1
|
Wilding MC, Benmore C, Headen TF, Di Mino C, Miller TS, Suter TM, Corà F, Clancy AJ, Sella A, McMillan P, Howard CA. The local ordering of polar solvents around crystalline carbon nitride nanosheets in solution. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2023; 381:20220337. [PMID: 37691462 PMCID: PMC10493548 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2022.0337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The crystalline graphitic carbon nitride, poly-triazine imide (PTI) is highly unusual among layered materials since it is spontaneously soluble in aprotic, polar solvents including dimethylformamide (DMF). The PTI material consists of layers of carbon nitride intercalated with LiBr. When dissolved, the resulting solutions consist of dissolved, luminescent single to multilayer nanosheets of around 60-125 nm in diameter and Li+ and Br- ions originating from the intercalating salt. To understand this unique solubility, the structure of these solutions has been investigated by high-energy X-ray and neutron diffraction. Although the diffraction patterns are dominated by inter-solvent correlations there are clear differences between the X-ray diffraction data of the PTI solution and the solvent in the 4-6 Å-1 range, with real space differences persisting to at least 10 Å. Structural modelling using both neutron and X-ray datasets as a constraint reveal the formation of distinct, dense solvation shells surrounding the nanoparticles with a layer of Br-close to the PTI-solvent interface. This solvent ordering provides a configuration that is energetically favourable underpinning thermodynamically driven PTI dissolution. This article is part of the theme issue 'Exploring the length scales, timescales and chemistry of challenging materials (Part 2)'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin C. Wilding
- UK Catalysis Hub, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Chris Benmore
- X-Ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, USA
| | - Thomas F. Headen
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Camilla Di Mino
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Thomas S. Miller
- Electrochemical Innovation Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Theo M. Suter
- Electrochemical Innovation Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Furio Corà
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Adam J. Clancy
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Andrea Sella
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Paul McMillan
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carbon nanotube membranes – Strategies and challenges towards scalable manufacturing and practical separation applications. Sep Purif Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
3
|
Clancy AJ, Au H, Rubio N, Coulter GO, Shaffer MSP. Understanding and controlling the covalent functionalisation of graphene. Dalton Trans 2020; 49:10308-10318. [PMID: 32643711 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt01589j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemical functionalisation is one of the most active areas of graphene research, motivated by fundamental science, the opportunities to adjust or supplement intrinsic properties, and the need to assemble materials for a broad array of applications. Historically, the primary consideration has been the degree of functionalisation but there is growing interest in understanding how and where modification occurs. Reactions may proceed preferentially at edges, defects, or on graphitic faces; they may be correlated, uncorrelated, or anti-correlated with previously grafted sites. A detailed collation of existing literature data indicates that steric effects play a strong role in limiting the extent of reaction. However, the pattern of functionalisation may have important effects on the resulting properties. This article addresses the unifying principles of current graphene functionalisation technologies, with emphasis on understanding and controlling the locus of functionalisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Clancy
- Dept. Chemistry, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Functionalized poly(vinyl alcohol) as a novel dispersant for cement slurries: Synthesis, characterization and evaluation. Eur Polym J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
5
|
Fu D, Dong J, Du H, Xu J. Methanesulfinylation of Benzyl Halides with Dimethyl Sulfoxide. J Org Chem 2020; 85:2752-2758. [PMID: 31873024 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b03041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A phenyltrimethylammonium tribromide-mediated nucleophilic substitution/oxygen transformation reaction of benzyl halides with DMSO has been developed. In this transition-metal-free reaction, DMSO acts as not only a solvent but also a "S(O)Me" source, thus providing a convenient method for the efficient and direct synthesis of various benzyl methyl sulfoxides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duo Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029 , People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029 , People's Republic of China
| | - Hongguang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029 , People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029 , People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Summers GJ, Mdletshe TS, Summers CA. RAFT polymerization of styrene mediated by naphthyl-functionalized trithiocarbonate RAFT agents. Polym Bull (Berl) 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00289-019-03011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
