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
Unlocking the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Horticultural Crops
C 2024, 10(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030065 - 26 Jul 2024
Abstract
As the world grapples with the escalating threat of global warming, exploring sustainable agricultural practices has become imperative. Carbon sequestration is one such efficient method to mitigate carbon emissions and reduce global warming. Among the numerous sequestration options, terrestrial methods, notably via horticultural
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As the world grapples with the escalating threat of global warming, exploring sustainable agricultural practices has become imperative. Carbon sequestration is one such efficient method to mitigate carbon emissions and reduce global warming. Among the numerous sequestration options, terrestrial methods, notably via horticultural crops, have enormous potential. Horticultural crops, which encompass a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, plantations, and ornamental plants, offer a unique chance to sequester a considerable amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. In particular, perennial horticultural systems provide numerous benefits over annual crops, such as increased productivity, reduced water and input requirements, and higher economic returns via carbon credits. However, the transition from annual to perennial crops presents logistical and financial challenges. The carbon sequestration capacity of plantations and horticulture crops is larger, at 16.4 Gt C, compared to the agroforestry system, which is at 6.3 Gt C. In order to fully use this capacity, it is essential to employ effective carbon management systems. These methods include growing higher biomass, recycling agricultural waste, employing animal manure, switching to perennial crops, adopting crop rotation, and encouraging agroforestry systems. Although there are advantages, substantial initial investments and continuous management are required to ensure effectiveness, and these demands might hinder widespread acceptance. This review emphasizes the critical role of horticulture systems in improving soil carbon levels, soil organic matter dynamics, different forms of carbon, and their overall potential for carbon sequestration. By unlocking the potential of horticultural crops to sequester carbon, we can help minimize atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, lessen the impact of climate change, and ensure nutritional security and economic benefits.
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(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Cycle, Capture and Storage)
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Open AccessArticle
Novel Superhard Tetragonal Hybrid sp3/sp2 Carbon Allotropes Cx (x = 5, 6, 7): Crystal Chemistry and Ab Initio Studies
by
Samir F. Matar and Vladimir L. Solozhenko
C 2024, 10(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030064 - 16 Jul 2024
Abstract
Novel superhard tetragonal carbon allotropes C5, C6, and C7, characterized by the presence of sp3- and sp2-like carbon sites, have been predicted from crystal chemistry and extensively studied by quantum density functional theory
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Novel superhard tetragonal carbon allotropes C5, C6, and C7, characterized by the presence of sp3- and sp2-like carbon sites, have been predicted from crystal chemistry and extensively studied by quantum density functional theory (DFT) calculations. All new allotropes were found to be cohesive, with crystal densities and cohesive energies decreasing along the C5-C6-C7 series due to the greater openness of the structures resulting from the presence of C=C ethene and C=C=C propadiene subunits, and they were mechanically stable, with positive sets of elastic constants. The Vickers hardness evaluated by different models qualifies all allotropes as superhard, with Hv values ranging from 90 GPa for C5 to 79 GPa for C7. Phonon band structures confirm that the new allotropes are also dynamically stable. The electronic band structures reveal their metallic-like behavior due to the presence of sp2-hybridized carbon.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Nanocarbon-Based Composites and Their Thermal, Electrical, and Mechanical Properties)
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Open AccessArticle
Unveiling the Structure of Metal–Nanodiamonds Bonds: Experiment and Theory
by
Danil W. Boukhvalov, Vladimir Yu. Osipov, Abay Serikkanov and Kazuyuki Takai
C 2024, 10(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030063 - 14 Jul 2024
Abstract
In this study, we conducted a theoretical simulation to compare the effects of various factors on the atomic and electronic structures and the magnetic properties of copper and gadolinium ions bonded to carboxylated species of (111) diamond surfaces. It was experimentally found that
