D. Sarkar
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB),
Bangladesh
Keywords: Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), rare-earth metal oxides, polymer nanocomposites, thermal stability, photocatalysis, green synthesis
Summary:
Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have gained significant attention as nanofillers in polymer composites due to their exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. However, their practical applications remain limited by poor dispersion in polymer matrices and weak interfacial interactions. In this study, we propose a novel hybrid functionalization strategy by integrating MWCNTs with rare-earth metal oxides (CeO₂, La₂O₃, and Y₂O₃) to enhance the thermal and photocatalytic properties of polymer nanocomposites. Unlike conventional metal oxides such as TiO₂ and ZnO, rare-earth oxides exhibit superior thermal stability, oxygen storage capacity, and photocatalytic activity, making them ideal candidates for advanced multifunctional materials. A green synthesis approach was employed to modify MWCNTs with rare-earth oxides, ensuring minimal environmental impact while preserving the structural integrity of the nanotubes. The resulting hybrid nanomaterials were incorporated into polymer matrices to evaluate their effects on thermal conductivity, degradation resistance, and photocatalytic efficiency under UV and visible light exposure. Morphological and structural characterizations using TEM, XRD, and FTIR confirmed the successful integration of metal oxides onto MWCNT surfaces. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated a significant improvement in thermal stability, with enhanced heat dissipation observed in composite films. Furthermore, photocatalytic studies revealed that the rare-earth oxide-modified MWCNTs facilitated the degradation of organic pollutants, making them potential candidates for self-cleaning and environmental remediation applications. This research presents a unique and unexplored approach to hybrid nanocomposite development, offering a dual-functional material with both enhanced thermal and photocatalytic properties. The findings suggest that rare-earth oxide-functionalized MWCNT/polymer composites can be promising materials for high-temperature coatings, wearable electronics, and sustainable environmental technologies.