It is universally accepted that the financial advancement of a state is essentially dependent upon the energy sector as it is essential in the growth, development, and improvement of the farming, mechanical, and defense sectors.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have long been recognized as the stiffest and strongest man-made material known to date. Owing to high electrical conductivity, CNTs have also gained interest in the area of electrical appliances and communication related applications. Moreover, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) depict fine electrical and mechanical profile. Due to their miniscule size, excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, CNTs can only be beneficial if they are homogeneously dispersed and embedded into light-weight engineering polymer matrices. Adding small amounts of CNTs strongly improve the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the composites. In order to enhance their chemical affinity to polymer matrices, chemically modifying the graphitic sidewalls and tips is necessary. This article reviews the processing technology and improvement of various properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) composites. Initially, the structure, morphology, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of nanotubes are described. Then various strategies for fabricating PU/CNTs composites and their properties are discussed. To conclude, recent developments in the field of mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of thermoplastic PU reinforced with nanotubes and nanofibers are reviewed. A brief account regarding the toxicity and environmental safety aspects of carbon nanomaterials is also included in this article.

Preparation of graphene oxide–gold (GO–Au) nanocomposites as adsorbents and catalysts for decontamination of water.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have long been recognized as the stiffest and strongest man-made material known to date. In addition, their high electrical conductivity has roused interest in the areas of electrical appliances and communication related applications. However, due to their miniature size, the excellent properties of these nanostructures can only be exploited if they are homogeneously embedded into light-weight matrices as those offered by a whole series of engineering polymers. In order to enhance their chemical affinity to engineering polymer matrices, chemical modification of the graphitic sidewalls and tips is necessary. The mechanical and electrical properties to date of a whole range of nanocomposites of various carbon nanotube contents are also reviewed in this attempt to facilitate progress in this emerging area. Recently, carbonaceous nano-fillers such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) play a promising role due to their better structural and functional properties and broad range of applications in every field. Since CNTs usually form stabilized bundles due to van der Waals interactions, they are extremely difficult to disperse and align in a polymer matrix. The biggest issues in the preparation of CNTs reinforced composites reside in efficient dispersion of CNTs into a polymer matrix, the assessment of the dispersion, and the alignment and control of the CNTs in the matrix. An overview of various CNT functionalization methods is given. In particular, CNT functionalization using click chemistry and the preparation of CNT composites employing hyperbranched polymers are stressed as potential techniques to achieve good CNT dispersion. In addition, discussions on mechanical, thermal, electrical, electrochemical and applications of polymer/CNT composites are also included.