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In this study, we conducted a theoretical simulation to compare the effects of various factors on the atomic and electronic structures and the magnetic properties of copper and gadolinium ions bonded to carboxylated species of (111) diamond surfaces. It was experimentally found that in the temperature range above 120 K, the magnetic moments of chelated Gd3+ and Cu2+ equal 6.73 and 0.981 Bohr magnetons, respectively. In the temperature range from 12 to 2 K, these magnetic moments sharply decrease to 6.38 and 0.88 Bohr magnetons. Specifically, we examined the effects of the number of covalent adatom–diamond substrate bridges, coordination of water molecules, and shallow carbon-inherited spins in the substrate on the physical properties of the metal center. Our simulation predicted that increasing the number of bonds between the chelated metal ion and substrate while decreasing the number of coordinating water molecules corresponded to a decrease in the magnetic moment of metal ions in a metal–diamond system. This is due to the redistribution of the electron charge density in an asymmetric metal–diamond system. By comparing our theoretical results with experimental data, we proposed configurations involving one and, in a minor number of cases, two surface –COO− groups and maximum coordination of water molecules as the most realistic options for Cu- and Gd-complexes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Materials and Carbon Allotropes)
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Open AccessArticle
Photocatalytic N-Formylation of CO2 with Amines Catalyzed by Diethyltriamine Pentaacetic Acid
by
Xuexin Yuan, Qiqi Zhou, Yu Chen, Hai-Jian Yang, Qingqing Jiang, Juncheng Hu and Cun-Yue Guo
C 2024, 10(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030062 - 11 Jul 2024
Abstract
In the present work, inexpensive and commercially available diethyltriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was used as an initiator to catalyze the N-formylation reaction of CO2 with amines via the construction of C-N bonds in the presence of xanthone as the photosensitizer and PhSiH
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In the present work, inexpensive and commercially available diethyltriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was used as an initiator to catalyze the N-formylation reaction of CO2 with amines via the construction of C-N bonds in the presence of xanthone as the photosensitizer and PhSiH3 as the reducing agent. After a systematic study of various factors, the optimal conditions for the photocatalytic reaction were obtained: 2.5 mmol of amine, 2.5 mmol of PhSiH3, 10 mol% of DTPA, 20 mol% of xanthone, 1 mL of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), atmospheric pressure, and 35 W UV lamp irradiation for 48 h. Under the optimal conditions, the catalyst system afforded high performance for the N-formylation of amines (primary and secondary amines) and CO2, and the yields of the N-formylated products of dialkylamines were above 70%. Further studies exhibit that the catalytic system has a wide scope of substrate applications. For various alicyclic secondary amines, heterocyclic secondary amines, aliphatic primary amines, and aromatic primary amines, the corresponding N-formylation products can be obtained efficiently. In addition, the catalyst can be recycled by simple precipitation and filtration. After five cycles of recycling, there was no significant change in the catalytic and structural properties of DTPA. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism is proposed.
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(This article belongs to the Section CO2 Utilization and Conversion)
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Open AccessArticle
Enhanced Adsorption of Arsenate from Contaminated Waters by Magnesium-, Zinc- or Calcium-Modified Biochar—Modeling and Mechanisms
by
Despina Vamvuka, Elena Sdoukou, Antonios Stratakis and Despina Pentari
C 2024, 10(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030061 - 10 Jul 2024
Abstract
The adsorption of arsenate from wastewaters was investigated by applying Mg-, Zn- or Ca-modified nut residue biochar activated by nitrogen/steam. The parameters studied were the contact time, adsorbent dose, initial arsenate concentration and solution pH. The adsorption mechanism was investigated. Various analyses of
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The adsorption of arsenate from wastewaters was investigated by applying Mg-, Zn- or Ca-modified nut residue biochar activated by nitrogen/steam. The parameters studied were the contact time, adsorbent dose, initial arsenate concentration and solution pH. The adsorption mechanism was investigated. Various analyses of the material before and after arsenate adsorption were carried out, and experimental data were simulated by applying two isotherm models. The results indicated that the maximum removal efficiency of arsenate was 29.4% at an initial concentration of 10 mg/L. The modification of biochar by Mg, Zn or Ca oxides increased the removal rate significantly, from 49.4% at 100 mg/L As5+ up to 8%, 97% and 97%, respectively. Zn-modified biochar presented an excellent performance for both low and high As5+ concentrations. All experimental data were accurately fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.94–0.97), confirming a multilayer adsorption mechanism. For a biochar dose of 2 g/L, the maximum capacity of adsorption was enhanced after Mg-, Zn- or Ca-modification from 12.4 mg/g to 35 mg/g, 50 mg/g and 49 mg/g, respectively. The potential mechanisms of adsorption were ligand exchange, chemical complexation, surface precipitation and electron coordination.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Materials Applied in Water and Wastewater Treatment)
