalyst promoter in combination with either Co (1.5 nm ± 0.7) at 850ºC or Fe (1.9 nm ± 0.8) at 750ºC yields smaller-diameter SWCNT arrays with narrow diameter distributions. Scalable synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and onion like carbon (OLC) in a batch reactor using supercritical fluids as a reaction media is demonstrated. The process utilizes toluene, ethanol, or butanol as a carbon precursor in combination with ferrocene that serves as a catalyst precursor and a secondary carbon source. The use of supercritical fluids for growth does not only provide a route for selective growth of a variety of carbon nanomaterials, but also provides a unique one-step approach that is free of aggressive acid treatment for synthesis of CNT-supported metallic nanoparticle composites for catalysis and energy storage applications.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were successfully grown on the surface of carbon fibre reinforcements in carbon fibre architecture through in-situ catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CCVD). Success was also implemented on powders of oxides and non-oxides, including Y-TZP powder, ball milled alumina powder, alumina grits, silicon carbide powder. Preliminary results have been achieved to demonstrate the feasibility of making ceramic composites consisting of CNTs reinforcements.

Submitted by Lucas Custodio Recco null (recco_natacao@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-11-16T18:05:08Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação tese final 1.pdf: 2637411 bytes, checksum: a84a13ce10364272026f9558f59c65df (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Felipe Augusto Arakaki (arakaki@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-11-23T12:35:19Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 recco_lc_me_bot.pdf: 2637411 bytes, checksum: a84a13ce10364272026f9558f59c65df (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-23T12:35:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 recco_lc_me_bot.pdf: 2637411 bytes, checksum: a84a13ce10364272026f9558f59c65df (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Neste trabalho foram estudadas síntese e caracterização de filmes finos híbrido de polímeros escovas constituídos de polieletrolíticos reforçados com nanotubos de carbono sobre o substrato de óxido de índio e estanho (ITO). Para a caracterização das superfícies dos filmes foram utilizadas as técnicas de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), energia dispersiva de raio-x (EDX) e espectroscopia Raman. Foram avaliadas diferentes propriedades estímulo-responsivas dos polímeros escovas que levam a modificações estruturais dos filmes como a influência de pH e da força iônica. Os polímeros escolhidos como modelos foram os polímeros Poli (Vinil Imidazol)-(PVI) e Poli (Àcido Acrilíco)-(PAA). Os ensaios eletroquímicos evidenciaram uma dependência da conformação dos polímeros escovas com a variação de pH e da força iônica e também revelaram o aumento da capacitância desses polímeros quando reforçados com os nanotubos de carbono, sendo que, o PVI obteve melhor resposta quando exposto a pH ácido, uma vez que suas cadeias poliméricas estavam estendidas e carregadas positivamente, permitindo a difusão da espécie redox carregada negativamente até a superfície do eletrodo. O PAA também obteve melhor resposta em meio ácido. Nesse caso as cadeias colapsadas aproximam os tubos do transdutor (ITO), facilitando a troca do par redox. Após a caracterização dos referidos polímeros, os mesmos foram testados como sensores para o monitoramento de hormônios e neurotransmissores que desempenham funções importantes no nosso organismo. / This study describes the synthesis and characterization of hybrid polyelectrolyte based on polymer brush reinforced multi-layer type carbon nanotubes. The characterization of the thin films we used the scanning electron microscopy techniques (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and Raman spectroscopy . The influence of pH and ionic strength were evaluated by electrochemical technique. The polymers Poly (vinyl imidazole) - (PVI) and poly (acrylic acid) - (PAA) were used as matrix brush for anchoring the nanotubes. Electrochemical tests showed a dependence of the conformation of the brush polymers with pH change and ionic strength, and also showed the increase in capacitance of these polymers when reinforced with carbon nanotubes, and the PVI obtained a better response when exposed to acidic pH since its polymer chains were extended and positively charged, allowing the diffusion of negatively charged redox species to the electrode surface. The PAA also obtained better response in acid. In this case the collapsed chains near the transducer tubes (ITO) facilitate the electrons transference. The made electrodes were applied to monitor hormones and neurotransmitters that play important functions in our body.

