Journal Description
C — Journal of Carbon Research
C
— Journal of Carbon Research is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal on carbon research, published quarterly online by MDPI. The Spanish Carbon Group (GEC) is affiliated with C — Journal of Carbon Research and its members receive discounts on article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Materials Science, Multidisciplinary)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2023)
Latest Articles
Numerical Assessment of Effective Elastic Properties of Needled Carbon/Carbon Composites Based on a Multiscale Method
C 2024, 10(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030085 (registering DOI) - 16 Sep 2024
Abstract
Needled carbon/carbon composites contain complex microstructures such as irregular pores, anisotropic pyrolytic carbon, and interphases between fibers and pyrolytic carbon matrices. Additionally, these composites have hierarchical structures including weftless plies, short-cut fiber plies, and needled regions. To predict the effective elastic properties of
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Needled carbon/carbon composites contain complex microstructures such as irregular pores, anisotropic pyrolytic carbon, and interphases between fibers and pyrolytic carbon matrices. Additionally, these composites have hierarchical structures including weftless plies, short-cut fiber plies, and needled regions. To predict the effective elastic properties of needled carbon/carbon composites, this paper proposes a novel sequential multiscale method. At the microscale, representative volume element (RVE) models are established based on the microstructures of the weftless ply, short-cut fiber ply, and needled region, respectively. In the microscale RVE model, a modified Voronoi tessellation method is developed to characterize anisotropic pyrolytic carbon matrices. At the macroscale, an RVE model containing hierarchical structures is developed to predict the effective elastic properties of needled carbon/carbon composites. For the data interaction between scales, the homogenization results of microscale models are used as inputs for the macroscale model. By comparing these against the experimental results, the proposed multiscale model is validated. Furthermore, the effect of porosity on the effective elastic properties of needled carbon/carbon composites is investigated based on the multiscale model. The results show that the effective elastic properties of needled carbon/carbon composites decrease with the increase in porosity, but the extent of decrease is different in different directions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro/Nanofabrication of Carbon-Based Devices and Their Applications)
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Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Carbon Dots: A Hybrid Approach with Levofloxacin, Curcumin, and Tea Polyphenols
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Khurram Abbas, Haimei Zhu, Weixia Qin, Meiyan Wang, Zijian Li and Hong Bi
C 2024, 10(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030084 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Bacterial infections and their increasing resistance to antibiotics pose a significant challenge in medical treatment. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of novel carbon dots (CDs) using levofloxacin (Lf), curcumin (Cur), and tea polyphenols (TP) through a facile hydrothermal method. The synthesized
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Bacterial infections and their increasing resistance to antibiotics pose a significant challenge in medical treatment. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of novel carbon dots (CDs) using levofloxacin (Lf), curcumin (Cur), and tea polyphenols (TP) through a facile hydrothermal method. The synthesized curcumin-tea polyphenol@carbon dots (Cur-TP@CDs) and levofloxacin-tea polyphenol@carbon dots (Lf-TP@CDs) were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy, confirming their unique structural and chemical properties. Cur-TP@CDs exhibited an average particle size of 1.32 nanometers (nm), while Lf-TP@CDs averaged 1.58 nm. Both types demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with Lf-TP@CDs showing superior effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in broth dilution and disc diffusion assays. Biofilm inhibition assays revealed a significant reduction in biofilm formation at higher concentrations. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectral analyses indicated efficient photon emission, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis showed increased singlet oxygen generation, enhancing bactericidal effects. Live and dead bacterial staining followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed dose-dependent bacterial cell damage and morphological deformities. These findings suggest that Cur-TP@CDs and Lf-TP@CDs are promising antibacterial agents, potentially offering a novel approach to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanohybrids for Biomedical Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Emission Ellipsometry Study in Polymeric Interfaces Based on Poly(3-Hexylthiophene), [6,6]-Phenyl-C61-Butyric Acid Methyl Ester, and Reduced Graphene Oxide
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Ana Clarissa Henrique Kolbow, Everton Crestani Rambo, Maria Ruth Neponucena dos Santos, Paulo Ernesto Marchezi, Ana Flávia Nogueira, Alexandre Marletta, Romildo Jerônimo Ramos and Eralci Moreira Therézio