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Open AccessReview
Carbon Dots for Future Prospects: Synthesis, Characterizations and Recent Applications: A Review (2019–2023)
by
Habtamu Fekadu Etefa, Aster Aberra Tessema and Francis Birhanu Dejene
C 2024, 10(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030060 - 5 Jul 2024
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Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as a promising class of carbon-based nanomaterials due to their unique properties and versatile applications. Carbon dots (CDs), also known as carbon quantum dots (CQDs) or graphene quantum dots (GQDs), are nanoscale carbon-based materials with dimensions typically less
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Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as a promising class of carbon-based nanomaterials due to their unique properties and versatile applications. Carbon dots (CDs), also known as carbon quantum dots (CQDs) or graphene quantum dots (GQDs), are nanoscale carbon-based materials with dimensions typically less than 10 nanometers. They exhibit intriguing optical, electronic, and chemical properties, making them attractive for a wide range of applications, including sensing, imaging, catalysis, and energy conversion, among many others. Both bottom-up and top-down synthesis approaches are utilized for the synthesis of carbon dots, with each method impacting their physicochemical characteristics. Carbon dots can exhibit diverse structures, including amorphous, crystalline, or hybrid structures, depending on the synthesis method and precursor materials used. CDs have diverse chemical structures with modified oxygen, polymer-based, or amino groups on their surface. These structures influence their optical and electronic properties, such as their photoluminescence, bandgap, and charge carrier mobility, making them tunable for specific applications. Various characterization methods such as HRTEM, XPS, and optical analysis (PL, UV) are used to determine the structure of CDs. CDs are cutting-edge fluorescent nanomaterials with remarkable qualities such as biocompatibility, low toxicity, environmental friendliness, high water solubility, and photostability. They are easily adjustable in terms of their optical properties, making them highly versatile in various fields. CDs find applications in bio-imaging, nanomedicine, drug delivery, solar cells, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and other related areas. Carbon dots hold great promise in the field of solar cell technology due to their unique properties, including high photoluminescence, high carbon quantum yield (CQY), and excellent charge separation.
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Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Theoretical Studies on the Dynamical Behavior of Atom/Ion Migration on the Surface of Pristine and BN-Doped Graphene
by
Tong-Kun Zhang, Li-Jun Zhou and Jian-Gang Guo
C 2024, 10(3), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030059 - 3 Jul 2024
Abstract
Using the potential function method, a theoretical model of the interaction was presented, and the interaction force between atoms/ions and (doped) graphene was obtained. Based on the interaction force, the dynamical control equation of atom/ion migration was derived. The dynamical behavior of atom/ion
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Using the potential function method, a theoretical model of the interaction was presented, and the interaction force between atoms/ions and (doped) graphene was obtained. Based on the interaction force, the dynamical control equation of atom/ion migration was derived. The dynamical behavior of atom/ion migrating on finite-size graphene surfaces along a specific direction and the regulation of boron nitride (BN) doping on the migration behavior were studied. The results show that the atoms/ions exhibit different migration mechanical behaviors due to different lateral forces inside and at the edges of the graphene surface. In addition, near the normal equilibrium height, atoms/ions are mainly affected by the lateral force, and their migration behavior is also influenced by the initial position, initial height, initial lateral velocity, etc. Furthermore, BN doping can affect the energy barrier of atom/ion migration on the graphene surface and effectively regulate the migration behavior of atoms/ions at the edge of the graphene surface. The research results can provide a theoretical reference for graphene surface localization modification and graphene-based atom/ion screening and detection.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption on Carbon-Based Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Highly Porous Cellulose-Based Carbon Fibers as Effective Adsorbents for Chlorpyrifos Removal: Insights and Applications