L’allègement des structures, et notamment des câbles électriques, est un enjeu majeur pour les industries aéronautique et ferroviaire, grandes consommatrices en ressources énergétiques. L’utilisation de nanotubes de carbone (NTC) comme renforts dans l’élaboration de matériaux composites à matrice aluminium est une solution prometteuse pour obtenir un matériau à propriétés améliorées. L’élaboration par métallurgie liquide en four à induction d’un matériau Al-NTC fait face à des challenges tels que l’intégration et la dispersion des NTC dans l’aluminium liquide. Une démarche par intégration d’échelles a été mise en œuvre avec des fibres et des nanofibres de fibres de carbone (NFC), et a permis d’identifier que la présence d’une interface cuivrée à la surface des renforts et un brassage mécanique sont les points clés pour favoriser le mouillage et la dispersion des NTC. Un matériau Al-NFC à propriétés mécaniques améliorées a été élaboré et la contribution du cuivre apporté par l’interface a pu être quantifiée. La contribution des NFC sur l’amélioration de la résistance élastique par rapport à l’aluminium de référence est de +44% avec des paramètres d’élaboration optimisés.Le comportement des NTC avec et sans interface cuivre dans l’aluminium liquide a été étudié selon des considérations thermodynamiques et cinétiques. Un modèle de croissance de carbures d’aluminium a ainsi pu être établi théoriquement et calibré expérimentalement avec une méthode de corrélation par intégration d’images. L’influence des NTC sur la germination hétérogène de l’aluminium a également été étudiée et une méthode permettant d’obtenir des éprouvettes à structure équiaxe fine a été déterminée. / The lightening of structures, including electrical cables, is a major issue for aviation and rail industries, major consumers of energy resources. The use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcements in the preparation of composite materials with aluminum matrix is a promising solution to achieve improved properties in the material. The preparation by liquid metallurgy of an Al-CNT material with induction furnace processing is facing challenges such as the integration and dispersion of CNTs in liquid aluminum.A scales integration method has been implemented with fiber and carbon fiber nanofibres (NFC). It has allowed to identify that the presence of a copper interface at the surface of reinforcements and mechanical stirring are the key points to promote wetting and dispersion of CNTs. An Al-NFC composite material with improved mechanical properties was developed and the copper contribution provided by the interface could be quantified. NFC contribution to improving the elastic strength relative to the reference aluminum is + 44% with optimized elaboration parameters.The behavior of CNTs with and without copper interface in liquid aluminum has been studied using thermodynamic and kinetic considerations. An analytic model for aluminum carbide growth has been established theoretically and was experimentally calibrated with an integrate-pictures correlated method. The influence of CNTs on the heterogeneous nucleation of aluminum has also been studied and a method to obtain fine equiaxed structure has been determined.

Carbon nanotubes possess various unique and interesting properties. They have very high thermal and electrical conductivities, high stiffness, mechanical strength, and optical properties. Due to these properties, CNTs are widely used materials in a variety of fields. It is used for biotechnological and biomedical applications, as chemical and biosensor, in energy storage and field emission transistor. Experimentally synthesized CNTs are generally found in bundle form due to the strong vander Waals (vdW) at-traction between the individual tubes. To use CNTs in real life applications, we often require specific nanotubes with particular characteristics. The nanotube bundle is a mixture of various chirality, diameters and electronic properties (metallic and semiconducting). Only thermal energy is not sufficient to disperse nanotubes from the bundle geometry overcoming the strong vdW attraction between nanotubes. The hydrophobic and insoluble nature of CNTs in the aqueous medium makes the dispersion of CNTs even more difficult. So, it is a big challenge to get single pristine nanotube from the bundle geometry. Many experimental and theoretical studies have addressed the problem of nanotube dispersion from the bundle geometry. Ultrasonic dispersing method is a widely used technique for this purpose where ultrasonic sound is applied to agitate particles in a system. Other methods include using different organic and inorganic solutions, various surfactant molecules, different polymers as dispersing agents. In this study we extend our e orts to develop some better methods and improved dispersing agents. In this thesis, we address the problem of CNT dispersion. To address this issue, we rst give a quantitative estimation of the effective interaction between nanotubes. Next, we introduce different polymers (ssDNA and dendrimers) as external agents and show that they help to overcome the strong adhesive interaction between CNTs and make nanotube dispersion possible from the bundle geometry. For all of the works presented in this thesis, we have used fully atomistic MD simulation and DFT level calculations. We study ssDNA-CNT complex using all-atom MD simulation and calculate various structural quantities to show the stability of ssDNA-CNT complex in aqueous medium. The adsorption of ssDNA bases on CNT surface is driven by - interaction between nucleic bases and CNT. Using the potential of mean forces (PMF) calculation, we study the binding strength of the polynucleotide ssDNA for poly A, T, G, and C with CNT of chirality (6,5). From the PMF calculation, we show the binding sequence to be A > T > C > G. Except for poly G, our result is in good agreement with earlier reported single molecule force spectroscopy results where the sequence of binding interaction was reported to be A > G > T > C. To explore how the interaction between two CNTs mod-i ed in presence of ssDNA between them, we perform PMF calculation between the two ssDNA-wrapped CNTs. The PMF shows the sequence of interaction strength between two ssDNA-wrapped CNTs for different nucleic bases to be T > A > C > G. Thus, from PMF calculations we show the poly T to have the highest dispersion efficiency, which is consistent with earlier reported experimental study. Our PMF calculation shows that poly C and poly G reduce the attraction between two CNTs drastically, whereas poly A and poly T make the interaction fully repulsive in nature. We also present microscopic pictures of the various binding conformations for ssDNA adsorbed on CNT surface. We also study the dendrimer-CNT complex for both the PAMAM and PETIM dendrimers of different generations at various protonation states and present microscopic pictures of the complex. We calculate PMF between two dendrimer wrapped CNTs and show that protonated and higher generations (G3, G4, and so forth) non-protonated PAMAM dendrimers can be used as e ective agents to disperse CNTs from bundle geometry. We also study the chirality dependence of PMF respectively. Finally, we study the interaction of mannose dendrimer with CNTs and show that the wrapping of mannose dendrimer can drive a metal to semiconducting transition in a metallic CNT. We attribute the carbon-carbon bond length assymetry in CNT due to the wrapping of mannose dendrimer as the reason for this band gap opening which leads to metal-semiconductor transition in CNT. Thus, the wrapping of mannose dendrimer on CNT can change its electronic properties and can be used in the band gap engineering of CNT in future nanotechnology. Thus, the works carried out here in this dissertation will help to address the problem of nanotube dispersion from the bundle geometry which will in turn help to use CNT for various applications in diverse fields.

