S. Daneshvar E Asl, S. K. Sadrnezhaad,
Volume 36, Issue 3 (11-2017)
Abstract
TiO2/MWCNT nanocomposite thin films containing different percentages of multi-walled carbon nanotubes were coated on fluorinated tin oxide substrates by sol-gel dip coating method. Results of X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the crystal structure of the coatings was anatase TiO2. It was also understood that the size of crystallites reduced with CNT but structural properties and equilibrium phase remain intact. Field emission scanning electron microscope images showed that CNTs dispersed uniformly among 45 nm spherical TiO2 particles of close relations. These images also showed that CNT promoted cracks on the coated surface. Results of the UV-Vis spectroscopy showed that the visible light range adsorption increased with CNT and the absorption edge did not significantly differ with the pure TiO2 layers.. Results of the photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that the presence of CNT could reduce the pair electron–electron holes recombination which is considered totally undesirable.
N. Bahremandi Tolou, H. R. Salimi Jazi, M. Kharaziha, N. Lisi, G. Faggio, A. Tamburrano,
Volume 39, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
In recent years, graphene has been considered in various tissue engineering applications such as nerve guide conduits because of its unique properties such as high electrical and mechanical properties, porous structure for exchange of nutritious and waste materials, biocompatible, capability of drug and growth factor delivery. In the current study, nerve guide conduits based on a 3D graphene were synthesized by induction heating chemical vapor deposition (ICVD). Graphene was synthesized on Ni foam template at 1080 ͦC. Fabricated samples were characterized by Raman analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Raman analysis showed that the synthesized graphene is in the form of a turbostratic multilayered graphene with little defects. Cyclododecane (CD) as a temporary protective layer was used to remove nickel. After removing nickel, the free-standing 3D-graphene structure was coated with a polymer (PCL) by drop and dip coating methods to obtain the composite conduit. A comparison of the electromechanical results of the 3D-graphene/PCL conduit and PCL conduit indicated that firstly, grapheme increased the electrical conductivity of the composite conduit which will help promote nerve regeneration and axon growth. Secondly, tensile strength and flexibility of the 3D-graphene/PCL conduit was improved compared to the PCL conduit.