by
Tamara Tasić, Vedran Milanković, Christoph Unterweger, Christian Fürst, Stefan Breitenbach, Igor A. Pašti and Tamara Lazarević-Pašti
C 2024, 10(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030058 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
The extensive utilization of the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos, combined with its acute neurotoxicity, necessitates the development of effective strategies for its environmental removal. While numerous methods have been explored for chlorpyrifos removal from water, adsorption is the most promising. We investigated the potential
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The extensive utilization of the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos, combined with its acute neurotoxicity, necessitates the development of effective strategies for its environmental removal. While numerous methods have been explored for chlorpyrifos removal from water, adsorption is the most promising. We investigated the potential of two cellulose-derived porous carbons as adsorbents for chlorpyrifos removal from water, prepared by either CO2 or H2O activation, resulting in similar morphologies and porosities but different amounts of heteroatom functionalities. The kinetics of batch adsorption removal from water fits well with the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models for both materials. The Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Sips isotherm models described the process of chlorpyrifos adsorption very well in all investigated cases. The maximum adsorption capacity determined from the Sips isotherm model gave values of 80.8 ± 0.1 mg g−1 and 132 ± 3 mg g−1 for the H2O and CO2 activated samples, respectively, reflecting the samples’ differences in heteroatom functionalities. Additionally, the application of either adsorbent led to reduced toxicity levels in all tested samples, implying that no harmful by-products were generated during adsorption. Comparative analysis with the existing literature further validates the study’s findings, suggesting the efficacy and applicability of cellulose-based porous carbons for sustainable chlorpyrifos remediation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Materials Applied in Water and Wastewater Treatment)
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Open AccessArticle
Multichannel Sensor for Detection of Molybdenum Ions Based on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dot Ensembles
by
Antônio A. C. Cruz, Natália D. G. Souza, João P. B. de Souza, Samuel V. Carneiro, Claudenilson S. Clemente, Jeanlex S. Sousa, Lillian M. U. D. Fechine, Sebastián Michea, Pierre B. A. Fechine and Rafael M. Freire
C 2024, 10(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030057 - 22 Jun 2024
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Trace elements such as cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) play necessary roles in different biological functions. Co is a microelement that influences the vascular system. Mo works as an enzymatic cofactor of three enzymes (aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and xanthine oxidase
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Trace elements such as cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) play necessary roles in different biological functions. Co is a microelement that influences the vascular system. Mo works as an enzymatic cofactor of three enzymes (aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and xanthine oxidase dehydrogenase). However, these elements are difficult to detect, since the analytical methods developed have a high cost, which restrict their applicability. In this sense, fluorescent sensors are an alternative for detecting trace elements, such as Mo4+ ions. Herein, a new multichannel trace elements sensor has been proposed to detect Mo entities. In this sense, two different N-CQDs were synthesized and fully characterized. The N-CQDs presented quantum yield values of 25.93% and 6.02% and excellent solubility in water. Also, a mixture of these two carbon-based nanoparticles was used to identify and to quantify Mo in water between seven different trace elements. The method was found to reach 1.28 and 3.88 ppm for limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), respectively. To further verify the potential of the detection platform, the multichannel sensor was applied to identify the different concentrations of metal ions (Fe2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, and Mo4+) in water. The data matrix was treated using different algorithms, such as K-Means and Discriminant Analysis (DA). The detection strategy has successfully identified the molybdenum ions at 5 ppm. This result shows the potential application of a multichannel sensor toward the detection of Mo entities, since it is comparable with the molybdenum test already available on the market.
