4.6 Article

On the efficiency of UV-vis spectroscopy in assessing the dispersion quality in sonicated aqueous suspensions of carbon nanotubes

Publisher

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2016.01.053

Keywords

UV-vis spectroscopy; Liquid Mode Laser Diffractometry; CNTs; Dispersion; Surfactant; Plasticizer

Funding

  1. European Union (European Regional Development Fund-ERDF)
  2. Greek national funds (General Secretariat for Research and Technology)

Ask authors/readers for more resources

The present study evaluates carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion quality in sonicated aqueous suspensions assisted by two types of dispersive agents, an ionic surfactant commonly used in nanocomposite development and a plasticizer-type dispersant relevant to cementitious matter. Dispersion quality is assessed by UV-vis spectroscopy and related to experimental parameters such as sonication duration/energy, dispersant type and concentration, and CNT loading. The results obtained from the versatile and straightforward methodology are compared to those obtained by the more complex and analytical Liquid Mode Laser Diffractometry (LMLD). The efficiency of UV-vis spectroscopy in effectively following the sonication process and in capturing its different stages is investigated and conclusions concerning the relation between surfactant concentration and sonication duration for achievement of monodisperse suspensions are drawn. The efficiency of the two assistive agents with regard to dispersion quality is compared and discussed in the text. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.6
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Multifunctional Cement Mortars Enhanced with Graphene Nanoplatelets and Carbon Nanotubes

Panagiota T. Dalla, Ilias K. Tragazikis, George Trakakis, Costas Galiotis, Konstantinos G. Dassios, Theodore E. Matikas

Summary: Recent findings suggest that carbon nano-species, such as nanotubes and graphene, have the potential to improve the multifunctional properties of cement, including mechanical, fracture mechanical, and electrical properties. Testing on mortars modified with graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes showed significant improvements in fracture behavior at specific nanofiller concentrations, indicating great potential for smart construction applications.

SENSORS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Monitoring the Hydration Process in Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Cement-Based Composites Using Nonlinear Elastic Waves

Ilias K. Tragazikis, Theodoti Z. Kordatou, Dimitrios A. Exarchos, Panagiota T. Dalla, Theodore E. Matikas

Summary: There is a growing need to understand the relationship between construction material properties and behavior with their microstructure, especially in the context of freshly poured cement-based materials. This study focuses on developing a reliable method for monitoring the hydration process in cementitious composites enhanced with carbon nanotubes, utilizing a combination of nonlinear elastic waves, contact ultrasonics, and noncontact optical detection. Changes in material nonlinearity during the hardening process, particularly with increased carbon nanotube concentration, can be detected through the assessment of higher-harmonic amplitudes of an ultrasonic wave, providing valuable insights for structural behavior in the long term.

APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Microstructure and Corrosion Performance of Aluminium Matrix Composites Reinforced with Refractory High-Entropy Alloy Particulates

Elias Ananiadis, Konstantinos T. Argyris, Theodore E. Matikas, Athanasios K. Sfikas, Alexandros E. Karantzalis

Summary: Novel aluminium matrix composites reinforced by MoTaNbVW refractory high-entropy alloy (HEA) particulates were fabricated by powder metallurgy. The composites exhibited low porosity, good homogeneity, few defects, and good distribution of the reinforcing phase in the Al matrix. However, increasing the volume of the reinforcing phase led to increased hardness values, while the Al-HEA composites showed susceptibility to localised forms of corrosion in 3.5% NaCl solution.

APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL (2021)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Advanced Glass Fiber Polymer Composite Laminate Operating as a Thermoelectric Generator: A Structural Device for Micropower Generation and Potential Large-Scale Thermal Energy Harvesting

George Karalis, Lazaros Tzounis, Kyriaki Tsirka, Christos K. Mytafides, Angelos Voudouris Itskaras, Marco Liebscher, Eleftherios Lambrou, Leonidas N. Gergidis, Nektaria-Marianthi Barkoula, Alkiviadis S. Paipetis

Summary: This study introduces a novel structural glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminate with efficient thermal energy harvesting properties as a thermoelectric generator (TEG). Through experimental and modeling work, it demonstrates the potential for power generation and damage monitoring capabilities of this multifunctional composite material.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

