Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of carbon materials

Abstract

In this Perspective, the use of ultrasound in the synthesis and modification of carbon materials is surveyed. Ultrasound is a common laboratory tool used to nebulize solutions into fine mists, emulsify mixtures, and drive chemical reactions. Given society's continued use of carbon materials (e.g., carbon black and activated carbon) as pigments, adsorbents, and composite components as well as the exciting new applications being explored for carbon nanotubes, graphene, and meso- and macroporous carbons, the use of ultrasound in the synthesis and modification of carbon materials is of general interest. Here, carbon materials prepared by both ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and high intensity ultrasound will be discussed, with the properties and applications enabled by their preparation highlighted within the individual examples. This article is concluded with some personal perspectives on the directions toward which future research may be aimed.

A Simple Road for the Transformation of Few-Layer Graphene into MWNTs

“…11 During the past few years, ultrasonication has become an extremely powerful tool in the synthesis, modification, and manipulation of carbon nanomaterials. 12 Under appropriate conditions, ultrasounds can functionalize CNTs, open their caps, or even fracture them completely. 13 In addition to surface modifications, CNTs can be prepared directly from organic solvents with the assistance of ultrasounds.…”

Effect of sonication on morphology and dc electrical conductivity of graphene nanoplatelets-thick films

“…Xiang and Drzal produced GNP thick films by thermal expansion of graphite oxide (GO), through the dispersion of the obtained nanoparticles in a polyethyleneimine/water solution and subsequent vacuum filtration and drying [5]. As reviewed by Jang and Zhamu [6] and Skrabalak [7] several groups use tip sonication in their protocols to exfoliate and disperse the inhomogeneous solvent solution of graphite intercalated compound (GIC). However, although ultrasonication is a necessary step in numerous protocols [8], often it is used without a deep study of the theory behind it.…”

“…This means that less energy is required to separate the layers than to reduce the size of each sheet. Nevertheless, as shown by several studies in literature [7], [8], prolonged ultrasonication is known to reduce the size of graphene flakes and excessive sonication can even lead to carbon lattice damage.…”

Improved porosity and ionic sorption capacity of carbon particles prepared by spray pyrolysis from an aqueous sucrose/NaHCO3/TEOS solution

“…40,41 A general overview for the synthesis of carbon materials via spray pyrolysis was highlighted in the ref. 42.…”