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Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Cryogels as Adsorbents: Efficient Removal of Organophosphate Pesticides from Water and Assessment of Toxicity Reduction
by
Tamara Lazarević-Pašti, Vladan Anićijević, Radovan Karkalić, Miloš Baljozović, Biljana Babić and Igor A. Pašti
C 2024, 10(2), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020056 - 20 Jun 2024
Abstract
Pesticides pose a significant threat to nontargeted organisms, and their pervasive use makes avoidance challenging. We employed nitrogen-doped carbon cryogels for the removal of organophosphate pesticides. The materials were synthesized and characterized using SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and BET analysis. Results revealed mesoporous
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Pesticides pose a significant threat to nontargeted organisms, and their pervasive use makes avoidance challenging. We employed nitrogen-doped carbon cryogels for the removal of organophosphate pesticides. The materials were synthesized and characterized using SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and BET analysis. Results revealed mesoporous cryogels with pore diameters ranging from 3 to 13 nm. Interestingly, the specific surface area did not change systematically with increasing nitrogen content. All investigated materials have similar composition and structural disorder. Dimethoate, malathion, and chlorpyrifos removal was investigated under stationary and dynamic conditions. Stationary conditions demonstrated successful removal of aliphatic dimethoate and malathion by all investigated materials. Conversely, the materials with the lowest and highest nitrogen content proved ineffective with aromatic chlorpyrifos. Under dynamic conditions, all materials effectively removed malathion and chlorpyrifos while exhibiting suboptimal performance for dimethoate adsorption. Application of nitrogen-doped carbon cryogels to tap water spiked with pesticides yielded successful results under the same conditions. Toxicity testing of treated samples revealed a consistent decrease in toxicity, indicating that contact with cryogels reduces the initial solution’s toxicity. This result also confirms that material–pesticide interaction does not lead to the formation of more toxic byproducts. The demonstrated efficacy suggests the potential application of these materials in water treatment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption on Carbon-Based Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
The Effect of pH on the Electrodeposition of Pd Clusters onto Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite—A Kinetic and Morphological Study
by
Adrian Said Bravo-Rodriguez, Luis Humberto Mendoza-Huizar, Margarita Rivera and Giaan Arturo Álvarez-Romero
C 2024, 10(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020055 - 20 Jun 2024
Abstract
In this study, we carried out an electrochemical investigation of the palladium electrodeposition process at pH 5 and 8, evaluating the kinetic parameters related to its nucleation and growth processes on a Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) electrode from a plating bath containing
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In this study, we carried out an electrochemical investigation of the palladium electrodeposition process at pH 5 and 8, evaluating the kinetic parameters related to its nucleation and growth processes on a Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) electrode from a plating bath containing 1 mM of Pd and 1 M NH4Cl. The voltammetric study allowed us to identify the potential values at which palladium can be electrodeposited, along with the adsorption and desorption processes of hydrogen absorbed on the deposited Pd. Analysis of the peak currents of the deposited Pd indicated diffusional control at both pH values. The evaluation of kinetic parameters, such as the number of active nucleation sites (N0), the nucleation rate (A), and the rate constant of the proton reduction process (kPR), was determined via potentiostatic studies, revealing their dependence on the applied potential to the electrode. The number of active nucleation sites predicted by the nucleation model correlated well with the number of nuclei observed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM images revealed that at pH 5, the Pd clusters had an average diameter of 27 nm and a height of 39 nm, while at pH 8, the clusters had an average diameter of 12.8 nm and a height of 16.6 nm. At pH 5, homogeneous and dispersed Pd clusters were obtained, while at pH 8, agglomeration of Pd clusters was observed.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Materials and Carbon Allotropes)
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Open AccessReview
New Frontiers for Raw Wooden Residues, Biochar Production as a Resource for Environmental Challenges
by
Giorgia Di Domenico, Leonardo Bianchini, Valerio Di Stefano, Rachele Venanzi, Angela Lo Monaco, Andrea Colantoni and Rodolfo Picchio
C 2024, 10(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020054 - 16 Jun 2024
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Biochar has gained significant interest in the agroforestry sector, mainly because of its ability to improve soil quality and sequester carbon in the atmosphere. Among the feedstocks of possible use for biochar production is biomass, understood as products and residues of plant origin
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Biochar has gained significant interest in the agroforestry sector, mainly because of its ability to improve soil quality and sequester carbon in the atmosphere. Among the feedstocks of possible use for biochar production is biomass, understood as products and residues of plant origin from agriculture and forestry. The quality of the biomass used for biochar production is important because the physicochemical characteristics of the final product depend on it. This review examines the use of biochar produced from forest wastes and its impact on agriculture, forest ecosystems and the environment in general. This work demonstrates that the use of biochar not only improves agricultural productivity and production, but also that the sustainable management of the environment and forests and contributes to forest fire risk mitigation. The authors, examining the physico-chemical properties of biochar produced by forest waste, noted that the most critical variable is the process (pyrolysis temperature, residence time and heating rate), but the type of biomass used as a raw material and the forest species used also have a significant impact in determining the characteristics of the final product.
