Nickel Nanoparticles Entangled in Carbon Nanotubes: Novel Ink for Nanotube Printing

Abstract

We report the serendipitous discovery of a rapid and inexpensive method to attach nanoscale magnetic chaperones to carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) become entangled in CNTs after both are dispersed in kerosene by sonication and form conjugates. An externally applied magnetic field manipulates the resulting CNTs-NiNP ink without NiNP separation, allowing us to print an embedded circuit in an elastomeric matrix and fabricate a strain gage and an oil sensor. The new method to print a circuit in a soft material using an NiNP-CNT ink is more rapid and inexpensive than the complex physical and chemical means typically used to magnetize CNTs.

Magnetic Printing of a Biosensor: Inexpensive Rapid Sensing To Detect Picomolar Amounts of Antigen with Antibody-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

“…A 2 mL 30% ammonia solution was slowly introduced as a precipitant to increase the pH to 9. The magnetized CNTs thus produced were washed several times until pH ∼7 was reached and then filtered and dried in a vacuum oven for 1 h. In the case of adsorbed MNPs on the surface of CNTs, a previous methodology allowed us to entangle magnetite and CNTs, yielding γ = 0.4.…”

“…Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can be patterned into a polymer matrix to produce a functional material. − MNPs can also be used to guide the deposition of CNTs by remotely manipulating MNP-CNT complexes with a magnetic field, for instance, to print conductive networks and sensors. , Magnetic CNTs (mCNTs or CNT-Fe 3 O 4 hybrid nanoparticles) have been explored for biological applications, e.g., human IgG immunosensors, and for electrical current measurements. , Most such measurements involve cyclic voltammogram analysis, which requires sophisticated acquisition devices and a magnet to be continually present during sensing to affix the sensing material to an electrode …”

“…(1) First, we activate the outer surfaces of CNTs with carboxylic acid functional groups by treating them with acid. (2) Then, MNPs are tethered to these surfaces with covalent bonds. − ,, (3) Thereafter, the mCNTs are functionalized with anti-c-Myc Abs, , and (4) the double functionalized CNTs are dispersed in DI water. (5) Finally, a blocking agent is introduced that prevents nonspecific protein interactions with the CNT surface through adsorption, increasing detection accuracy.…”

Carbon Nanotubes and Other Engineered Nanoparticles Induced Pathophysiology on Mesothelial Cells and Mesothelial Membranes

“…As previously discussed, MWCNT associated toxic effects can partly be attributed to metal impurities (van Berlo et al, 2012 ; Aldieri et al, 2013 ). For instance, nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) may unintentionally contaminate nanotubes when used as catalysts during production or they may even be added intentionally for the purpose of functionalization (Abdel Fattah et al, 2016 ; Yahyazadeh and Khoshandam, 2017 ). Given that some MWCNTs can translocate to the pleura serving as a vehicle for nickel compounds, it is important to model the events following contact of NiNPs with the mesothelial lining.…”

Printing Three-Dimensional Heterogeneities in the Elastic Modulus of an Elastomeric Matrix

“…Since MNPs migrate to regions of higher field strength, the external field can be used to assemble homogeneously dispersed MNPs into chains . The resulting heterogeneous MNP distribution, which creates stiffness variations in the elastomeric matrix, is readily locked in place by curing the polymer. , MNPs can also chaperone attached nonmagnetic materials, and orient and organize them with a magnetic field . The insertion of MNPs into polymers has been largely limited to producing 2D patterns using a magnetic template, ,, or quasi 1D chains. − …”