C 2024, 10(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030083 - 11 Sep 2024
Abstract
We analyzed the interaction of three materials, reduced graphene oxide (RGO), [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and poly(3-hexylthiphene) (P3HT), as well as the dependence of its photophysical properties within the temperature range of 90 to 300 K. The nanocomposite of the
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We analyzed the interaction of three materials, reduced graphene oxide (RGO), [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and poly(3-hexylthiphene) (P3HT), as well as the dependence of its photophysical properties within the temperature range of 90 to 300 K. The nanocomposite of the films was analyzed by optical absorption ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) and emission ellipsometry (EE) as a function of sample temperature. The surface morphology was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We noted that onset levels (Eonset) of the nanocomposite of P3HT and RGO are smaller than the others. The PL spectra showed the presence of anomalies in the emission intensities in the nanocomposite of P3HT and PCBM. It was also possible to determine the electron–phonon coupling by calculating the Huang–Rhys parameters and the temperature dependence of samples. Through EE, it was possible to analyze the degree of polarization and the anisotropy. We observed a high degree of polarized emission of the P3HT films, which varies subtly according to the temperature. For nanocomposites with RGO, the polarization degree in the emission decreases, and the roughness on the surface increases. As a result, the RGO improves the energy transfer between adjacent polymer chains at the cost of greater surface roughness. Then, the greater energy transfer may favor applications of this type of nanocomposite in organic photovoltaic cells (OPVCs) with enhancement in energy conversion efficiency.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Processing, Characterization and Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
A Novel Non-Enzymatic Efficient H2O2 Sensor Utilizing δ-FeOOH and Prussian Blue Anchoring on Carbon Felt Electrode
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Karoline S. Nantes, Ana L. H. K. Ferreira, Marcio C. Pereira, Francisco G. E. Nogueira and André S. Afonso
C 2024, 10(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030082 - 9 Sep 2024
Abstract
In this study, an efficient H2O2 sensor was developed based on electrochemical Prussian blue (PB) synthesized from the acid suspension of δ-FeOOH and K3[Fe(CN)6] using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and anchored on carbon felt (CF), yielding an
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In this study, an efficient H2O2 sensor was developed based on electrochemical Prussian blue (PB) synthesized from the acid suspension of δ-FeOOH and K3[Fe(CN)6] using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and anchored on carbon felt (CF), yielding an enhanced CF/PB-FeOOH electrode for sensing of H2O2 in pH-neutral solution. CF/PB-FeOOH electrode construction was proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical properties were verified by impedance electrochemical and CV. The synergy of δ-FeOOH and PB coupled to CF increases electrocatalytic activity toward H2O2, with the sensor showing a linear range of 1.2 to 300 μM and a limit of detection of 0.36 μM. Notably, the CF/PB-FeOOH electrode exhibited excellent selectivity for H2O2 detection in the presence of dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), and ascorbic acid (AA). The calculated H2O2 recovery rates varied between 93% and 101% in fetal bovine serum diluted in PBS. This work underscores the potential of CF/PB-FeOOH electrodes in progressing electrochemical sensing technologies for various biological and environmental applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)
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Open AccessArticle
Miscanthus-Derived Biochar as a Platform for the Production of Fillers for the Improvement of Mechanical and Electromagnetic Properties of Epoxy Composites
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Salvatore Scavuzzo, Silvia Zecchi, Giovanni Cristoforo, Carlo Rosso, Daniele Torsello, Gianluca Ghigo, Luca Lavagna, Mauro Giorcelli, Alberto Tagliaferro, Marco Etzi and Mattia Bartoli
C 2024, 10(3), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030081 - 5 Sep 2024
Abstract
The production of multipurpose sustainable fillers is a matter of great interest, and biochar can play a pivotal role. Biochar is a biomass-derived carbon source that can act as a versatile platform for the engineering of fillers as neat or functionalized materials. In
