This volume presents the characterization methods involved with carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube-based composites, with a more detailed look at computational mechanics approaches, namely the finite element method. Special emphasis is placed on studies that consider the extent to which imperfections in the structure of the nanomaterials affect their mechanical properties. These defects may include random distribution of fibers in the composite structure, as well as atom vacancies, perturbation and doping in the structure of individual carbon nanotubes.

This thesis addresses the problem of improving the alignment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in transistor applications, taking a unique approach using iptycenes acting as molecular tweezers in combination with a liquid crystal solvent. As part of a project to test the effectiveness of a multi-step method, the so-called Alignment Relay Technique (ART), this work contributed evidence for the selectivity and stability of ART, as well as providing the first proof-of-concept that ART can be used to create CNT field-effect transistors (FETs). The thesis effectively explains and illustrates the chemical synthesis of the tweezers, the concept and actualization of the technique, the various factors observed to influence deposition and selectivity, along with material fabrication using both photolithography and electron beam lithography. This research advances knowledge of transistors and expands the applications of small organic molecules in the field of materials science. Particular highlights of this thesis include: an extensive review of ART, its advantages, and limitations; development of new material chemistry methods for the optimization of semiconducting CNT selectivity; and a comprehensive exploration of fabrication and characterization of CNTFETs for future applications.

This is introductory book for researchers, scientists and students in the area of organic and inorganic composite materials. This book has addressed timely the innovative topic "chalcogenide-multiwalled carbon nanotubes and chalcogenide-bilayer graphene" composite materials under a glassy regime. This book will give a clear idea on the concepts of the newly established composite materials area, by providing interpretations of inside physio-chemical mechanism. The remarkable landmark innovations related to this newly introduced research field are included in this book. Additionally, the possible futuristic applications in the area of nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, biomedical etc are also addressed.

Discover the go-to handbook for developers and application-oriented researchers who use carbon nanotubes in real products Carbon nanotubes have held much interest for researchers since their discovery in 1991. Due to their low mass density, large aspect ratio, and unique physical, chemical, and electronic properties, they provide a fertile ground for innovation in nanoscale applications. The development of chemical modifications that can enhance the poor dispersion of carbon nanotubes in solvents and improve interactions with other materials have enabled extensive industrial applications in a variety of fields. As the chemistry of carbon nanotubes and their functionalization becomes better understood, Chemically Modified Carbon Nanotubes for Commercial Applications presents the most recent developments of chemically modified carbon nanotubes and emphasizes the broad appeal for commercial purposes along many avenues of interest. The book reviews their already realized and prospective applications in fields such as electronics, photonics, separation science, food packaging, environmental monitoring and protecting, sensing technology, and biomedicine. By focusing on their commercialization prospects, this resource offers a unique approach to a significant and cutting-edge discipline. Chemically Modified Carbon Nanotubes for Commercial Applications readers will also find: Case studies that emphasize the information presented in each chapter Each chapter includes important websites and suggested reading materials Discussion of current applications of the relevant methodologies in every chapter A look at future perspectives in each application area to highlight the scope for next steps within the industry Chemically Modified Carbon Nanotubes for Commercial Applications is a valuable reference for material scientists, chemists (especially those focused on environmental concerns), and chemical and materials engineering scientists working in R&D and academia who want to learn more about chemically modified carbon nanotubes for various scalable commercial applications. It is also a useful resource for a broad audience: anyone interested in the fields of nanomaterials, nanoadsorbents, nanomedicine, bioinspired nanomaterials, nanotechnology, nanodevices, nanocomposites, biomedical application of nanomaterials, nano-engineering, and high energy applications.

A guide to one of the most important aspects for affordable and highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells Dye-sensitized solar cells have the potential to be one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies for production of renewable and clean energy. Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells offers an introduction to the various types of counter electrode catalysts for dye-sensitized solar cells and perovskite solar cells, including metal and metal compounds, carbon materials, polymers, and composites. With contributions from an international panel of experts, the book contains a discussion of the design and synthesis of the catalysts, characterization and stability of the devices, as well as calculations on properties. The contributors cover a wide range of topics including information on: carbon nanotubes electrocatalysts for I-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells; Pt-loaded composite electrocatalysts for I-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells; metal contact electrodes for perovskite solar cells; and much more. The book also includes insight into the future developments in the field. This important resource Covers the various types of counter electrode catalysts and presents design strategies, synthesis methods, theoretical calculation and stability evaluation Includes information on low-cost counter electrode catalysts and commercial applications of dye-sensitized sensitized solar cells Disscuses how electrode catalysts can be applied in a range of fields, such as solar cells, fuel cells, hydrogen production, and photocatalysis Offers contributions from leading experts in the field including Anders Hagfeldt, one of the world's leading researchers in this field Written for materials scientists, solid state chemists, electrochemists, catalytic chemists, solid state physicists, and chemical industry professionals, Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to dye-sensitized solar cells.

