Grafting Copper Atoms and Nanoparticles on Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Application to Catalytic Synthesis of Propargylamine

Abstract

The decoration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by metal nanoparticles (NPs) combines the advantages of a high specific surface material with catalytic properties of metal nanocrystals. Little work has been devoted to the decoration of CNTs with copper NPs, and no evidence of copper atomic decoration of CNTs has shown up until now. Herein, we demonstrate that the strong acidic oxidation of double-walled CNTs (dwCNTs) is very efficient for the decoration of the carbon surface by copper NPs and atoms. This treatment severely degraded the CNT walls and generated a large amount of disordered sp 3 carbon. This amorphous carbon film bears many chemically active functions like carboxyl and hydroxyl ones. In such conditions, the CNT walls behave as very efficient ligands for the stabilization of copper obtained by the thermolysis of the mesityl precursor in organic solution under mild dihydrogen pressure. In addition to copper NPs, we evidenced the presence of a regular coverage with copper atoms over the dwCNTs. This nanocomposite catalyzes the quantitative synthesis of propargylamines via one A 3 -type coupling reaction. Five consecutive catalytic cycles with 100% yield could be performed with no loss of activity, and the combination of Cu supported on dwCNTs allows a facile recycling of the catalytic material.

Bisphenol-A–Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite: Interfacial DFT Prediction and Experimental Strength Testing

“…The multi-walled CNTs and acetone-functionalized CNTs (A-CNTs) have become a highly potent candidate to be used as the filler in composite materials owing to their high aspect ratio, high active surface area, and extraordinary mechanical characteristics. The CNTs have been used for various applications in potent areas such as rubber/polymer/metal composites, − sensing, , biomedical, catalysts, and energy storage and strength. − The nanocomposites with CNT reinforcement yield superior specific properties like high strength-to-weight and high stiffness-to-weight ratios. However, CNTs have strong tendency to form aggregates in solution.…”

Simulation and Verification of the Direct Current Electric Field on Fabricating High Porosity f-MWCNTs Thin Films by Electrophoretic Deposition Technique

“…Many different groups of materials have been studied and applied to the hole transport layer (HTL), − electron transport layer (ETL), − and perovskite layer − to enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite PVs. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted worldwide attention to solve this problem due to their unique structure, outstanding mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, and versatile electronic properties. − In addition, they possess the limitless potential for decorated additional functions through chemical modification. − Many studies show that the presence of CNTs in perovskite PVs can passivate the defect sites in halide perovskites, preventing charge recombination in the perovskite layer. − Incorporating CNTs into PVs as a notable strategy in improving the device’s solar energy harvester capabilities, efficiency, stability, and low cost helps bring perovskite PVs and nanocarbon-based PVs closer to widespread commercialization. − …”