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Open AccessArticle
Acetaminophen Adsorption on Carbon Materials from Citrus Waste
by
Marwa Gatrouni, Nedra Asses, Jorge Bedia, Carolina Belver, Carmen B. Molina and Nadia Mzoughi
C 2024, 10(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020053 - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Biochar and carbon adsorbents from citrus waste have been prepared by thermal and chemical treatments; they have been used in the aqueous phase adsorption of acetaminophen (ACE) as a model emerging pollutant. These materials were fully characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray fluorescence (TXRF),
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Biochar and carbon adsorbents from citrus waste have been prepared by thermal and chemical treatments; they have been used in the aqueous phase adsorption of acetaminophen (ACE) as a model emerging pollutant. These materials were fully characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray fluorescence (TXRF), adsorption/desorption of nitrogen, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), point of zero charge (pHpzc), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA/DTG/DTA). A magnetic carbon adsorbent was obtained by FeCl3 activation under an inert atmosphere, giving rise to the best results in ACE adsorption. Adsorption equilibrium data were obtained at 298, 318, and 338 K and fitted to different models, corresponding to the best fitting to the Redlich–Peterson model. The maximum adsorption capacity at equilibrium resulted in 45 mg ACE·g−1 carbon at 338 K. The free energy values were calculated, and values between −21.03 and −23.00 kJ·mol−1 were obtained; the negative values confirmed the spontaneity of the process. The enthalpy and entropy of the adsorption process were obtained, giving rise to −6.4 kJ·mol−1 and 49 J·mol−1·K−1, respectively, indicating a slightly exothermic process and an increase in the randomness at the solid–liquid interface upon adsorption, respectively. The adsorption kinetics were also studied, with the Elovich model being the one that gave rise to the best-fitting results.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption on Carbon-Based Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
In Situ Processing to Achieve High-Performance Epoxy Nanocomposites with Low Graphene Oxide Loading
by
Miraidin Mirzapour, Mathieu Robert and Brahim Benmokrane
C 2024, 10(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020052 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
Modifying the polymer matrix by nanoparticles can be a promising approach to improve the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Organic solvents are usually used for dispersing graphene oxide (GO) well in the polymer matrix. In this study, a green, facile, and efficient
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Modifying the polymer matrix by nanoparticles can be a promising approach to improve the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Organic solvents are usually used for dispersing graphene oxide (GO) well in the polymer matrix. In this study, a green, facile, and efficient approach was developed to prepare epoxy/GO nanocomposites. In situ polymerization is used for synthesizing nanocomposites, eliminating the need for organic solvents and surfactants. By loading just 0.6 wt% of GO into the epoxy resin, Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and toughness improved by 38%, 46%, and 143%, respectively. Fractography analysis indicates smooth fracture surfaces of pure resin that changed to highly toughened fracture surfaces in this nanocomposite. Plastic deformation, crack pinning, and deflection contributed to improving the toughness of the nanocomposites. FTIR investigations show that amide bonding was created by the reaction of the carboxylic acid groups in GO with some amine groups in the curing agent during the dispersion processes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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Open AccessArticle
Algae Derived Carbon from Hydrothermal Liquefaction as Sustainable Carbon Electrode Material for Supercapacitor
by
Kingsford Asare, Abhijeet Mali, Md Faruque Hasan, Philip Agbo, Abolghasem Shahbazi and Lifeng Zhang
