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Ultrasonic Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube-Titanium Dioxide Composites: Process Optimization via Response Surface Methodology.

ABSTRACT: In this study, the central composite design of response surface methodology was applied to optimize the ultrasonic synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotube-titanium dioxide (MWNT-TiO₂) composites. Twenty composites were prepared by adjusting three parameters (MWNT concentration in water, sonication to disperse/exfoliate MWNTs in water, and sonication to attach TiO₂ onto MWNTs) at five levels. On the basis of the experimental design, semiempirical expressions were developed, analyzed, statistically assessed, and subsequently applied to predict the impact of the studied parameters on composite synthesis. The composite synthesis process was optimized to capture the experimental conditions favoring the highest productivity (i.e., MWNT-TiO₂ formation or percent TiO₂ attachment) utilizing minimal resources. The synthesis process optimization results showed that, to make a MWNT-TiO₂ composite in 10 mL of water, 23.2 mg (∼99% of 23.4 mg) of TiO₂ can be attached to 2.6 mg of MWNTs. This process requires only 727 J sonication energy, of which 592 J is invested to exfoliate MWNTs (Sonication 1) and 135 J to attach TiO₂ (Sonication 2) to MWNTs. Finally, the optimally synthesized composite was extensively characterized using SEM, surface area and porosity analysis, TGA, and ζ-potential analysis/DLS. Also, this composite was tested for stability under variable pH and solvent polarity. The approach developed in this study could be used to optimize the synthesis process of other similar composites.

SUBMITTER: Zaib Q

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6648941 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:The aim of this work was to demonstrate an optimization methodology to reliably obtain stable macrodispersions (i.e., for ≥24 h) of carbon nanotubes in water using sonication. Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to assess and optimize the sonication parameters for the process. The studied input parameters were (i) sonication time (duration), (ii) amplitude (of vibration), and (iii) pulse-on/off (duration) of the sonicator. The analyzed responses were mean diameter and size distribution of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) aggregates in water, which were measured by the dynamic light scattering technique. A semiempirical model was developed and statistically tested to estimate the magnitude of sonicator parameters required to obtain specified MWNT macrodispersions (i.e., aggregates' mean diameter and distribution) in water. The results showed that MWNT aggregates of 2 ± 0.5 μm can be obtained by optimizing sonicator parameters to a sonication time of 89 s, amplitude of 144 μm, and pulse-on/off cycle of 44/30 s. These process settings for 100 mg/L MWNTs in a 30 mL aliquot of deionized water would consume 863 J/mL of sonication energy. Contrary to the popular belief, "sonication time" and/or "sonication energy input" were not found to be proportional to the degree of dispersion of MWNTs in water. This might be the reason for the frequent disparity and nonreproducibility of sonication results reported in scientific literature, especially for dispersing nanomaterials in a number of different systems. The amplitude of vibration was noted to be the most sensitive parameter affecting MWNT aggregates' diameter and distribution in water. The characterization of MWNTs was performed using electron microscopy, surface area analyzer, thermogravimetric analyzer, and zeta potential analyzer. This study can be helpful in evaluating sonication dispersion of particulate matter in other incompressible fluids such as graphene dispersion in organic solvents.

Project description:We present research progress made in developing copper/carbon nanotube composites (Cu/CNT) to fulfil a growing demand for lighter copper substitutes with superior electrical, thermal and mechanical performances. Lighter alternatives to heavy copper electrical and data wiring are needed in automobiles and aircrafts to enhance fuel efficiencies. In electronics, better interconnects and thermal management components than copper with higher current- and heat-stabilities are required to enable device miniaturization with increased functionality. Our literature survey encouragingly indicates that Cu/CNT performances (electrical, thermal and mechanical) reported so far rival that of Cu, proving the material's viability as a Cu alternative. We identify two grand challenges to be solved for Cu/CNT to replace copper in real-life applications. The first grand challenge is to fabricate Cu/CNT with overall performances exceeding that of copper. To address this challenge, we propose research directions to fabricate Cu/CNT closer to ideal composites theoretically predicted to surpass Cu performances (i.e. those containing uniformly distributed Cu and individually aligned CNTs with beneficial CNT-Cu interactions). The second grand challenge is to industrialize and transfer Cu/CNT from lab bench to real-life use. Toward this, we identify and propose strategies to address market-dependent issues for niche/mainstream applications. The current best Cu/CNT performances already qualify for application in niche electronic device markets as high-end interconnects. However, mainstream Cu/CNT application as copper replacements in conventional electronics and in electrical/data wires are long-term goals, needing inexpensive mass-production by methods aligned with existing industrial practices. Mainstream electronics require cheap CNT template-making and electrodeposition procedures, while data/electrical cables require manufacture protocols based on co-electrodeposition or melt-processing. We note (with examples) that initiatives devoted to Cu/CNT manufacturing for both types of mainstream applications are underway. With sustained research on Cu/CNT and accelerating its real-life application, we expect the successful evolution of highly functional, efficient, and sustainable next-generation electrical and electronics systems.

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Ultrasonic Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube-Titanium Dioxide Composites: Process Optimization via Response Surface Methodology.

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