7
|
Basma N, Cullen PL, Clancy AJ, Shaffer MSP, Skipper NT, Headen TF, Howard CA. The liquid structure of the solvents dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylacetamide (DMA). Mol Phys 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00268976.2019.1649494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Basma
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - P. L. Cullen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - A. J. Clancy
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK
| | - M. S. P. Shaffer
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - N. T. Skipper
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London, UK
| | - T. F. Headen
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, UK
| | - C. A. Howard
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sanders S, Golden TD. Functionalization of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles to Influence Hydrophobic Properties. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:5841-5847. [PMID: 30969777 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Electroless functionalization of cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs) based on the grafting of aryl groups from the reduction of diazonium salts is presented as a useful and facile method for enhancing the properties of the NPs. For this study, 4-methyl-, 4-ethyl-, and 4- n-butyl-benzene diazonium salts were used as model molecules to demonstrate the ability to change the hydrophobic properties of the cerium oxide (CeO2) NPs. The grafting reaction was investigated under two reducing environments: the addition of a chemical reducing agent and the use of cerium oxide's native reducing property. Spectroscopic evidence for the successful attachment of aryl groups to the CeO2 NPs was given by infrared and 13C SS-NMR, which clearly detect characteristic aryl C-C peaks and the alkyl chains. X-ray diffraction results confirmed that the NPs underlying the crystal structure was unaffected by the grafting process. Thermal gravimetric analysis of the NPs suggested that this method enables the formation of multilayers at the surface, as well as an increase in the hydrophobic character. Hydrophobic properties of the resultant NPs further examined with a water contact angle test on pressed pellets revealed increase in hydrophobicity with increasing alkyl chain length. This research opens up new possibilities for controlling the surface chemical composition of CeO2 NPs as well as other NPs using procedures operated in aqueous environments at room temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Sanders
- Department of Chemistry , University of North Texas , 1155 Union Circle #305070 , Denton , Texas 76203 , United States
| | - Teresa D Golden
- Department of Chemistry , University of North Texas , 1155 Union Circle #305070 , Denton , Texas 76203 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Clancy AJ, Sirisinudomkit P, Anthony DB, Thong AZ, Greenfield JL, Salaken Singh MK, Shaffer MSP. Real-time mechanistic study of carbon nanotube anion functionalisation through open circuit voltammetry. Chem Sci 2019; 10:3300-3306. [PMID: 30996916 PMCID: PMC6428032 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc04970j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of the functionalisation of reduced single walled carbon nanotubes with organobromides was monitored by open circuit voltammetry throughout the reaction and further elucidated through a series of comparative reactions. The degree of functionalisation was mapped against the reagent reduction potential, degree of electron donation of substituents (Hammett parameter), and energies calculated, ab initio, for dissociation and heterolytic cleavage of the C-Br bond. In contrast to the previously assumed reduction/homolytic cleavage mechanism, the reaction was shown to consist of a rapid association of carbon-halide bond to the reduced nanotube as a complex, displacing surface-condensed countercations, leading to an initial increase in the net nanotube surface negative charge. The complex subsequently slowly degrades through charge transfer from the reduced single-walled carbon nanotube to the organobromide, utilizing charge, and the carbon-halide bond breaks heterolytically. Electron density on the C-Br bond in the initial reagent is the best predictor for degree of functionalisation, with more electron donating substituents increasing the degree of functionalisation. Both the mechanism and the new application of OCV to study such reactions are potentially relevant to a wide range of related systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Clancy
- Department of Chemistry , University College London , WC1E 7JE , UK .
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , SW7 2AZ , UK .
| | - Pichamon Sirisinudomkit
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , SW7 2AZ , UK .
- Department of Materials , Imperial College London , SW7 2AZ , UK
| | - David B Anthony
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , SW7 2AZ , UK .
| | - Aaron Z Thong
- Department of Materials , Imperial College London , SW7 2AZ , UK
| | - Jake L Greenfield
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , SW7 2AZ , UK .
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , CB2 1EW , UK
| | | | - Milo S P Shaffer
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , SW7 2AZ , UK .
