This review covers the results obtained in carbon nanotube synthesis by chemical vapor deposition. Parameters such as catalysts, supports, carbon precursors, reaction time, temperature and gas flow rates that are used in the production of carbon nanotubes are discussed throughout the text. Purification of the synthesized carbon nanotubes and methods utilized for cost reduction were also explored.
31 December 2009 in Separation Science and Technology
In the present study for the purpose of removal of boron from water by adsorption using adsorbents like fly ash, natural zeolite, and demineralized lignite was investigated. Boron in water was removed with fly ash, zeolite, and demineralized lignite with different capacities. Ninety-four percent boron was removed using fly ash. Batch experiments were conducted to test the removal capacity, to obtain adsorption isotherms, thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. Boron removal by all adsorbents was affected by pH of solution; maximum adsorption was achieved at pH 10. Adsorption of boron on fly ash was investigated by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and the Dubinin-Radushkevich models. Standard entropy and enthalpy changes of adsorption of boron on fly ash were, ΔS0 = −0.69 kJ/mol K and ΔH0 = −215.34 kJ/mol, respectively. The negative value of ΔS0 indicated decreased randomness at the solid/solution interface during the adsorption boron on the fly ash sample. Negative values of ΔH0 showed the exothermic nature of the process. The negative values of ΔG0 implied that the adsorption of boron on fly ash samples was spontaneous. Adsorption of boron on fly ash occurred with a pseudo-second order kinetic model, and intraparticle diffusion of boron species had also some effect in adsorption kinetics.
For the production of advanced types of catalyst support materials, the distinguished properties of graphene nanosheets were combined with the structural properties of conducting polypyrrole by the incorporation of graphene nanosheets into a polymer matrix by the proposed simple and low-cost fabrication technique. A precise tuning of electrical conductivity and thermal stability was achieved by controlling the polymer thickness of randomly dispersed graphene nanosheets. Initially, graphene nanosheets were fabricated in large quantities via a mild chemical synthetic route involving graphite oxidation, ultrasonic treatment, and chemical reduction. Then, polypyrrole/graphene nanosheet composites with improved conductivity, thermal stability, and high surface area were synthesized by in situ polymerization with the different pyrrole feed ratios. Although graphite oxide sheets have electrically insulating property, partially oxidized graphite oxide was also utilized as conductive fillers in polymer matrix. However, polypyrrole/graphene nanosheet composites have better electrical conductivity than polypyrrole/graphite oxide composites.