Synthesis And Characterization Of Engineered Carbon Based Nanoparticles By Arc Discharge Plasma

The concept of nanotechnology is attributed to Nobel prize winner Richard Feynman who gave a very famous, visionary in 1959 (published in 1960) during one of his lectures, saying: "the principles of physic, as far as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of maneuvering things atom by atom". At the time, Feynman's words were received as pure science fiction". Today, we have instruments that allow precisely what Feynman had predicted: creating structures by moving atoms individually. In principle, the ultimate results of this research study leads to the synthesis of magnetic and porous carbon based nanoparticles as the material and tool for biomedical applications. Currently, we are in a battle with a dangerous and destructive diseases such as cancers, and nanotechnology is then presented as a tool that can help us win control. This work is to support medical and other applications of nanotechnology specifically aimed to prepare carbon based nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles are being of great interest because of their unique properties especially in drug delivery, hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging and cell separation. In many clinical situations, medication doses are oversized as a result of impaired drug absorption or tissue unspecific delivery. The ultimate goal of magnetically controlled drug delivery and drug therapy is to selectively delivering drug molecules to the diseased site without a concurrent increase in its level in healthy tissues. Consequently, in this research study the objective is to develop an approach to control the synthesis of carbon encapsulated iron nanoparticles in the form of core@shell nanostructure. Accordingly, understanding and revealing the growth mechanism of carbon encapsulated iron nanoparticles is necessary by doing characterization. Furthermore, engineering of suitable carbon based nanoparticles for biomedical applications has been also considered. Common challenges for synthesis of carbon encapsulated iron nanoparticles are improving uniformity, enhancing coating protection and controlling particles compositions, shape and core/shell sizes. In addition, due to the lack of comprehensive understanding of the optimal parameters and formation mechanism most of the current fabrication process are empirical, which means a large number of experimental trials are required to optimize any given process. Since the last two decades, arc discharge technique leads to the discovery of two important carbon based materials, nanotubes and fullerenes. However, the formation of nanomaterials by thermal plasma still remains poorly understood and need further investigation. The focus in this study is on synthesis of carbon based nanoparticles by arc discharge method, particularly carbon encapsulated iron nanoparticles in the form of Core@Shell nanostructure. An arc discharge reactor that was patented by FEMAN group was used with slight modification. The growth processes were elucidated through many experiments and characterizations. Precise control over carbon encapsulated iron nanoparticles were addressed. In addition, a new carbon encapsulated multi iron nanoparticles is introduced. The results have been lead to new elements for understanding the growth mechanism of iron core and carbon shell nanostructure. In order to improve the synthesis process, a new modified arc discharge reactor was developed and implemented. Two new materials are prepared through a new facile synthetic method; carbon nanoparticles decorated by fullerenes and spherical porous carbon microparticles. Last but not least, in this research medical application requirements have been taken into account to prepare suitable nanoparticle.

In this project fundamental issues related to synthesis of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), which is relationship between plasma parameters and SWNT characteristics were investigated. Given that among plasma-based techniques arc discharge stands out as very advantageous in several ways (fewer defects, high flexibility, longer lifetime) this techniques warrants attention from the plasma physics and plasma technology standpoint. Both experimental and theoretical investigations of the plasma and SWNTs synthesis were conducted. Experimental efforts focused on plasma diagnostics, measurements of nanostructures parameters, and nanoparticle characterization. Theoretical efforts focused to focus on multi-dimensional modeling of the arc discharge and single wall nanotube synthesis in arc plasmas. It was demonstrated in experiment and theoretically that controlling plasma parameters can affect nanostucture synthesis altering SWNT properties (length and diameter) and leading to synthesis of new structures such as a few-layer graphene. Among clearly identified parameters affecting synthesis are magnetic and electric fields. Knowledge of the plasma parameters and discharge characteristics is crucial for ability to control synthesis process by virtue of both magnetic and electric fields. New graduate course on plasma engineering was introduced into curriculum. 3 undergraduate students were attracted to the project and 3 graduate students (two are female) were involved in the project. Undergraduate student from Historically Black University was attracted and participated in the project during Summer 2010.

This volume covers all aspects of carbon and oxide based nanostructured materials. The topics include synthesis, characterization and application of carbon-based namely carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibres, fullerenes, carbon filled composites etc. In addition, metal oxides namely, ZnO, TiO2, Fe2O3, ferrites, garnets etc., for various applications like sensors, solar cells, transformers, antennas, catalysts, batteries, lubricants, are presented. The book also includes the modeling of oxide and carbon based nanomaterials. The book covers the topics: Synthesis, characterization and application of carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibres, fullerenes Synthesis, characterization and application of oxide based nanomaterials. Nanostructured magnetic and electric materials and their applications. Nanostructured materials for petro-chemical industry. Oxide and carbon based thin films for electronics and sustainable energy. Theory, calculations and modeling of nanostructured materials.

With the proliferation of electronic devices, the world will need to double its energy supply by 2050. This book addresses this challenge and discusses synthesis and characterization of carbon nanomaterials for energy conversion and storage. Addresses one of the leading challenges facing society today as we steer away from dwindling supplies of fossil fuels and a rising need for electric power due to the proliferation of electronic products Promotes the use of carbon nanomaterials for energy applications Systematic coverage: synthesis, characterization, and a wide array of carbon nanomaterials are described Detailed descriptions of solar cells, electrodes, thermoelectrics, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion-based storage Discusses special architecture required for energy storage including hydrogen, methane, etc.

After a brief introduction to the fundamental properties of graphene, this book focuses on synthesis, characterization and application of various types of two-dimensional (2D) nanocarbons ranging from single/few layer graphene to carbon nanowalls and graphene oxides. Three major synthesis techniques are covered: epitaxial growth of graphene on SiC, chemical synthesis of graphene on metal, and chemical vapor deposition of vertically aligned carbon nanosheets or nanowalls. One chapter is dedicated to characterization of 2D nanocarbon using Raman spectroscopy. It provides extensive coverage for applications of 2D carbon in energy storage including supercapacitor, lithium ion battery and fuel cells.

Presenting the most relevant advances for employing carbon-based nanostructured materials for analytical purposes, this book serves as a reference manual that guides readers through the possibilities and helps when selecting the most appropriate material for targeted analytical applications. It critically discusses the role these nanomaterials can play in sample preparation, separation procedures and detection limit improvements whilst also considering the future trends in this field. Useful to direct initiatives, this book fills a gap in the literature for graduate students and professional researchers discussing the advantages and limitations across analytical chemistry in industry and academia.

The study of nanostructures has become, in recent years, a theme common to many disciplines, in which scientists and engineers manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular level in order to obtain materials and systems with significantly improved properties. Carbon nanomaterials have a unique place in nanoscience owing to their exceptional thermal, electrical, chemical, and mechanical properties, finding application in areas as diverse as super strong composite materials, energy storage and conversion, supercapacitors, smart sensors, targeted drug delivery, paints, and nanoelectronics. This book is the first to cover a broad spectrum of carbon nanomaterials, namely carbon nanofibers, vapor-grown carbon fibers, different forms of amorphous nanocarbons besides carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, graphene, graphene nanoribbons, graphene quantum dots, etc. in a single volume.