An Approach toward the Realization of a Through-Thickness Glass Fiber/Epoxy Thermoelectric Generator

George Karalis, Christos K. Mytafides, Lazaros Tzounis, Alkiviadis S. Paipetis, Nektaria-Marianthi Barkoula

Summary: The study demonstrated the ability of a 10-ply glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminate to function as a structural through-thickness thermoelectric generator, utilizing a flexible p-type thermoelectric material with a power factor value of 58.88 mu W/m center dot K-2. The coated glass fiber ply was laminated with uncoated glass fiber plies to generate 54.22 nW power output at a through-thickness temperature difference of 100K, with a minor reduction in mechanical properties.

MATERIALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Detection of Damage in Aircraft Composites by Advanced Synergistic Infrared Thermography and Phased Array Techniques

Janardhan Padiyar M., Luca Zanotti Fragonara, Ivan Petrunin, Joao Raposo, Antonios Tsourdos, Iain Gray, Spyridoyla Farmaki, Dimitrios Exarchos, Theodore E. Matikas, Konstantinos G. Dassios

Summary: A new method for detecting damage in aircraft composite materials has been developed in this study, utilizing phased-array ultrasonics and infra-red thermography techniques, and achieving satisfactory results on aircraft-grade painted composite materials. The sensor systems have been miniaturized for integration onto a vortex-robotic platform inspector as part of the larger research project, the Horizon-2020 'CompInnova' project.

APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Acoustic Emission for Evaluating the Reinforcement Effectiveness in Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Anastasios C. Mpalaskas, Theodore E. Matikas, Dimitrios G. Aggelis, Ninel Alver

Summary: The enhancement of ductility and toughness in steel fiber reinforced concrete is attributed to additional fracture mechanisms and overcoming interlocking and adhesion between fibers and the cementitious matrix. Acoustic emission monitoring can provide real-time characterization of material performance, and low load levels of AE behavior are indicative of reinforcement and final mechanical properties.

APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Development of a Multi-Enzymatic Approach for the Modification of Biopolymers with Ferulic Acid

Archontoula Giannakopoulou, Georgia Tsapara, Anastassios N. Troganis, Panagiota Koralli, Christos L. Chochos, Angeliki C. Polydera, Petros Katapodis, Nektaria-Marianthi Barkoula, Haralambos Stamatis

Summary: In this study, a series of polymers were enzymatically functionalized with ferulic acid, resulting in improved antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity. The successful grafting of oxidized ferulic acid onto the polymers was confirmed, and the modified polymers showed potential application in various industries.

BIOMOLECULES (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

The Use of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy as a Tool for the In-Situ Monitoring and Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Aqueous Dispersions

Aikaterini Gkaravela, Ioanna Vareli, Dimitrios G. Bekas, Nektaria-Marianthi Barkoula, Alkiviadis S. Paipetis

Summary: This study proposes that Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) can be used to monitor and characterize the dispersion state of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) during sonication. By monitoring the Impedance |Z|, the study confirms that the change in |Z| can indicate the formation or destruction of conductive paths during sonication, providing valuable information for creating an optimum dispersion protocol for conductive CNT suspensions.

NANOMATERIALS (2022)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Stress Relaxation Behavior and Electrically Activated Dynamic Exchange in Carbon Nanotube-Modified Epoxy Vitrimers

Evanthia Tzouma, Alkiviadis S. Paipetis, Nektaria-Marianthi Barkoula

Summary: This paper presents the development of vitrimer-based polymer systems that can be reshaped using electro-triggering, with short stress relaxation times and relatively high electrical conductivities.

ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS (2023)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Designing Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Polyethylene Films with Bioactive Compounds/Clay Nanohybrids for Potential Packaging Applications

Konstantinos Safakas, Iro Giotopoulou, Archontoula Giannakopoulou, Katerina Katerinopoulou, Georgia C. Lainioti, Haralambos Stamatis, Nektaria-Marianthi Barkoula, Athanasios Ladavos

Summary: In this study, a green methodology compatible with food packaging was used to directly incorporate bioactive compounds onto nanoclays before blending them into polymeric films. The resulting films showed improved thermal stability and reduced loss of activity for the active ingredients. By incorporating carvacrol, thymol, and olive leaf extract onto organo-modified montmorillonite or inorganic bentonite, the films exhibited better mechanical properties and higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

MOLECULES (2023)

Review Engineering, Electrical & Electronic

Structural Carbon-Enhanced Cementitious Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs): Optimal Energy Filtering and TEG Design for Outstanding Energy Harvesting

Ioanna Vareli, Aikaterini Gkaravela, Stefanos Polyviou, Nektaria-Marianthi Barkoula, Alkiviadis S. Paipetis

Summary: This study reports the development of a cementitious structural thermoelectric generator with improved power density. By combining nano carbon black and single-walled carbon nanotubes in the cement matrix, conductive networks were formed and selective scattering effect was enhanced, leading to optimal thermoelectric efficiency. The resulting cementitious thermoelements exhibited high Seebeck coefficient and power factor, making it a promising option for autonomous power generation.

ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS (2023)

Proceedings Paper Engineering, Multidisciplinary

Monitoring the Nonlinear parameters of nano-enhanced cement based structures during their curing process

I. K. Tragazikis, T. Z. Kordatou, P. T. Dalla, D. A. Exarchos, T. E. Matikas

Summary: The behavior and properties of construction materials depend largely on their internal microstructure characteristics. Understanding the curing process of freshly poured cementitious materials is crucial for successful construction development. Changes in ultrasonic wave propagation and pulse velocity occur during the solidification of cement-based materials, with the point of solidification affecting load-bearing capacity and long-term behavior.

SENSORS AND SMART STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVIL, MECHANICAL, AND AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 2021 (2021)

Proceedings Paper Engineering, Multidisciplinary

Monitoring the fracture behavior of epoxy resin repaired fiber reinforced concrete specimens by acoustic emission

A. C. Mpalaskas, D. G. Aggelis, T. E. Matikas

Summary: This study conducted fracture experiments on fiber reinforced concrete beams to examine the level of restoration using acoustic emission (AE) technique. The specimens were repaired with epoxy resin injection to main macrocracks, showing good insight of microstructure and restoration level.

SENSORS AND SMART STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVIL, MECHANICAL, AND AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 2021 (2021)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

High-performance cement/SWCNT thermoelectric nanocomposites and a structural thermoelectric generator device towards large-scale thermal energy harvesting

Ioanna Vareli, Lazaros Tzounis, Kyriaki Tsirka, Ioannis E. Kavvadias, Konstantinos Tsongas, Marco Liebscher, Anaxagoras Elenas, Leonidas N. Gergidis, Nektaria-Marianthi Barkoula, Alkiviadis S. Paipetis

Summary: This study reported the thermoelectric properties of cement/SWCNT nanocomposites with different hydration times for the first time, and fabricated a thermoelectric generator device. The 28 day cement/SWCNT sample with 0.5 wt% loading exhibited the highest performance, with the highest power factor among other carbon nanoadditive-based cement thermoelectric nanocomposites to date. The results demonstrate the potential for future energy efficient buildings and green construction.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

BiOCl as the role of cleaner for the fabrication of self-cleaning PES membranes based on the RTIPS method

Wenjing Tan, Chunmei Gao, Shifeng Ji, Yunqing Xing, Yi Guo, Baogui Liang

Summary: Membrane separation technology is widely used in wastewater treatment due to its cost-effectiveness and productivity. However, organic membrane fouling caused by humic acid is a major barrier to its further development. This study successfully addressed this issue through the production of composite materials and self-cleaning membranes, providing beneficial strategies and solutions for membrane contamination problems.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Low-temperature plasma-induced porous Sb2WO6 microspheres with rich oxygen vacancies to promote high-performance photocatalytic activity

Qichang Peng, Qingdong Ruan, Bin Wang, Jinyuan Liu, Chao Huang, Xingwang Zhu, Dan Li, Liangliang Liu, Yinchuan Wang, Xiaolin Zhang, Jia Yan, Paul K. Chu, Hui Xu