C 2024, 10(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020051 - 1 Jun 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
With the worldwide awareness of sustainability, biomass-derived carbon electrode materials for supercapacitors have attracted growing attention. In this research, for the first time, we explored the feasibility of making use of the carbon byproduct from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of microalgae, termed herein as
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With the worldwide awareness of sustainability, biomass-derived carbon electrode materials for supercapacitors have attracted growing attention. In this research, for the first time, we explored the feasibility of making use of the carbon byproduct from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of microalgae, termed herein as algae-derived carbon (ADC), to prepare sustainable carbon electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitor development. Specifically, we investigated carbon activation with a variety of activating reagents as well as N- and Fe-doping of the obtained ADC with the intention to enhance its electrochemical performance. We characterized the structure of the activated and doped ADCs using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and BET surface area and pore analysis, and correlated the ADCs’ structure with their electrochemical performance as evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD), impedance, and cycle stability through an assembled symmetric two-electrode cell with 1 M H2SO4 as electrolyte. It was found that the ADC that is activated using KOH (KOH-ADC) showed the best electrochemical performance, and its specific capacitance was 14.1-fold larger with respect to that of the raw ADC and reached 234.5 F/g in the GCD test at a current density of 0.5 A/g. The KOH-ADC also demonstrated excellent capacitance retention (97% after 10,000 cycles at a high current density of 10 A/g) for stable long-term operations. This research pointed out a promising direction to develop sustainable electrode materials for supercapacitors from the carbon byproduct produced after HTL processing of algae.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoporous Carbons for Hydrogen Sorption and Electrochemical Energy Storage)
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Open AccessArticle
Irradiation Characteristics of Non-Impregnated Micropore Graphite for Use in Molten Salt Nuclear Reactors
by
Pengfei Lian, Pengda Li, Hefei Huang, Jinliang Song, Zhongfeng Tang and Zhanjun Liu
C 2024, 10(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020050 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
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Non-impregnated small-pore graphite (NSPG), which has a compact microstructure and is used in molten salt reactors (MSRs), was prepared by a novel process. The pore diameter of NSPG was reduced to ~800 nm. The irradiation evaluation of NSPG was carried out by 7
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Non-impregnated small-pore graphite (NSPG), which has a compact microstructure and is used in molten salt reactors (MSRs), was prepared by a novel process. The pore diameter of NSPG was reduced to ~800 nm. The irradiation evaluation of NSPG was carried out by 7 MeV Xe26+ ion irradiation. The microstructural changes of NSPG were investigated with IG-110 as a comparison. The graphitization degree of NSPG was higher than that of IG-110, though it was not subjected to an impregnation process. Under low-dose ion irradiation (<2.5 dpa), the microscopic morphology of the NSPG changes in a small magnitude, and the lamellar structure of graphite remains within the scale of more than a dozen nanometers, which exhibits a better resistance to irradiation. With the increase in irradiation dose, the accumulation of defects leads the graphite toward amorphization, which shows consistency with IG-110. This study provides an efficient and low-cost method for the preparation of graphite for MSR, and investigates the damage behavior of graphite, which is of great significance in accumulating data for the development of MSR nuclear graphite and the optimal design of graphite materials.
