Nanomaterials toward CO2 Reduction and Conversion

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2024 | Viewed by 11348

Special Issue Editor

Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
Interests: supercritical fluids; CO2 recycling; photocatalysis; electrocatalysis; photo-electrocatalysis; nanoparticles; nanofibers; nanocomposites; graphene; carbon nanotubes; carbon black; ultrafiltration; ceramic membranes; heavy metal ions; emerging pollutants
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has been recognized as the primary factor for global warming. In recent years, development of routes for highly efficient conversion of CO2 into fuels and added-value materials has received much attention as an integral part of carbon management. CO2 reduction can be achieved through a variety of technologies: mineralization, electrochemical conversion, thermochemical conversion, photochemical/photo-electrochemical conversion, enzymatic conversion, etc. Most of these processes are developed through nanostructured materials such as metal alloys and oxides, semiconductors, and carbonaceous supports in the form of nanoporous materials, nanostructured materials, quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanorods, nanofibers, nanotubes, nanohorns, nanoribbons, thin films, nanolayers, nanowalls, nanoclusters, foams, hydrogels, nanocomposite materials, electrodes, etc. These materials exhibit improved properties mainly due to their high surface-volume ratios.

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials will cover recent advancements in the synthesis, characterization, and assessment of different nanostructures during CO2 reduction processes, including deposition, doping, co-doping, support, functionalization, surface modification, junction, sensitization, immobilization, surface plasmon, clustering, self-assembly, etc.

Prof. Dr. Rafael Camarillo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • greenhouse gases
  • nanostructure
  • CO2 conversion
  • nanocomposite materials
  • heterogeneous catalysis
  • thermocatalysis
  • photocatalysis
  • electrocatalysis
  • photo-electrocatalysis
  • CO2 reduction