Summary: The escalating issue of water pollution has led to significant attention in the field of photocatalysis. In this study, OV-Sb2WO6-X photocatalyst with oxygen vacancies was synthesized, which exhibited enhanced charge separation efficiency and improved photocatalytic activity. The introduction of oxygen vacancies was successfully controlled and characterized, and the modified photocatalyst showed superior degradation efficiency for dye wastewater treatment.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Preparation and application of self-emulsifying curing agent for CO2 high-pressure corrosion-resistant resin cement

Wangcheng Zhang, Cunchuan Zheng, Hu Xie, Weichao Du

Summary: By using a specific curing agent ETB, the problem of dispersion and stability for oily epoxy resin in cement slurry system has been successfully solved. The application of the emulsified curing agent ETB in oilfield cement slurry system shows good rheological performance, resistance to high temperature and high pressure water loss, and corrosion resistance.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

New approaches for regulation of structure and adsorption properties of biochar based on freshwater sediments (sapropels)

O. I. Krivonos, A. Babenko, O. B. Belskaya

Summary: This study synthesized biochar based on sapropel and investigated the effects of chemical modification on its textural characteristics, acid-base properties, and adsorption properties. The results showed that the chemical modification increased the fraction of micropores, specific surface area, and changed the surface properties of biochar. The experiment also revealed that biochar pretreated with alkali exhibited the maximum adsorption capacity for copper ions. A conceptual model identifying the mechanisms of copper adsorption on sapropel-based biosorbent was proposed.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Detailed experimental performance of two new pyrimidine-pyrazole derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in HCl media combined with DFT/MDs simulations of bond breaking upon adsorption

H. Lachhab, N. Benzbiria, A. Titi, S. Echihi, M. E. Belghiti, Y. Karzazi, A. Zarrouk, R. Touzani, C. Jama, F. Bentiss

Summary: The corrosion inhibitory potency of two new pyrimidine-pyrazole derivatives, PPA and PPC, was evaluated for mild steel in 1 M HCl. The results showed enhanced inhibition activities with increased concentration, reaching maximal values of 91.15% and 92.39% for PPA and PPC, respectively. However, the mitigation potency decreased with increasing temperature. SEM and XPS analysis revealed that PPA and PPC adsorbed on the mild steel surface, forming a shielding layer that prevented the dissolution of the steel in the acidic solution.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Encapsulation of essential oil to prepare environment friendly nanobio-fungicide against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici: An experimental and molecular dynamics approach

Shanmugapriya Sivalingam, D. Jeya Sundara Sharmila, Goutham Golla, Lakshmanan Arunachalam, Tarunendu Singh, G. Karthikeyan, A. Shanthi, Kannan Malaichamy

Summary: This study aims to develop a nano-biofungicide comprising of volatile essential oil molecules to enhance its efficacy in the field of agriculture through easily scalable green synthesis technique. The nano biofungicide was prepared through one pot hot melt ultrasonication technique with easy water dispersibility and long term stability. The physico-chemical analysis revealed that, nano bio-fungicides were amorphous sphere-shaped nanoparticles with low melting point. The encapsulation efficiency of major components of essential oil was determined, and it was found that they followed Higuchi model of release kinetics. The essential oil loaded nanostructured lipid carrier showed significantly higher mycelial growth inhibition compared to pure essential oil, indicating enhanced bio-efficacy.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Waterborne epoxy composite coating with long-term corrosion resistance through synergy of MXene nanosheets and ZnO quantum dots

Yinlong Li, Yingqing Zhan, Yiwen Chen, Hongshan Jia, Ximin Chen, Fei Zhu, Xulin Yang

Summary: In this study, ZnO quantum dots decorated MXene nanosheets were used as a functional filler for waterborne epoxy coating. The improved dispersion and synergy of ZnO QDs and MXene nanosheets enhanced the anticorrosion performance of the coating.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Alginate-based aerogel fibers with a sheath-core structure for highly efficient methylene blue adsorption via directed freezing wet-spinning

