RUO2 nanoparticle-decorated MWCNTS synthesized using a sonochemical method as reinforcing agents for PEI composite membranes

Abstract

This work presents a new and facile synthesis approach for multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with ruthenium oxide (RuO₂) nanoparticles using a simple and efficient sonochemical method. The strong interaction and homogenous distribution of RuO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of MWCNTs were revealed by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The presence of metal oxide nanoparticles anchored onto the surface of MWCNTs was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Furthermore, the chemical state of the MWCNTs before and after decoration with RuO₂ was revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated that the decoration process did not induce any modification on the morphology of the surface of MWCNTs. The percentage of RuO₂ nanoparticles anchored onto the MWCNT surface was determined by thermogravimetric analysis, where 15% could be calculated considering the weight loss. Furthermore, both MWCNTs and decorated MWCNTs with RuO₂ nanoparticles were used as nanofillers to develop some composite membranes using polyetherimine as polymer matrices. The morphological and structural properties of the membranes were characterized by SEM and XRD. The mechanical properties of the composite membranes, contact angle and antimicrobial properties using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were also studied.