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The production of multipurpose sustainable fillers is a matter of great interest, and biochar can play a pivotal role. Biochar is a biomass-derived carbon source that can act as a versatile platform for the engineering of fillers as neat or functionalized materials. In this work, we investigate the utilization of 800 °C annealed Miscanthus-derived biochar as a filler for the production of epoxy composites with promising mechanical and electrical properties. We also used it in the production of an iron-rich hybrid filler in order to fine-tune the surface and bulk properties. Our main findings reveal that hybrid composites containing 20 wt.% biochar exhibit a 27% increase in Young’s modulus (YM), reaching 1.4 ± 0.1 GPa, while the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) peaks at 30.3 ± 1.8 Mpa with 10 wt.% filler, a 27% improvement over pure epoxy. However, higher filler loadings (20 wt.%) result in decreased UTS and maximum elongation. The optimal toughness of 0.58 ± 0.14 MJ/m³ is observed at 5 wt.% filler content. For organic composites, YM sees a notable increase of 90%, reaching 2.1 ± 0.1 Gpa at 20 wt.%, and UTS improves by 32% with the same filler content. Flexural tests indicate an enhanced elastic modulus but reduced maximum elongation as filler content rises. Electromagnetic evaluations show that hybrid fillers maintain a primarily dielectric behavior with a negligible impact on permittivity, while biochar–epoxy composites exhibit increased conductivity at higher filler loadings, suitable for high-frequency applications. In light of these results, biochar-based fillers demonstrate significant potential for enhancing the mechanical and electrical properties of epoxy composites.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Processing, Characterization and Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
The Influence of Annealing Temperature on the Interfacial Heat Transfer in Pulsed Laser Deposition-Grown Ga2O3 on Diamond Composite Substrates
by
Lin Gu, Yi Shen, Wenjie Chen, Yuanhui Zuo, Hongping Ma and Qingchun Zhang
C 2024, 10(3), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030080 - 4 Sep 2024
Abstract
As devices become more miniaturized and integrated, the heat flux density has increased, highlighting the issue of heat concentration, especially for low thermal conductivity gallium oxide (Ga2O3). This study utilizes diamond composite substrates with an AlN transition layer to
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As devices become more miniaturized and integrated, the heat flux density has increased, highlighting the issue of heat concentration, especially for low thermal conductivity gallium oxide (Ga2O3). This study utilizes diamond composite substrates with an AlN transition layer to assist Ga2O3 in rapid thermal dissipation. All samples were prepared using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and annealed at 600–1000 °C. The microstructure, surface morphology, vacancy defects, and thermal characteristics of post-annealed Ga2O3 were then thoroughly investigated to determine the mechanism by which annealing temperature influences the heat transfer of heterostructures. The results demonstrate that increasing the annealing temperature can improve the crystallinity of Ga2O3 while also reducing oxygen vacancy defects from 20.6% to 9.9%. As the temperature rises to 1000 °C, the thermal conductivity of Ga2O3 reaches a maximum of 12.25 W/(m·K). However, the interface microstructure has no direct correlation with annealing temperature. At 700 °C, Ga2O3/diamond exhibits a maximum thermal boundary conductance of 127.06 MW/(m2·K). Higher temperatures (>800 °C) cause irregular mixtures to form near the heterointerface, intensifying phonon interface scattering and sharply deteriorating interfacial heat transfer. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the heterointerface thermal transfer influence mechanism and provide theoretical guidance for the thermal management design and physical analysis of Ga2O3-based power devices.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro/Nanofabrication of Carbon-Based Devices and Their Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
One-Stage Synthesis of Microporous Carbon Adsorbents from Walnut Shells—Evolution of Porosity and Structure
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Ilya E. Men’shchikov, Andrey A. Shiryaev, Andrey V. Shkolin, Alexander E. Grinchenko, Elena V. Khozina, Alexey A. Averin and Anatolii A. Fomkin
C 2024, 10(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030079 - 2 Sep 2024
Abstract
One-stage synthesis technology for preparing carbon adsorbents with tailored porosity from agricultural waste is worthwhile due to their extensive application value. Thermal gravimetric analysis, low-temperature N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and Raman spectroscopy were used to record the
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One-stage synthesis technology for preparing carbon adsorbents with tailored porosity from agricultural waste is worthwhile due to their extensive application value. Thermal gravimetric analysis, low-temperature N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and Raman spectroscopy were used to record the structure transformations of carbon materials, namely pore development, proceeding in the course of the step-wise pyrolysis of renewable and low-cost raw materials such as walnut shells (WNSs), which was carried out within a temperature range of 240–950 °C in a CO2 flow. The minimum threshold carbonization temperature for preparing nanoporous carbon materials from WNSs, determined by the examination of the N2 adsorption data, was 500 °C. The maximum specific micropore volume and BET surface achieved in the process without holding a material at a specified temperature were only 0.19 cm3/g and 440 m2/g, respectively. The pyrolysis at 400–600 °C produced amorphous sp2 carbon. At a temperature as high as 750 °C, an increase in the X-ray reflection intensity indicated the