This work explores the use of carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotube (CI-CNT) forests as a material for fabricating compliant MEMS devices. The impacts of iron catalyst layer thickness and carbon infiltration time are examined. An iron layer of 7nm or 10nm with an infiltration time of 30 minutes produces CI-CNT best suited for compliant applications. Average maximum strains of 2% and 2.48% were observed for these parameters. The corresponding elastic moduli were 5.4 GPa and 4.1 GPa, respectively. A direct comparison of similar geometry suggested CI-CNT is 80% more flexible than single-crystal silicon. A torsional testing procedure provided an initial shear modulus of about 5 GPa for the 7-nm, 30-min CI-CNT. The strain and elastic modulus values were used to design numerous functional devices which were then fabricated in CI-CNT. A series of compliant cell restraint mechanisms were developed, assessed, and revised. A passive restraint with no moving parts was found to be both the most effective design and the easiest design to produce economically. A refined version of the passive restraint has been released commercially. Another series of designed devices successfully demonstrates the implementation of CI-CNT LEM designs.

<p>This investigation delineates the optimal synthesis and characterization of innovative epoxy-carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposite filaments via electrospinning. Electrospinning thermosetting materials such as epoxy resins presents significant challenges due to the polycationic behavior arising from intermolecular noncovalent interactions between epoxide and hydroxyl groups, resulting in a substantial increase in solution surface tension. In this study, electrospinning submicron epoxy filaments was achieved through partial curing of epoxy via a thermal treatment process in an organic polar solvent, circumventing the necessity for plasticizers or thermoplastic binders. The filament diameter can be modulated to as low as 100 nm by adjusting electrospinning parameters.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Integrating a minimal amount of CNT into the epoxy matrix yielded enhanced structural, electrical, and thermal stability. The CNTs were aligned within the epoxy filaments due to the electrostatic field present during electrospinning. The modulus of the epoxy and epoxy-CNT filaments were determined to be 3.24 and 4.84 GPa, respectively, resulting in a 49% improvement. Epoxy-CNT nanofibers were directly deposited onto carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) prepreg layers, yielding augmented adhesion, interfacial bonding, and significant mechanical property enhancements. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and fatigue resistance demonstrated a 29% and 27% increase, respectively, under intense stress conditions. Up to 45% of the Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) energy absorption was increased. In addition, the strategic incorporation of CNT (multi-walled) networks between the layers of CFRP resulted in a significant increase in thermal and electrical conductivities.</p> <p>This study also introduces a scalable fabrication procedure to address large volume processing, reproducibility, accuracy, and electrospinning safety. Electric fields of the experimental multi-nozzle setups were simulated to elucidate the induced surface charges responsible for the Taylor cone formation of the epoxy-CNT solution droplet on the nozzle tips. Electrospinning parameters were subsequently optimized for the multi-nozzle system and analyzed alongside simulated data to improve stability and synthesize fibers with smaller diameters.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Smaller diameter epoxy-CNT nanofibers proved critical as CNTs maintained alignment within the nanofibers when compared to larger diameter nanofibers. This research examines the impact of effective parameters on the diameter of electrospun epoxy-CNT nanofibers using artificial neural networks (ANNs). Consequently, employing a genetic algorithm (GA) and Bayesian optimization (BO) methods enable accurate prediction of epoxy-CNT nanofiber diameters prior to electrospinning. The presented models could aid researchers in fabricating electrospun thermosetting and thermoplastic scaffolds with specified fiber diameters, thereby tailoring these scaffolds for specific applications.</p>

No description available.

