Papers by Keyword: Nanomaterials

Abstract: Solid polymer electrolytes are recently investigated as alternatives to enhance the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries because of their inherent advantages. However, ionic transport through solid polymer electrolytes and mechanical properties of the electrolyte tend to be poorer compared with the liquid organic salt electrolytes. Granted, nanobased materials have attracted increased interest due to their ability to improve the properties of the electrolytes of lithium-ion batteries. This review is intended to highlight recent advances in utilizing nanomaterials in improving the electrochemical and mechanical characteristics of the solid electrolyte to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The synthetic techniques employed, as well as limitations of nanomaterials, are summarized. Recommendations for further development of novel functional nanomaterials for lithium-ion batteries are presented. Insight from this research will guide researchers in lithium battery technologies to make informed decisions, specifically when using nanobased materials.

Abstract: In this study, we systematically evaluated the fluid loss reduction effect of four nanomaterials in high-temperature water-based drilling fluids. Compared to the natural polymer PAC, the synthetic acrylamide-based polymer-maintained integrity and reduced fluid loss from 36.25 mL to 14 mL after aging at 180 °C, while forming a thinner and less permeable filter cake. Among the nanomaterials tested, 0.5 wt.% TiO₂ showed the most significant fluid loss reduction after aging at 180 °C, significantly optimizing the particle size distribution and reducing the fluid loss. When the polymer was used in combination with TiO₂, a significant synergistic enhancement was observed, which reduced the fluid loss to a minimum value of 11.6 mL at 180 °C. Zeta potential, particle size analysis, and SEM images showed that the effect resulted from the improved colloidal stability, closer packing of the particles, and the formation of a dense filter cake structure. The results show that the nanomaterial-polymer composite system can significantly improve the high-temperature fluid loss reduction performance of drilling fluids through the dual mechanism of physical blocking and chemical interaction, which provides an effective strategy for the design of high-performance fluid loss reduction agents.

Abstract: This abstract focuses on the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), a significant class of nanoparticles with diverse applications. Green synthesis methods, such as plant extracts, microbial-mediated synthesis, and eco-friendly reducing agents, offer several advantages including low cost, scalability, and reduced environmental impact. Utilizing natural sources such as plant extracts rich in phytochemicals and microorganisms capable of reducing metal ions, CuNPs can be synthesized efficiently under mild conditions without the need for rigid chemicals. In recent years, the synthesis of nanoparticles has garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and diverse applications in various fields, including catalysis, electronics, medicine, and environmental remediation. Among the different methods available for nanoparticle synthesis, green synthesis has emerged as a promising approach due to its eco-friendly nature and potential for large-scale production without harmful by-products. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have gained particular interest owing to their exceptional properties and wide-ranging applications. This work explores the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles, focusing on the principles, methods, characterization techniques, and applications of these environmentally nanomaterials.

Abstract: The use of hybrid nanofluids aimed to improve the exceptional qualities of fluids, including adsorption, viscosity, stability, and interfacial tension. Although several surfactant changes utilizing hybrid nanomaterials have been documented, their wider application has been hindered by the material's stability and processing challenges. The purpose of this study is to use the liquid phase exfoliation technique and examine the properties of the recently created hybrid nanofluids. This paper investigates the mechanisms of how hybrid nanofluids (HNF) composed of Graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) & SiO₂ with various surfactants such as Gum Arabic (GA) and Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (SCMC) could improve EOR through adsorption of nanoparticles, improve viscosity, Interfacial tension (IFT), and wettability contact angle. Based on the results, using the hybrid nanoparticles decreases the IFT between oil-water interface from 39.700 mN/m for brine to 38.466, 37.582, 35.609 mN/m, for Control HNF, GA HNF, and SCMC HNF respectively. The adsorption of nanoparticles mechanism occurs and peaks during a 12-hour to 24hour period. Furthermore, the findings on the performance of hybrid nanofluid have increased the viscosity from 0.317cP (brine) to 3.638cP (GA) and 3.556cP (SCMC) nanofluid. When nanoparticles are introduced into reservoirs, they interact with rocks and crude oil via rock absorption, potentially improving the recovery rate of oil by changing wettability and influencing the efficiency of water-transfer to oil in several improved oil recovery methods. The contact between the rock surface, nanofluid, and oil was shown to be reduced by 29.47% and 59.12%, as seen by the contact angle of the oil droplet on the rock surfaces. The phenomenon occurs because nanoparticles are attached to the interface of rock, oil, and brine.

Abstract: A large number of critical raw materials are heavy metals. Heavy metals can be part of industrial waste and used to produce high-quality products. For the processing of industrial waste into nanosized materials, it is proposed to use the following directions: - conversion of waste into products with different quality requirements; - regeneration of waste to restore their consumer properties; - use of waste generated as a by-product of the process to create another product with unique properties. Successful examples of processing are given: spent iron-chromium catalyst into iron oxide pigment, water treatment waste into calcium nitrate and calcium carbonate, spent aluminum-nickel catalyst into aluminum-nickel catalyst. The resulting solid products have nanosized particles, which ensured their quality indicators.

