Journal article 11 views
Sustainable nanomaterials: the role of Cyrene in optimising carbon nanotubes dispersion and filtration efficiency
Roxana A. Milescu,
C. Rob McElroy,
Edward J. Taylor,
Peter Eaton,
Paul Williams 
,
Richard Phillips,
Thomas J. Farmer,
James H. Clark
,
Richard Phillips,
Thomas J. Farmer,
James H. Clark
Frontiers in Chemistry, Volume: 12, Start page: 1498279
Swansea University Author:
Paul Williams
Full text not available from this repository: check for access using links below.
DOI (Published version): 10.3389/fchem.2024.1498279
Abstract
This study focuses on the fabrication and characterisation of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) buckypapers and polyethersulfone (PES) flat-sheet membranes using Cyrene, aiming toevaluate its efficacy as a green solvent for these applications. Pristine SWCNTs were dispersed inCyrene without surf...
| Published in: | Frontiers in Chemistry |
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| ISSN: | 2296-2646 |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2024
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68632 |
| Abstract: |
This study focuses on the fabrication and characterisation of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) buckypapers and polyethersulfone (PES) flat-sheet membranes using Cyrene, aiming toevaluate its efficacy as a green solvent for these applications. Pristine SWCNTs were dispersed inCyrene without surfactants and compared to N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) dispersions. Buckypapers were fabricated from these dispersions and characterised using Scanning ElectronMicroscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and infrared spectroscopy. Their performancewas tested in wastewater and oil-water emulsion filtrations and antimicrobial activity. PESmembranes incorporating SWCNTs were prepared using phase inversion and analysed via SEM,optical microscopy, and contact angle. Membrane properties and water permeability were assessed,and bacterial challenge tests evaluated antimicrobial activity. Cyrene enabled the dispersion ofSWCNTs at higher concentrations (0.038 mg mL⁻1) compared to NMP (0.013 mg mL⁻1). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that Cyrene effectively debundles SWCNTs, yielding better dispersion. Buckypapers fabricated with Cyrene demonstrated dense, uniform networks with enhanced surface smoothness and promising filtration performance for wastewater treatment and oil-water separation. PES membranes made with Cyrene exhibited well-organised finger-like structures, interconnected pores, superior porosity, and higher water permeability than NMP-based membranes. Incorporating SWCNTs further improved membrane performance. However, bacterial challenge tests indicated no significant antimicrobial activity. The findings highlight Cyrene’s potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional solvents, offering improved material properties and filtration performance. Despite these advantages, further studies are necessary to address solvent residuals and long-term safety considerations, ensuring its suitability for broader applications. |
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| Keywords: |
Cyrene, carbon nanotubes, nanofluid, nanocomposite, buckypaper, filtration membrane, sustainability, renewable chemistry |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The authors would like to thank the Circa Group for part-funding of this study through the RenewChem. The funder was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article, or the decision to submit it for publication. |
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1498279 |