ordering of graphite-like crystallites. At high burn-off degrees, the size of coherently scattering domains becomes smaller, and an increased background in X-ray patterns indicates the destruction of cellulose nanofibrils, the disordering of graphene stacks, and an increase in the amount of disordered carbon. At this stage, pores develop in the crystallites. They are tentatively assigned to crystallites with sizes of 15–20 nm and to micropores. According to the Raman spectra combined with the XRD and SAXS data, the structure of all the pyrolysis products is influenced by the complex structure of the walnut shell precursor, which comprises cellulose nanofibrils embedded in lignin. This structure was preserved in the initial stage of pyrolysis, and the graphitization of cellulose fibrils and lignin proceeds at different rates. Most of the pores accessible for gas molecules in the resulting carbon materials are associated with former cellulose fibrils.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Disorder in Carbons (2nd Edition))
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Research Progress in Graphene-Based Adsorbents for Wastewater Treatment: Preparation, Adsorption Properties and Mechanisms for Inorganic and Organic Pollutants
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Guangqian Li, Ruiling Du, Zhanfang Cao, Changxin Li, Jianrong Xue, Xin Ma and Shuai Wang
C 2024, 10(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030078 - 29 Aug 2024
Abstract
Graphene-based adsorbents show great potential for application in the field of environmental pollution treatment due to their unique two-dimensional structure, high specific surface area, and tunable surface chemistry. This paper reviews the research on the application of graphene and its derivatives as novel
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Graphene-based adsorbents show great potential for application in the field of environmental pollution treatment due to their unique two-dimensional structure, high specific surface area, and tunable surface chemistry. This paper reviews the research on the application of graphene and its derivatives as novel adsorbents in the field of wastewater treatment in recent years, focusing on the preparation and functionalization of graphene-based adsorbents, as well as their adsorption performance and mechanism of action in the removal of inorganic and organic pollutants, and provides an outlook on the future directions of the research on graphene-based adsorbents. The analysis in this paper focuses on the functionalization of graphene-based adsorbents by introducing magnetic particles, hybridization with other materials, and grafting with polymers. The modified graphene-based adsorbents showed significant adsorption and removal of pollutants and were easy to recycle and regenerate. The adsorption of pollutants on graphene-based adsorbents is mainly carried out through π–π interaction, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interaction, which is related to the structure of the pollutants. Future research directions on graphene-based adsorbents should focus on in-depth adsorption mechanism studies and the development of cost-effective graphene-based adsorbents for wastewater treatment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Materials Applied in Water and Wastewater Treatment)
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Charcoal in Anaerobic Digestion: Part 1—Characterisation of Charcoal
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Hans Korte, Jan Sprafke, Pooja Girdharbhai Parmar, Thomas Steiner, Ruth Freitag and Volker Haag
C 2024, 10(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030077 - 26 Aug 2024
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Biochar (BC) is often used as an additive in anaerobic digestion (AD) to increase yield and/or to stabilise the process when the manure content is increased. Unfortunately, BC is rarely described in detail in terms of its raw material sources, production processes, and
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Biochar (BC) is often used as an additive in anaerobic digestion (AD) to increase yield and/or to stabilise the process when the manure content is increased. Unfortunately, BC is rarely described in detail in terms of its raw material sources, production processes, and structural, physical and chemical properties to allow correlation with its effects on AD. It is an open question whether microorganisms from AD can penetrate into different biochar pore types, depending on their wood origin. In this paper, we describe the preparation (temperatures, treatment times, yields) and characterisation shrinkage, density, pore sizes, pore size distribution, specific surface area, ash, volatiles, fixed carbon, elemental composition, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), benzene, toluene, ethyl-toluene, xylene (BTEX) and volatile halogenated hydrocarbons (VHH) of BC cubes of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and common beech (Fagus sylvatica) powder made from this BC in addition to commercial charcoal powder. The pore size distribution determined by mercury porosimetry differs from that determined by 3D-reflected light microscopy. After incubating BC cubes in AD, the cubes were mechanically cleaned and cut into two pieces. Microorganisms were detected inside the cubes by fluorescence microscopy. Particle size and wood source determine the influence of BC on AD.