Abstract: Thermosetting epoxy polymers are widely employed as matrices for fabricating fibre-reinforced composites due to their exceptional strength and stiffness. However, the inherent brittleness of epoxy and its generally low fracture toughness impose limitations on their utilization in high-end applications. To address this challenge, the incorporation of micro-and nanoscale fillers emerges as a promising strategy for enhancing the durability of epoxy. MXene belonging to a versatile family of 2D transition-metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides, offer superior physical and mechanical characteristics, making them ideal candidates for creating multifunctional polymer nanocomposites. In this study, MXene nanosheets (specifically Ti₃C₂T_x) were introduced at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 0.5% by weight, and their dispersion in the epoxy-hardener mixture was achieved through ultrasonication. Remarkably, the incorporation of 0.5 wt. % MXene led to an 8°C increase in the glass transition (Tg) temperature and a 5°C elevation in the crystallisation temperature at 0.3 wt. % loadings. However, at higher MXene concentrations, these values exhibited a decrease. Overall, the mechanical characteristics of the nanocomposites demonstrated improvement. This enhancement is attributed to the effective distribution of MXene within the epoxy matrix, contributing to an overall enhancement of the material's properties.

Abstract: Methods of laser treatment and oxygen plasma treatment for the anti-reflective coatings on the basis of composite materials filled by epoxy polymer with multi-walled carbon nanotubes are demonstrated. The influence of structuring the surface of composite materials by different methods on the reflectivity in the UV, visible, near and middle IR wavelength ranges has been investigated. The possibility of creating composite structures with low reflectance in the range of 0.2 - 25 µm, corresponding to the requirements for anti-reflection coatings of optical and optoelectronic systems of spacecraft and ground-based systems, has been demonstrated.

Abstract: The paper delves into various aspects of nanotechnology in mechanical engineering, including the fabrication of nanomaterials and advanced manufacturing techniques. Nanomanufacturing methods offer unprecedented precision and control, enhancing efficiency and performance across industries. From nanoscale manipulation to intricate structure fabrication, nanotechnology is transforming manufacturing processes profoundly. Furthermore, the paper explores the applications of nanotechnology in nano mechanics and nanotribology, elucidating how it enables us to understand and manipulate mechanical behaviours at the nanoscale. Additionally, it discusses the role of nanotechnology in energy systems, where nanomaterials contribute to improved energy storage and conversion efficiency. Beyond traditional mechanical engineering, nanotechnology finds applications in biomechanics, shaping advancements in healthcare through innovative biomedical devices and materials. The interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology is evident in its potential to address global challenges, such as environmental remediation, by developing nanomaterials for water purification, air filtration, and soil remediation. Looking ahead, the paper discusses future directions for nanotechnology in mechanical engineering, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical considerations, and responsible governance. It highlights the potential for transformative breakthroughs in medicine, energy systems, and materials science, guided by ongoing research and innovation. In conclusion, nanotechnology is poised to reshape the landscape of mechanical engineering, offering unprecedented possibilities for efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancement. Through careful exploration and application, nanotechnology holds the promise of addressing societal needs while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in mechanical engineering.

Abstract: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine that serves as an important prognostic biomarker for chronic diseases such as cancer and coronavirus disease. Label-free sensors that can conveniently detect IL-6 are essential for health monitoring purposes. Here, we present an aptamer-modified liquid-gated graphene field effect transistor (GFET) biosensor fabricated using inkjet printing techniques that can detect IL-6 levels. In this work, graphene ink suitable for inkjet printing was synthesized and formulated using the ultrasonic liquid exfoliation method. Exfoliated graphene was redispersed into a cyclohexanone/terpineol solvent system and optimized to achieve jettable ink with a Z-number of 13.7. The formulated graphene ink was then used to fabricate the GFET device, which in turn was decorated with IL-6 aptamer using organic linkers. The sensor response of the GFET was measured using the shift in the transistor current-voltage (I-V) transfer curves upon specific binding of the IL-6 with the aptameric GFET. The experimental results showed that the device can sensitively and selectively detect IL-6 in a 1xPBS background with a limit of detection of 372 pM. The fabricated GFET is on a flexible substrate that may be suitably incorporated into a face mask covering that could potentially sample IL-6 from collected saliva.

Abstract: Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a promising support for the deposition of functional metallic nanoparticles for next generation of catalysts. Multicomponent metallic NPs, such as bimetallic FePt NPs, are attracting much attention as catalytically active sites because their properties can be superior to their single-element counterpart. To achieve the best catalytic properties, careful control of the chemical composition of the bimetallic NPs on the surface of h-BN substrates is necessary. Herein we report the development of a polyol synthesis protocol that elucidates the relationship between the initial and resulting Fe:Pt molar ratio in a FePt/h-BN material. TEM, STEM, EDXS, BET and BJH methods were utilized to characterize the surface and structure of the h-BN support and FePt/h-BN heterostructures.