Formaldehyde-based adhesives have been reported to be detrimental to health. Petrochemical-based adhesives are non-renewable, limited and costly. Therefore, the improvement of environmental-friendly adhesive from natural agricultural products has awakened noteworthy attention. A novel adhesive for wood application was successfully prepared with enhanced shear strength and water resistance. The Fourier transmform infrared spectra showed the surface functionalities of the functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs) and soy protein isolate nanocomposite adhesive. The attachment of carboxylic functional group on the surface of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) after purification contributed to the effective dispersion of the CNTs in the nanocomposite adhesive. Hence, enhanced properties of FCNTs were successfully transferred into the SPI/CNTs nanocomposite adhesive. These unique functionalities on FCNTs however, improved the mechanical properties of the adhesive. The shear strength and water resistance of SPI/FCNTs was higher than that of the SPI/CNTs. SEM images showed the homogenous dispersion of CNTs in the SPI/CNTs nanocomposite adhesive. The carbon nanotubes were distributed uniformly in the soy protein adhesive with no noticeable clusters at relatively reduced fractions of CNTs as shown in the SEM images, which resulted into better adhesion on wood surface. Mechanical (shear) mixing and ultrasonication with 30 minutes of shear mixing both showed an improved dispersion of CNTs in the soy protein matrix. However, ultrasonication method of dispersion showed higher tensile shear strength and water resistance than in mechanical (shear) mixing method. Thermogravimetric analysis of the samples also showed that the CNTs incorporated increases the thermal stability of the nanocomposite adhesive at higher loading fraction. Incorporation of CNTs into soy protein isolate adhesive improved both the shear strength and water resistance of the adhesive prepared at a relatively reduced concentration of 0.3%.The result showed that tensile shear strength of SPI/FCNTs adhesive was 0.8 MPa and 7.25MPa at dry and wet state respectively, while SPI/CNTs adhesive had 6.91 MPa and 5.48MPa at dry and wet state respectively. There was over 100% increase in shear strength both at dry and wet state compared to the pure SPI adhesive. The 19% decrease in value of the new adhesive developed compared to the minimum value of ≥10MPa of European standard for interior wood application may be attributed to the presence of metallic particles remaining after purification of CNTs. The presence of metallic particles will prevent the proper penetration of the adhesive into the wood substrate. The type of wood used in this study as well as the processing parameters could also result into lower value compared to the value of European standard. Therefore, optimization of the processing parameter as well as the conversion of carboxylic acid group on the surface of the CNTs into acyl chloride group may be employed in future investigation. However, the preparation of new nanocomposite adhesive from soy protein isolate will replace the formaldehyde and petrochemical adhesive in the market and be of useful application in the wood industry. / Civil and Chemical Engineering / M. Tech. (Chemical Engineering)

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have become a popular area of materials science research due to their outstanding material properties coupled with their small size. CNTs are expected to be included in a wide variety of applications and devices in the near future. Among these devices which are nearing mass production are electrochemical double layer (ECDL) supercapacitors. The current methods to produce CNTs are numerous, with each synthesis variable resulting in changes in the physical properties of the CNT. A wide array of studies have focused on the effects of specific synthesis conditions. This research expands on earlier work done using bulk nickel catalyst, alumina supported iron catalyst, and standard chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis methods. This work also investigates the effect of an applied voltage to the CVD chamber during synthesis on the physical nature of the CNTs produced. In addition, the work analyzes a novel nickel catalyst system, and the CNTs produced using this catalyst. The results of the effects of synthesis conditions on resultant CNTs are included. Additionally, CNT based ECDL supercapacitors were manufactured and tested. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis reveals that catalyst choice, catalyst thickness, synthesis temperature, and applied voltage have different results on CNT dimensions. Nanotube diameter distribution and average diameter data demonstrate the effect of each synthesis condition. Additionally, the concept of an alignment parameter is introduced in order to quantify the effect of an electric field on CNT alignment. CNT based ECDL supercapacitors testing reveals that CNTs work well as an active material when a higher purity is achieved. The molarity of the electrolyte also has an effect on the performance of CNT based ECDL supercapacitors. On the basis of this research, we conclude that CNT physical dimensions can be moderately controlled based on the choice of synthesis conditions. Also, the novel nickel catalyst system investigated in this research has potential to produce bulk quantities of CNT under specific conditions. Finally, purified CNTs are recommended as a suitable active material for ECDL supercapacitors.