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Open AccessArticle
Low-Temperature Annealing of Nanoscale Defects in Polycrystalline Graphite
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Gongyuan Liu, Hajin Oh, Md Hafijur Rahman, Jing Du, William Windes and Aman Haque
C 2024, 10(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030076 - 26 Aug 2024
Abstract
Polycrystalline graphite contains multi-scale defects, which are difficult to anneal thermally because of the extremely high temperatures involved in the manufacturing process. In this study, we demonstrate annealing of nuclear graphite NBG-18 at temperatures below 28 °C, exploiting the electron wind force, a
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Polycrystalline graphite contains multi-scale defects, which are difficult to anneal thermally because of the extremely high temperatures involved in the manufacturing process. In this study, we demonstrate annealing of nuclear graphite NBG-18 at temperatures below 28 °C, exploiting the electron wind force, a non-thermal stimulus. High current density pulses were passed through the specimens with a very low-duty cycle so that the electron momentum could mobilize the defects without heating the specimen. The effectiveness of this technique is presented with a significant decrease in electrical resistivity, defect counts from X-ray computed tomography, Raman spectroscopy, and nanoindentation-based mechanical characterization. Such multi-modal evidence highlights the feasibility of nanoscale defect control at temperatures about two orders of magnitude below the graphitization temperature.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Disorder in Carbons (2nd Edition))
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Enhanced Tetracycline Removal from Water through Synergistic Adsorption and Photodegradation Using Lignocellulose-Derived Hydrothermal Carbonation Carbon
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Yanchi Zhou, Xingdi Ma, Zhonglin Chen, Ruihang Chen, Yingxu Gong, Lei Cui, Jing Kang, Jimin Shen, Shengxin Zhao and Chen Li
C 2024, 10(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030075 - 20 Aug 2024
Abstract
Hydrothermal carbonation carbon (HTCC) is emerging as a promising material for the adsorption and photodegradation of environmental contaminants. However, the chemical and structural properties of HTCC derived from different lignocellulose biomass have obvious impacts on adsorption and photodegradation. This work employed three different
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Hydrothermal carbonation carbon (HTCC) is emerging as a promising material for the adsorption and photodegradation of environmental contaminants. However, the chemical and structural properties of HTCC derived from different lignocellulose biomass have obvious impacts on adsorption and photodegradation. This work employed three different lignocellulose components, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin to synthesize HTCC within a hydrothermal temperature range of 210~290 °C. In comparison to HTCC derived from cellulose and hemicellulose, HTCC derived from lignin (HTCC-L) demonstrated the optimal synergistic adsorption and photodegradation ability for TC degradation, achieving a 63.5% removal efficiency within 120 min. Characterization highlighted the crucial involvement of oxygenated functional groups, especially carboxyl groups, presented on the surface of HTCC-L in TC adsorption. Moreover, the photodegradation of HTCC-L was found to follow a non-radical mechanism, characterized by the charge transformation occurring between the excited unpaired electrons of HTCC-L and TC adsorbed on its surface. This work clarified the differences in HTCC derived from different lignocellulose components on the adsorption and photodegradation of organic pollutants, and provided a novel perspective on the application of HTCC in water treatment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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The Flower-Shaped Co (II) and Cu (II) Phthalocyanine Polymers as Highly Efficient and Stable Catalysts for Chemical Fixation of CO2 to Cyclic Carbonate
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Yuyang Zhou, Shengyu Shao, Xiang Han, Baocheng Zhou, Yifeng Han, Xiaoping Dong and Sanchuan Yu
C 2024, 10(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030074 - 19 Aug 2024
Abstract
New flower-shaped metallophthalocyanine polymers (THB-4-M, M = Co, Cu) have been synthesized by using 1,3,5-Tri(4-hydroxyphenhyl) benzene (THB) as rigid and contorted units to control the morphology under the solvothermal method. The polymers were characterized using FT-IR, UV-vis, SEM, TGA, and XPS. These polymers
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New flower-shaped metallophthalocyanine polymers (THB-4-M, M = Co, Cu) have been synthesized by using 1,3,5-Tri(4-hydroxyphenhyl) benzene (THB) as rigid and contorted units to control the morphology under the solvothermal method. The polymers were characterized using FT-IR, UV-vis, SEM, TGA, and XPS. These polymers were applied as heterogeneous catalysts for the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to cyclic carbonates without solvent. The influence of reaction parameters and different metal centers on the catalytic performance were studied in detail. Under optimal conditions, the catalysts showed high conversion (49.9–99.0%), selectivity (over 85%), and reusability at ambient conditions (at 1 bar CO2).