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3954 KiB  
Article
Morphology Effects on Electro- and Photo-Catalytic Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures
by Yevgeniya Y. Kedruk, Alessandra Contestabile, Juqin Zeng, Marco Fontana, Marco Laurenti, Lesya V. Gritsenko, Giancarlo Cicero, Candido F. Pirri and Khabibulla A. Abdullin
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(18), 2527; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13182527 - 09 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1057
Abstract
Environmental problems are among the most pressing issues in the modern world, including the shortage of clean drinking water partially caused by contamination from various industries and the excessive emission of CO2 primarily from the massive use of fossil fuels. Consequently, it [...] Read more.
Environmental problems are among the most pressing issues in the modern world, including the shortage of clean drinking water partially caused by contamination from various industries and the excessive emission of CO2 primarily from the massive use of fossil fuels. Consequently, it is crucial to develop inexpensive, effective, and environmentally friendly methods for wastewater treatment and CO2 reduction, turning them into useful feedstocks. This study explores a unique method that addresses both challenges by utilizing ZnO, which is recognized as one of the most active semiconductors for photocatalysis, as well as a cost-effective electrocatalyst for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Specifically, we investigate the influence of the morphology of various ZnO nanostructures synthesized via different low-cost routes on their photocatalytic properties for degrading the rhodamine-B dye (RhB) and on their electrocatalytic performance for the CO2RR. Our results show that the ZnO lamella morphology achieves the best performance compared to the nanorod and nanoparticle structures. This outcome is likely attributed to the lamella’s higher aspect ratio, which plays a critical role in determining the structural, optical, and electrical properties of ZnO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials toward CO2 Reduction and Conversion)
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21 pages, 5206 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Precursor on the Physicochemical Properties and Photoactivity of TiO2 Nanoparticles Produced in Supercritical CO2
by Óscar Ramiro Andrade, Rafael Camarillo, Fabiola Martínez, Carlos Jiménez and Jesusa Rincón
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(16), 2328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13162328 - 13 Aug 2023
Viewed by 922
Abstract
The synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in supercritical media has been reported over the last two decades. However, very few studies have compared the physicochemical characteristics and photoactivity of the TiO2 powders produced from different precursors, and even fewer have investigated [...] Read more.
The synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in supercritical media has been reported over the last two decades. However, very few studies have compared the physicochemical characteristics and photoactivity of the TiO2 powders produced from different precursors, and even fewer have investigated the effect of using different ratios of hydrolytic agent/precursor (HA/P) on the properties of the semiconductor. To bridge this knowledge gap, this research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of TiO2 NPs obtained in a supercritical CO2 medium from four different TiO2 precursors, namely diisopropoxytitanium bis (acetylacetonate) (TDB), titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TIP), titanium (IV) butoxide (TBO), and titanium (IV) 2-ethylhexyloxide (TEO). Further, the effect of various HA/P ratios (10, 20, 30, and 40 mol/mol) when using ethanol as a hydrolytic agent has also been analyzed. Results obtained have shown that the physicochemical properties of the catalysts are not significantly affected by these variables, although some differences do exist between the synthesized materials and their catalytic performances. Specifically, photocatalysts obtained from TIP and TEO at the higher HA/P ratios (HA/P = 30 and HA/P = 40) led to higher CO2 photoconversions (6.3–7 µmol·g−1·h−1, Apparent Quantum Efficiency < 0.1%), about three times higher than those attained with commercial TiO2 P-25. These results have been imputed to the fact that these catalysts exhibit appropriate values of crystal size, surface area, light absorption, and charge transfer properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials toward CO2 Reduction and Conversion)
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14 pages, 4012 KiB  
Article
One-Pot Mechanochemical Synthesis of Carbons with High Microporosity and Ordered Mesopores for CO2 Uptake at Ambient Conditions
by Rabindra Dubadi and Mietek Jaroniec
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(15), 2262; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13152262 - 07 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1203
Abstract
Mechanochemical synthesis of ordered mesoporous carbons with tunable mesopores and well-developed irregular microporosity is investigated. This synthesis was carried out by the self-assembly of ecofriendly chemicals such as tannin and glyoxal used as carbon precursors, and triblock copolymer as a soft templating agent. [...] Read more.
Mechanochemical synthesis of ordered mesoporous carbons with tunable mesopores and well-developed irregular microporosity is investigated. This synthesis was carried out by the self-assembly of ecofriendly chemicals such as tannin and glyoxal used as carbon precursors, and triblock copolymer as a soft templating agent. The structural properties of the resulting carbons were tailored by using different block copolymers (Pluronic F127, and P123) as soft templates. The various weight ratios of tannin and block copolymer were employed to tune the textural properties of these carbons. The tannin: Pluronic F127 ratios (1:0.75, 1:1, 1:1.1) gave the ordered mesoporous carbons among a wide variety of the samples studied. The ordered mesoporosity was not observed in the case of Pluronic P123 templated mesoporous carbons. The CO2-activated carbon samples obtained for both Pluronic templates showed a high specific surface area (close to 900 m2/g), large pore volume (about 0.6–0.7 cm3g−1), narrow pore size distribution, and high CO2 uptake of about 3.0 mmol g−1 at 1 bar pressure and ambient temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials toward CO2 Reduction and Conversion)
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19 pages, 7626 KiB  
Article
The Photocatalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Fuels Using Titanium Dioxide Nanosheets/Graphene Oxide Heterostructure as Photocatalyst
by Apisit Karawek, Kittipad Kittipoom, Labhassiree Tansuthepverawongse, Nutkamol Kitjanukit, Wannisa Neamsung, Napat Lertthanaphol, Prowpatchara Chanthara, Sakhon Ratchahat, Poomiwat Phadungbut, Pattaraporn Kim-Lohsoontorn and Sira Srinives
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(2), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13020320 - 12 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2637
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) photoreduction to high-value products is a technique for dealing with CO2 emissions. The method involves the molecular transformation of CO2 to hydrocarbon and alcohol-type chemicals, such as methane and methanol, relying on a photocatalyst, such as [...] Read more.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) photoreduction to high-value products is a technique for dealing with CO2 emissions. The method involves the molecular transformation of CO2 to hydrocarbon and alcohol-type chemicals, such as methane and methanol, relying on a photocatalyst, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). In this research, TiO2 nanosheets (TNS) were synthesized using a hydrothermal technique in the presence of a hydrofluoric acid (HF) soft template. The nanosheets were further composited with graphene oxide and doped with copper oxide in the hydrothermal process to create the copper−TiO2 nanosheets/graphene oxide (CTNSG). The CTNSG exhibited outstanding photoactivity in converting CO2 gas to methane and acetone. The production rate for methane and acetone was 12.09 and 0.75 µmol h−1 gcat−1 at 100% relative humidity, providing a total carbon consumption of 71.70 µmol gcat−1. The photoactivity of CTNSG was attributed to the heterostructure interior of the two two−dimensional nanostructures, the copper−TiO2 nanosheets and graphene oxide. The nanosheets−graphene oxide interfaces served as the n−p heterojunctions in holding active radicals for subsequent reactions. The heterostructure also directed the charge transfer, which promoted electron−hole separation in the photocatalyst. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials toward CO2 Reduction and Conversion)
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Review

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24 pages, 3778 KiB  
Review
Recent Developments in Lead and Lead-Free Halide Perovskite Nanostructures towards Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
by Chaitanya B. Hiragond, Niket S. Powar and Su-Il In
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(12), 2569; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10122569 - 21 Dec 2020
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5014
Abstract
Perovskite materials have been widely considered as emerging photocatalysts for CO2 reduction due to their extraordinary physicochemical and optical properties. Perovskites offer a wide range of benefits compared to conventional semiconductors, including tunable bandgap, high surface energy, high charge carrier lifetime, and [...] Read more.
Perovskite materials have been widely considered as emerging photocatalysts for CO2 reduction due to their extraordinary physicochemical and optical properties. Perovskites offer a wide range of benefits compared to conventional semiconductors, including tunable bandgap, high surface energy, high charge carrier lifetime, and flexible crystal structure, making them ideal for high-performance photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Notably, defect-induced perovskites, for example, crystallographic defects in perovskites, have given excellent opportunities to tune perovskites’ catalytic properties. Recently, lead (Pb) halide perovskite and their composites or heterojunction with other semiconductors, metal nanoparticles (NPs), metal complexes, graphene, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been well established for CO2 conversion. Besides, various halide perovskites have come under focus to avoid the toxicity of lead-based materials. Therefore, we reviewed the recent progress made by Pb and Pb-free halide perovskites in photo-assisted CO2 reduction into useful chemicals. We also discussed the importance of various factors like change in solvent, structure defects, and compositions in the fabrication of halide perovskites to efficiently convert CO2 into value-added products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials toward CO2 Reduction and Conversion)
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