- Department of Materials , Imperial College London , SW7 2AZ , UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Clancy AJ, Leese HS, Rubio N, Buckley DJ, Greenfield JL, Shaffer MSP. Depleting Depletion: Maintaining Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Dispersions after Graft-To Polymer Functionalization. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:15396-15402. [PMID: 30428675 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Grafting polymers onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) usefully alters properties but does not typically yield stable, solvated species directly. Despite the expectation of steric stabilization, a damaging (re)dispersion step is usually necessary. Here, poly(vinyl acetate)s (PVAc's) of varying molecular weights are grafted to individualized, reduced SWCNTs at different concentrations to examine the extent of reaction and degree of solvation. The use of higher polymer concentrations leads to an increase in grafting ratio (weight fraction of grafted polymer relative to the SWCNT framework), approaching the limit of random sequentially adsorbed Flory "mushrooms" on the surface. However, at higher polymer concentrations, a larger percentage of SWCNTs precipitate during the reaction; an effect which is more significant for larger weight polymers. The precipitation is attributed to depletion interactions generated by ungrafted homopolymer overcoming Coulombic repulsion of adjacent like-charged SWCNTs; a simple model is proposed. Larger polymers and greater degrees of functionalization favor stable solvation, but larger and more concentrated homopolymers increase depletion aggregation. By using low concentrations (25 μM) of larger molecular weight PVAc (10 kDa), up to 65% of grafted SWCNTs were retained in solution (at 65 μg mL-1) directly after the reaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Clancy
- Department of Chemistry , University College London , London WC1E 7JE , United Kingdom
- Institute for Materials Discovery , University College London , London WC1E 7JE , United Kingdom
| | - Hannah S Leese
- Department of Chemical Engineering , University of Bath , Bath BA2 7AY , United Kingdom
| | | | - David J Buckley
- National Physical Laboratory , Teddington TW11 0LW , United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Clancy AJ, Bayazit MK, Hodge SA, Skipper NT, Howard CA, Shaffer MSP. Charged Carbon Nanomaterials: Redox Chemistries of Fullerenes, Carbon Nanotubes, and Graphenes. Chem Rev 2018; 118:7363-7408. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Clancy
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Institute for Materials Discovery, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, U.K
| | - Mustafa K. Bayazit
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, U.K
| | - Stephen A. Hodge
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Cambridge Graphene Centre, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FA, U.K
| | - Neal T. Skipper
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen J, Liu B, Gao X, Xu D. A review of the interfacial characteristics of polymer nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes. RSC Adv 2018; 8:28048-28085. [PMID: 35542749 PMCID: PMC9083916 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra04205e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of recent advances in research on the interfacial characteristics of carbon nanotube–polymer nanocomposites. The state of knowledge about the chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes as well as the interaction at the interface between the carbon nanotube and the polymer matrix is presented. The primary focus of this paper is on identifying the fundamental relationship between nanocomposite properties and interfacial characteristics. The progress, remaining challenges, and future directions of research are discussed. The latest developments of both microscopy and scattering techniques are reviewed, and their respective strengths and limitations are briefly discussed. The main methods available for the chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes are summarized, and particular interest is given to evaluation of their advantages and disadvantages. The critical issues related to the interaction at the interface are discussed, and the important techniques for improving the properties of carbon nanotube–polymer nanocomposites are introduced. Additionally, the mechanism responsible for the interfacial interaction at the molecular level is briefly described. Furthermore, the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of the nanocomposites are discussed separately, and their influencing factors are briefly introduced. Finally, the current challenges and opportunities for efficiently translating the remarkable properties of carbon nanotubes to polymer matrices are summarized in the hopes of facilitating the development of this emerging area. Potential topics of oncoming focus are highlighted, and several suggestions concerning future research needs are also presented. The state of research on the characteristics at the interface in polymer nanocomposites is reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the recent advances in the fundamental relationship between interfacial characteristics and nanocomposite properties.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Chen
- Department of Energy and Power Engineering
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering
- Henan Polytechnic University
- Jiaozuo
- China
| | - Baofang Liu
- Department of Energy and Power Engineering
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering
- Henan Polytechnic University
- Jiaozuo
- China
| | - Xuhui Gao
- Department of Energy and Power Engineering
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering
- Henan Polytechnic University
- Jiaozuo
- China
| | - Deguang Xu
- Department of Energy and Power Engineering
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering
- Henan Polytechnic University
- Jiaozuo
- China
| |
Collapse
|