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(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Cycle, Capture and Storage)
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Open AccessCommunication
H2 Adsorption on Small Pd-Ni Clusters Deposited on N-Doped Graphene: A Theoretical Study
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Brenda García-Hilerio, Lidia Santiago-Silva, Adriana Vásquez-García, Alejandro Gomez-Sanchez, Víctor A. Franco-Luján and Heriberto Cruz-Martínez
C 2024, 10(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030073 - 13 Aug 2024
Abstract
The study of novel materials for H2 storage is essential to consolidate the hydrogen as a clean energy source. In this sense, the H2 adsorption on Pd4-nNin (n = 0–3) clusters embedded on pyridinic-type N-doped graphene (PNG) was
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The study of novel materials for H2 storage is essential to consolidate the hydrogen as a clean energy source. In this sense, the H2 adsorption on Pd4-nNin (n = 0–3) clusters embedded on pyridinic-type N-doped graphene (PNG) was investigated using density functional theory calculations. First, the properties of Pd4-nNin (n = 0–3) clusters embedded on PNG were analyzed in detail. Then, the H2 adsorption on these composites was computed. The Eint between the Pd4-nNin (n = 0–3) clusters and the PNG was greater than that computed in the literature for Pd-based systems embedded on pristine graphene. Consequently, it was deduced that PNG can more significantly stabilize the Pd4-nNin (n = 0–3) clusters. The analyzed composites exhibited a HOMO–LUMO gap less than 1 eV, indicating good reactivity. Based on the Eads of H2 on Pd4-nNin (n = 0–3) clusters embedded on PNG, it was observed that the analyzed systems meet the standards set by the DOE. Therefore, these composites can be viable alternatives for hydrogen storage.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption on Carbon-Based Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Synthesis of Ni@SiC/CNFs Composite and Its Microwave-Induced Catalytic Activity
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Haibo Ouyang, Jiaqi Liu, Cuiyan Li, Leer Bao, Tianzhan Shen and Yanlei Li
C 2024, 10(3), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030072 - 9 Aug 2024
Abstract
Carbon nanomaterials are promising microwave catalytic materials due to their abundant inhomogeneous interfaces capable of producing ideal interfacial polarization and multiple relaxation, which are favorable for microwave attenuation and dissipation. However, the microwave absorption performance of carbon materials is not ideal in practical
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Carbon nanomaterials are promising microwave catalytic materials due to their abundant inhomogeneous interfaces capable of producing ideal interfacial polarization and multiple relaxation, which are favorable for microwave attenuation and dissipation. However, the microwave absorption performance of carbon materials is not ideal in practical applications due to poor impedance matching and single dielectric loss. To solve this problem, a ternary system of “carbon-magnetic” Ni@SiC/CNFs (C/Ni, C/SiC) composites was synthesized by electrostatic spinning, and they efficiently degraded methylene blue under microwave radiation. The results imply that the catalyst Ni@SiC/CNFs with a double-shell structure gave a 99.99% removal rate in 90 s for the degradation of methylene blue under microwave irradiation, outperforming the C/Ni and C/SiC and most other reported catalysts in similar studies. On the one hand, the possible mechanism of the methylene blue degradation should be ascribed to the fact that the double-shell structure increases the polarization source of the material, resulting in excellent microwave absorption properties; and on the other, the in situ generation of ·OH and O2− active species under microwave radiation and the synergistic coupling effect of metal plasma greatly improved the degradation efficiency of methylene blue. The findings of this study could provide a valuable reference for the green degradation of industrial dye wastewater and its sustainable development process.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Materials Applied in Water and Wastewater Treatment)
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Open AccessArticle
Insight into Carbon Black and Silica Fume as Cement Additives for Geoenergy Wells: Linking Mineralogy to Mechanical and Physical Properties
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Thomas Sammer, Arash Nasiri, Nikolaos Kostoglou, Krishna Ravi and Johann G. Raith
C 2024, 10(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030071 - 8 Aug 2024
Abstract
The geoenergy industry has challenging demands on cements used as downhole materials. Once placed in the annular space, the cement sheath must be very low permeability and mechanically durable. Its characteristics are strongly influenced by its microstructure. A holistic approach, including combined mineralogical,
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The geoenergy industry has challenging demands on cements used as downhole materials. Once placed in the annular space, the cement sheath must be very low permeability and mechanically durable. Its characteristics are strongly influenced by its microstructure. A holistic approach, including combined mineralogical, physical, and mechanical investigations, provides a better understanding of how these characteristics interplay. Class G cement was investigated and compared to cement formulations containing carbon black or silica fu me, trying to tailor its performance. The addition of carbon black and silica fume has some effect on the modal and chemical phase composition and results in a much denser microstructure. Furthermore, porosity is reduced while the pore size distribution remains similar. Samples containing carbon black have a reduced Young’s modulus, indicating a more plastic behavior. The addition of silica fume increased both mechanical strength and permeability. However, comparable results can also be achieved by carefully tuning the water/cement ratio of the initial slurry.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Nanoporous Carbon Materials for Advanced Technological Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Two Birds with One Stone: High-Quality Utilization of COVID-19 Waste Masks into Bio-Oil, Pyrolytic Gas, and Eco-Friendly Biochar with Adsorption Applications