Carbon nanotubes are one of the newest materials to be discovered, being barely 20 years old. They are also the most promising one, with one particular sample of multi-walled nanotube attaining a tensile strength of 63GPa, and with carbon nanotubes in general having a specific strength of up to 48000kNm/kg: effectively a direct exploitation of the covalent sp2 bonding between carbon atoms. Plastic deformation begins at about 5% strain. The nanotubes can be produced in lengths of up to 550mm, and thicknesses as small as 4.3Å; making them perfect reinforcement fibres for composites. They also have many other properties which may be useful in electronics, gas storage, etc. The present compilation focuses on the various characteristic types of defect which are found in carbon nanotubes, plus the relatively limited number of diffusion studies which have been performed. The 418 entries cover the period from 1994 to 2014. Keyword: carbon nanotube Abstracts of 418 articles published in a wide range of technical journals coverfirst defects in carbon nanotubes then the diffusion of various compounds through carbon nanotubes. Those on defects consider such aspects as adsorption, characterization, disclination, the effect on compressive behavior, the effect on thermal conductivity, heptagon, interstitial, pinhole, topological, andvacancy. Among the chemicals addressed in the diffusion studies are alkanes, gold, carbon dioxide, copper, iron, water, Lennard-Jones fluid, nitrogen, silicon, and simple gases. -- Carbon-- Engineering-- Materials science.

Carbon-Nanotube-Reinforced-Polymer-Composite (CNRPC) materials have generated widespread interest over the last several years in practical engineering applications, such as aeronautical and aerospace engineering structures. However, studies still need to be carried out to characterize their mechanical properties, especially the dynamic properties, and the effects of defects on the mechanical properties. Experimental investigations intended for this purpose have limitations and, in most cases, reliable cost-effective experimental work could not be carried out. Computational modelling and simulation encompassing multiscale material behavior provide an alternate approach in this regard to characterize the material behavior. A probabilistic approach serves as a suitable approach to characterize the effects of material and structural defects. The present thesis reports the development of a computational framework of the Representative Volume Element (RVE) of a CNRPC material model to determine its static and dynamic responses, and also for the evaluation of its static and dynamic reliabilities based on a probabilistic characterization approach. A 3D multiscale finite element model of the RVE of the nanocomposite material consisting of a polymer matrix, a Single-Walled-Carbon-Nanotube (SWCN) and an interface region has been constructed for this purpose. The multiscale modeling is performed in terms of using different theories and corresponding strain energies to model the individual parts of the RVE of the CNRPC material. The macroscale continuum mechanics is used for the polymer matrix, the mesoscale mechanics is used for the interface region, and the nanoscale-level atomistic mechanics is used for the SWCN. The polymer matrix is modeled using the Mooney-Rivlin strain energy function to calculate its non-linear response, while the interface region is modeled via the van der Waals links. The SWCN is first modeled as a space frame structure by using the Morse potential, and then as a thin shell based on a suitable shell theory. For this purpose, the suitability and the accuracy of popular shell theories for use in the multiscale model of the RVE are assessed.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have amazing properties and a key way to take advantage of this is by incorporating nanotubes into a matrix to build composite materials. The best candidates for this task are undoubtedly polymers. Almost every characteristic of a polymer can be significantly enhanced by adding carbon nanotubes and as a result, new potential applications of carbon nanotube enhanced polymer composites are discovered every day. However, before carbon nanotube enhanced polymer composites become commonplace there are some tough challenges that need to be overcome. This book reviews the status of worldwide research in both single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotube based composites. It serves as a practical guide on carbon nanotube based composites and a reference to students and researchers from the academia and industry.

Carbon Nanotube-Based Sensors: Fabrication, Characterization, and Implementation highlights the latest research and developments on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their applications in sensors and sensing systems. It offers an overview of CNTs, including their synthesis, functionalization, characterization, and toxicology. It then delves into the fabrication and various applications of CNT-based sensors. FEATURES Defines the significance of different forms of CNT-based sensors synthesized for diverse engineering applications and compares the feasibility of their generation Helps readers evaluate different types of fabrication techniques to generate CNTs and their subsequent sensing Discusses fabrication of low-cost, efficient CNTs-based sensors that can be used for diverse applications and sheds light on synthesis methods for a range of printing techniques Highlights challenges and advances in security-related issues using CNTs-based sensors This book is aimed at researchers in the fields of materials and electrical engineering who are interested in the development of sensor technology for industrial, biomedical, and related applications.

Chemically-modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit a wide range of physical and chemical properties which makes them an attractive starting material for the preparation of super-strong and highly-conductive fibres and films. Much information is available across the primary literature, making it difficult to obtain an overall picture of the state-of-the-art. This volume brings together some of the leading researchers in the field from across the globe to present the potential these materials have, not only in developing and characterising novel materials but also the devices which can be fabricated from them. Topics featured in the book include Raman characterisation, industrial polymer materials, actuators and sensors and polymer reinforcement, with chapters prepared by highly-cited authors from across the globe. A valuable handbook for any academic or industrial laboratory, this book will appeal to newcomers to the field and established researchers alike.