Fucheng Guan, Jing Tao, Qiang Yao, Zheng Li, Yihang Zhang, Shi Feng, Jianbin Sun, Qiang Yang, Xuecui Song, Jing Guo, Yuanfa Liu

Summary: This paper presents a method for preparing adsorbent materials based on biomass that can efficiently adsorb methylene blue. The experimental results show that the material has a hierarchical structure, high adsorption capacity, and reusability.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

In-situ study on the heterocoagulation between fine coal particles and coarse glass beads by the particle vision and measurement (PVM) techniques

Pengfei Hu, Zuli Mo, Weiliang Wang, Chengzhe Li, Zhaojia Guo, Guanqing Lin, Zhimin Guo

Summary: This study developed a novel in-situ particle vision and measurement (PVM) system to investigate heterocoagulation between coarse and fine particles in mineral processing. The experimental results showed that the degree of heterocoagulation decreased with increasing pH and stirring speed. Furthermore, under certain hydrodynamic conditions, coal particles were more distributed at the rear of the glass bead.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Label-free immunosensor for detection of hepatitis C (HCV) core antigen using ternary polypyrrole-Ag doped ZnO-exfoliated graphene nanocomposite

Tanveer ul Haq Zia, Anwar ul Haq Ali Shah, Behisht Ara, Kashif Gul

Summary: A label-free immunosensor for detection of hepatitis C core antigen was fabricated using a ternary nanocomposite based on polypyrrole, silver doped zinc oxide, and exfoliated graphene. The immunosensor demonstrated low detection limit, high selectivity, and stability.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Zwitterionic polymers as high-performance coatings for hemoperfusion adsorbents and their chemisorption of protein-bound toxins through computational simulations

Xiaoyan Feng, Jiachen Li, Lijun Liang, Linli Zhu, Sa Liu, Li Ren

Summary: In this study, polystyrene divinylbenzene microspheres were surface-modified by poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) to develop an efficient hemoperfusion adsorbent for the removal of protein-bound toxins. The modified microspheres showed increased adsorption capacity and better biocompatibility, making them promising for clinical hemoperfusion therapy.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

A flexible high-efficiency approach to preparing a durable flame-retardant cellulosic fabric as well as the research of the property

Xiaoye Bi, Dong Xue, Yunpeng Wang, Chencheng Lv, Zexiong Li, Tao Zhao

Summary: This research aimed to develop a durable and formaldehyde-free flame retardant treatment for cotton fabrics. The results demonstrated successful grafting of phosphorous acid (PA) onto cotton fabrics, leading to enhanced flame resistance while maintaining the desired fabric characteristics.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Inhibiting mechanisms and applications of novel Al-starch for ultrafine gangue minerals based on experimental and computational study

Ruolin Wang, Wenjuan Sun, Haisheng Han, Dongping Tao

Summary: This study finds that Al-starch colloidal depressants can effectively inhibit the flotation of ultrafine calcite and chlorite, and increase the grade of valuable minerals. The chemisorption of Al-starch on mineral surface changes the functional group peaks and generates new O-Al functional groups.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Tuneable functionalized biochar for simultaneous removal of pharmaceuticals from binary mixture

Wondimu K. Wakejo, Ali Maged, Beteley T. Meshesha, Joon W. Kang, Abayneh G. Demesa, Sandip Chakrabarti, Thallada Bhaskar, Ashok Kumar Gupta, Amit Bhatnagar

Summary: Simultaneously removing different pharmaceutical pollutants from wastewater is an important environmental issue, and the use of a system that can remove multiple contaminants at once is necessary. Functionalized biochar (FBC) has been found to be effective in simultaneously removing acetaminophen and ciprofloxacin and other pharmaceutical pollutants.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Full utilization of Cu single atoms on carbon nitride nanofibers for enhanced Fenton-like degradation of methylene blue

Yu Wang, Fengwen Yan, Jie Wu, Zhijun Huang, Liuting Song, Shunda Yuan

Summary: In this study, Cu single atoms are anchored on the external surface of g-C3N4 nanofibers to maximize atom utilization. This catalyst exhibits excellent Fenton-like catalytic activity and good stability due to the full utilization of Cu active sites.

COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS (2024)