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Tongtong Wang, Di Zhang, Hui Shi, Sen Wang, Bo Wu, Junchao Jia, Zhizhen Feng, Wenjuan Zhao, Zhangyue Chang and Dalal Z. Husein
C 2024, 10(3), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030070 - 7 Aug 2024
Abstract
As a common necessity, masks have been used a lot in recent years, and the comprehensive utilization of waste masks has become a research priority in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. However, traditional disposal methods suffer from a range of problems, including poor utilization
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As a common necessity, masks have been used a lot in recent years, and the comprehensive utilization of waste masks has become a research priority in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. However, traditional disposal methods suffer from a range of problems, including poor utilization and insecurity. To explore new solution ideas and efficiently utilize waste resources, waste masks and biomass wastes were used as raw materials to prepare mask-based biochar (WMB), bio-oil, and pyrolytic gas via oxygen-limited co-pyrolysis in this study. The obtained solid–liquid–gas product was systematically characterized to analyze the physicochemical properties, and the adsorption properties and mechanisms of WMB on the environmental endocrine bisphenol A (BPA) were investigated. The co-pyrolysis mechanisms were also studied in depth. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of products prepared by co-pyrolysis and co-hydrothermal synthesis were discussed in comparison. The results indicated that the waste masks could shape the microsphere structure, leading to richer surface functional groups and stable mesoporous of WMB. Here, the risk of leaching of secondary pollutants was not detected. The theoretical maximum adsorption of BPA by WMB was 28.73 mg·g−1. The Langmuir and Pseudo-second-order models optimally simulated the isothermal and kinetic adsorption processes, which are a composite of physicochemical adsorption. Simultaneous pyrolysis of mask polymers with biomass polymers produces bio-oil and pyrolytic gas, which is rich in high-quality aliphatic and aromatic compounds. This could have potential as an energy source or chemical feedstock. The co-pyrolysis mechanisms may involve the depolymerization of waste masks to produce hydrocarbons and H radicals, which in turn undergo multi-step cleavage and oligomerization reactions with biomass derivatives. It is recommended to use the co-pyrolysis method to dispose of waste masks, as the products obtained are significantly better than those obtained by the co-hydrothermal method. This work provides a new contribution to the resourcing of waste masks into high-quality products.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption on Carbon-Based Materials)
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Recent Advances in Carbon Nanotube Technology: Bridging the Gap from Fundamental Science to Wide Applications
by
Zhizhi Tao, Yuqiong Zhao, Ying Wang and Guojie Zhang
C 2024, 10(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030069 - 6 Aug 2024
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes, as carbon allotropes distinguished by their intricate structures and exceptional physicochemical properties, have demonstrated substantial progress in recent years across diverse domains, including energy production, chemical synthesis, and environmental preservation. They exhibit notable attributes such as high thermal stability, superior adsorption
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Carbon nanotubes, as carbon allotropes distinguished by their intricate structures and exceptional physicochemical properties, have demonstrated substantial progress in recent years across diverse domains, including energy production, chemical synthesis, and environmental preservation. They exhibit notable attributes such as high thermal stability, superior adsorption capacity, and a substantial specific surface area, rendering them superb catalyst supports. Particularly in electrochemical energy storage, CNTs are extensively employed in supercapacitor electrodes owing to their elevated electrical conductivity, mechanical robustness, and electrocatalytic prowess, which facilitate significant energy storage capabilities. Their intricate pore architecture and reactive sites make functionalized carbon nanotubes well suited for synthesizing composite materials with diverse components, which are ideal for sequestering carbon dioxide from both atmospheric and indoor environments. This review presents a comprehensive examination of carbon nanotube synthesis methodologies, encompassing chemical vapor deposition, arc discharge, and laser ablation, and evaluates their impacts on the structural and functional properties of carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, this article underscores the applications of carbon nanotubes in fields such as fuel cells, photocatalysis, ammonia synthesis, dry methane reforming, Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, and supercapacitors. Despite the considerable potential of carbon nanotubes, their manufacturing processes remain intricate and costly, impeding large-scale industrial production. This review concludes by addressing the challenges in fabricating carbon nanotube composites and outlining future development prospects.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Novel Applications of Carbon Nanotube-Based Materials)
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Indirect Voltammetry Detection of Non-Electroactive Neurotransmitters Using Glassy Carbon Microelectrodes: The Case of Glutamate
by
Sandra Lara Galindo, Surabhi Nimbalkar, Alexis Oyawale, James Bunnell, Omar Nunez Cuacuas, Rhea Montgomery-Walsh, Amish Rohatgi, Brinda Kodira Cariappa, Abhivyakti Gautam, Kevin Peguero-Garcia, Juyeon Lee, Stephanie Ingemann Bisgaard, Carter Faucher, Stephan Sylvest Keller and Sam Kassegne
C 2024, 10(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030068 - 31 Jul 2024
Abstract
