Functionalization of nanomaterials using pulsed power and microplasma
Since their discovery in 1991, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been regarded as a promising new material because of their unique electrical, mechanical and chemical properties. However, the poor solubility of CNTs in water or organic solvents limits their use in many potential applications, especially in biochemical science and engineering. Thus far, several approaches have been attempted to solubilize CNTs, such as covalent or non-covalent functionalization, chemical oxidation, addition of surfactants, polymer wrapping. Although these methods have been successful, they need some particular chemical agents or additives for solubilization. There still exists a need for a simpler solubilization procedure for CNTs.
We developed a novel preparation method for water-soluble CNTs using microplasma generated in water suspension of CNTs. The microplasma was achieved by generating pulsed streamer discharges, which were triggered by applying multiple square high voltage pulses to an electrode system immersed in the CNT suspension. The CNTs treated by the pulsed streamer discharge were solubilized and were homogeneously dispersed in water for a long time. The functional group of –OH bound to the CNT surface seemed to be responsible for the solubilization effect. The –OH group might be formed by chemical reactions between O∗ and H∗ radicals, which were produced by microplasma. The proposed method does not need any particular chemical agents or additives for solubilization. Of particular importance is its simplicity and time-efficiency in contrast to the usual time-consuming chemical treatments developed thus far.
- Solubilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes using ozone generated by dielectric barrier discharge
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., Volume 49, 2010, 055002 (5 pages)
W. Sun, U. Khaled, H. Tomita, Z. Li, K. Imasaka and J. Suehiro
abstract
- Enhancement and stabilization of pulsed streamer discharge in water by adding carbon nanotubes
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., Volume 49, 2010, 086203 (7 pages)
K. Imasaka, W. Sun, H. Tomita, Y. Kato, U. Khaled and J. Suehiro
abstract
- Enhancement of microplasma generated in water by adding carbon nanotubes
Journal of Plasma and Fusion Research Series, Volume 8, 2009, Pages 603-607
U. Khaled, K. Imasaka and J. Suehiro
abstract
- Effects of pH on water-solubilization of carbon nanotube using microplasma in aqueous solution
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., Volume 48, 2009, 065004 (7 pages)
K. Imasaka, Y. Kato, U. Khaled and J. Suehiro
abstract
- Production of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by using graphite arc discharge in Fe(OH)3 colloidal solution
Electronics and Communications in Japan, Volume 91, Issues 2, September 2008, Pages 55-62
K. Imasaka, Y. Kanatake, J. Suehiro and M. Hara
abstract
- Effects of gas bubbling on water-solubilization of carbon nanotube using microplasma generated in water
Surface & Coatings Technology, Volume 202, Issues 22-23, August 2008, Pages 5271-5274
K. Imasaka, Y. Kato and J. Suehiro
abstract
- Enhancement of microplasma-based water-solubilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes using gas bubbling in water
Nanotechnology, Volume 18, No. 33, 22 August 2007, 335602 (7pp)
K. Imasaka, Y. Kato and J. Suehiro
abstract
- Solubilization of carbon nanotubes using microplasma generated in water
Transactions of the Materials Research Society of Japan, Volume 32, No. 2, June 2007, Pages 517-522
J. Suehiro and K. Imasaka
- Preparation of water-soluble carbon nanotubes using pulsed streamer discharge in water
Nanotechnology, Volume 17, No. 14, 28 July 2006, Pages 3421-3427
K. Imasaka, J. Suehiro, Y. Kanatake, Y. Kato and M. Hara
abstract
- Production of carbon nanoonions and nanotubes using an intermittent arc discharge in water
Thin Solid Films, Volumes 506-507, 26 May 2006, Pages 250-254
K. Imasaka, Y. Kanatake, Y. Ohshiro, J. Suehiro and M. Hara
abstract
- Production of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by using graphite arc discharge in Fe(OH)3 colloidal solution
IEEJ Trans. FM, Vol. 126, No. 5, pp.349-354, 2006
K. Imasaka, Y. Kanatake, J. Suehiro and M. Hara
abstract
- Improvement of the ozone generation efficiency by silent discharge at cryogenic temperature
IEEJ Trans. FM, Vol. 124, No. 9, pp.791-796, 2004
J. Suehiro, M. Takahashi, Y. Nishi, W. Ding, K. Imasaka and M. Hara
abstract
- Production of carbon nanoparticles using pulsed arc discharge triggered by dielectric breakdown in water
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., Vol.42, pp.L1483-L1485, December 2003
J. Suehiro, K. Imasaka, Y. Ohshiro, G. Zhou, M. Hara and N. San
abstract
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