Smart Cellulose Fibers Coated with Carbon Nanotube Networks

Abstract

Smart multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-coated cellulose fibers with a unique sensing ability were manufactured by a simple dip coating process. The formation of electrically-conducting MWCNT networks on cellulose mono-and multi-filament fiber surfaces was confirmed by electrical resistance measurements and visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The interaction between MWCNT networks and cellulose fiber was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The piezoresistivity of these fibers for strain sensing was investigated. The MWCNT-coated cellulose fibers exhibited a unique linear strain-dependent electrical resistance change up to 18% strain, with good reversibility and repeatability. In addition, the sensing behavior of these fibers to volatile molecules (including vapors of methanol, ethanol, acetone, chloroform and tetrahydrofuran) was investigated. The results revealed a rapid response, high sensitivity and good reproducibility for these chemical vapors. Besides, they showed good selectivity to different vapors. It is suggested that the intrinsic physical and chemical features of cellulose fiber, well-formed MWCNT networks and favorable MWCNT-cellulose interaction caused the unique and excellent sensing ability of the MWCNT-coated cellulose fibers, which have the potential to be used as smart materials.

Carbon nanotube/cellulose papers with high performance in electric heating and electromagnetic interference shielding

“…In the case of M-1 paper, the D and G bands of pristine MWCNT were also observed at~1304 cm À1 and~1605 cm À1 , respectively. It is interesting to note that the D and G bands of M-1 paper was detected at higher wavenumbers, compared with the pristine MWCNT [20], which demonstrates the presence of noncovalent pp interaction between the MWCNT surface and the aromatic ring of SDBS, and hydrophobic interaction between the nanotube surface and the hydrocarbon chain of SDBS [21]. In addition, the specific interaction of anionic surfactant with the hydrophilic groups of cellulose was proven to be present [22,23].…”

Expeditious UV detection of tungstite (WO3·H2O) and tungsten oxide (WO3) decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) based photodetector: ultrafast response and recovery time

“…From Fig. 1b it can be observed that the ratio of intensity of D (I D ) and G (I G ) peaks is > 1, indicating the presence of defects in the MWCNTs [14].…”

Conductive Cotton Filters for Affordable and Efficient Water Purification

“…Moreover, the SDBS could serve as a 'bridge' to connect CNTs with cotton, by bonding CNT with benzene ring moieties and bonding with the hydroxyl-groups of cotton cellulose fibers via van der Waals forces and/or hydrogen. The cotton could serve as macro-porous and low-cost support materials to 'host' these CNTs [29,30]. The CNTs might interwine each other to further enhance the stability of the as-fabricated 3D cotton filters.…”