Glassy carbon (GC) microelectrodes have been successfully used for the detection of electroactive neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin through voltammetry. However, non-electroactive neurotransmitters such as glutamate, lactate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are inherently unsuitable for detection through voltammetry
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Glassy carbon (GC) microelectrodes have been successfully used for the detection of electroactive neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin through voltammetry. However, non-electroactive neurotransmitters such as glutamate, lactate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are inherently unsuitable for detection through voltammetry techniques without functionalizing the surface of the microelectrodes. To this end, we present here the immobilization of the L-glutamate oxidase (GluOx) enzyme on the surface of GC microelectrodes to enable the catalysis of a chemical reaction between L-glutamate, oxygen, and water to produce H2O2, an electroactive byproduct that is readily detectable through voltammetry. This immobilization of GluOx on the surface of bare GC microelectrodes and the subsequent catalytic reduction in H2O2 through fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) helped demonstrate the indirect in vitro detection of glutamate, a non-electroactive molecule, at concentrations as low as 10 nM. The functionalized microelectrodes formed part of a four-channel array of microelectrodes (30 μm × 60 μm) on a 1.6 cm long neural probe that was supported on a flexible polymer, with potential for in vivo applications. The types and strengths of the bond between the GC microelectrode surface and its functional groups, on one hand, and glutamate and the immobilized functionalization matrix, on the other hand, were investigated through molecular dynamic (MD) modeling and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both MD modeling and FTIR demonstrated the presence of several covalent bonds in the form of C-O (carbon–oxygen polar covalent bond), C=O (carbonyl), C-H (alkenyl), N-H (hydrogen bond), C-N (carbon–nitrogen single bond), and C≡N (triple carbon–nitrogen bond). Further, penetration tests on an agarose hydrogel model confirmed that the probes are mechanically robust, with their penetrating forces being much lower than the fracture force of the probe material.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro/Nanofabrication of Carbon-Based Devices and Their Applications)
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A Nitrogen/Oxygen Dual-Doped Porous Carbon with High Catalytic Conversion Ability toward Polysulfides for Advanced Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
by
Xiaoyan Shu, Yuanjiang Yang, Zhongtang Yang, Honghui Wang and Nengfei Yu
C 2024, 10(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030067 - 30 Jul 2024
Abstract
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted widespread attention due to their high theoretical energy density and low cost. However, their development has been constrained by the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides and their slow reaction kinetics. In this work, a nitrogen/oxygen dual-doped porous carbon
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Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted widespread attention due to their high theoretical energy density and low cost. However, their development has been constrained by the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides and their slow reaction kinetics. In this work, a nitrogen/oxygen dual-doped porous carbon (N/O-PC) was synthesized by annealing the precursor of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 grown in situ on MWCNTs (ZIF-8/MWCNTs). Then, the N/O-PC composite served as an efficient host for LSBs through chemical adsorption and providing catalytic conversion sites of polysulfides. Moreover, the interconnected porous carbon-based structure facilitates electron and ion transfer. Thus, the S/N/O-PC cathode exhibits high cycling stability (a stable capacity of 685.9 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C after 100 cycles). It also demonstrates excellent rate performance with discharge capacities of 1018.2, 890.2, 775.1, 722.7, 640.4, and 579.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 C, respectively. This work provides an effective strategy for designing and developing high energy density, long cycle life LSBs.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)
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Impact of Dispersion Methods on Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube (CNT)/Iron Oxide (Fe3O4)/Epoxy Composites
by
Zulfiqar Ali, Saba Yaqoob and Alberto D’Amore
C 2024, 10(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030066 - 27 Jul 2024
Abstract
Integrating nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and iron oxide (Fe3O4) into epoxy composites has attracted significant interest due to their potential to enhance mechanical properties. This study evaluates the impact of dispersion quality on the mechanical performance of CNT/Fe
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Integrating nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and iron oxide (Fe3O4) into epoxy composites has attracted significant interest due to their potential to enhance mechanical properties. This study evaluates the impact of dispersion quality on the mechanical performance of CNT/Fe3O4/epoxy composites, comparing stirring and sonication methods at three different loadings: 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt.%. Tensile testing revealed that sonicated composites consistently outperformed stirred composites, with a significant increase in the elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). However, fracture strain decreased in both composite types compared to pure epoxy, with sonicated composites experiencing a more significant reduction than stirred composites. These results underscore the importance of high-quality dispersion for optimizing mechanical properties.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Processing, Characterization and Applications)
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