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Open AccessArticle
On a Composite Obtained by Thermolysis of Cu-Doped Glycine
by
Pedro Chamorro-Posada, Roberto C. Dante, Jesús Martín-Gil, Denisse G. Dante, Alma Cioci, José Vázquez-Cabo, Óscar Rubiños-López, Irene Mediavilla-Martínez and Pablo Martín-Ramos
C 2024, 10(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020049 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Metal-doped carbonaceous materials have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their versatile applications in various fields, including catalysis, energy storage, environmental remediation, electronics, and sensors, as well as reinforcement. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of a composite material featuring
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Metal-doped carbonaceous materials have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their versatile applications in various fields, including catalysis, energy storage, environmental remediation, electronics, and sensors, as well as reinforcement. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of a composite material featuring a carbonaceous matrix doped with copper, focusing on the thermolysis of glycine as a precursor. The synthesis methodology involved utilizing glycine and copper acetate monohydrate in varying ratios, with the mixture subjected to heating in ceramic crucibles at temperatures ranging from 450 to 550 °C, with pyrolysis yields over the 5 to 39% interval. The pristine and Cu-doped samples obtained at 500 °C underwent characterization using a diverse array of techniques, including scanning and transmission electron microscopies, multi-elemental analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, CHNS elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, along with conductivity measurements. Under optimized conditions, copper (at 6.5%) was present primarily in the free metallic form, accompanied by traces of tenorite (CuO) and cuprite (Cu2O). The carbonaceous matrix exhibited a 6:1 ratio of graphitic carbon to a carbon-nitrogen compound with the formula C2H2N2O2, such as isomers of diazetidinedione, according to multi-elemental analysis results. Conductivity measurements disclosed a significant increase in conductivity compared to the product of glycine thermolysis, showcasing the enhanced electrical properties of the new composite. Additionally, terahertz measurements showed the potential of the material as a broadband absorber for the fabrication of terahertz devices and provided compelling evidence of a significant improvement in radiation absorption upon copper doping. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the promising properties of copper-doped carbonaceous composites obtained by glycine pyrolysis, offering insights into their potential applications in emerging technological domains.
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(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Materials and Carbon Allotropes)
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Open AccessArticle
How to Compute Whether Biomass Fuels Are Carbon Neutral
by
Gilbert Ahamer
C 2024, 10(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020048 - 22 May 2024
Abstract
Based on recent interest and on the importance of the ongoing climate change catastrophe, this article provides the basics of global carbon cycle modelling as required for the assessment of the degree of carbon neutrality of biomass energy, and its underlying dynamics. It
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Based on recent interest and on the importance of the ongoing climate change catastrophe, this article provides the basics of global carbon cycle modelling as required for the assessment of the degree of carbon neutrality of biomass energy, and its underlying dynamics. It is aimed at clarifying the question “Are biomass fuels carbon neutral?”. The “Combined Energy and Biosphere Model” (CEBM) computes annual carbon flows including growth and decay of plants on 2.5 × 2.5° grid elements of the continents’ surface and offers detailed results on the changes of after implementation of large-scale biomass energy strategies worldwide. The main (and possibly unexpected) effect is the long-term depletion of the soil organic compartment after extraction of biomass fuels. When comparing CEBM model runs using (i) biomass energy sources and (ii) carbon-free energy sources (such as solar or wind), it becomes quantitatively clear already on the theoretical level (i.e., even without taking into account efficiency losses) that biomass is only “half as carbon neutral” as ideally assumed, to express a rule of thumb—mainly because of soil carbon depletion. Still, biomass energy will play an important role when fighting global warming, even if efforts to lower energy demand are preferable as a fundamental strategy.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Carbon in the Circular Economy)
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Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle
Insights into the Electrocatalytic Activity of Fe,N-Glucose/Carbon Nanotube Hybrids for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
by
Rafael G. Morais, Natalia Rey-Raap, José L. Figueiredo and Manuel F. R. Pereira
C 2024, 10(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020047 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Glucose-derived carbon hybrids were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment in the presence of oxidized carbon nanotubes. Additionally, iron and nitrogen functionalities were incorporated into the carbon structure using different methodologies. The introduction of iron and nitrogen in a single step under a H2
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Glucose-derived carbon hybrids were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment in the presence of oxidized carbon nanotubes. Additionally, iron and nitrogen functionalities were incorporated into the carbon structure using different methodologies. The introduction of iron and nitrogen in a single step under a H2 atmosphere favored the formation of quaternary nitrogen and oxidized nitrogen, whereas the incorporation of nitrogen under an N2 atmosphere after doping the hybrids with iron mainly produced pyridinic nitrogen. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, adsorption isotherms, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and Raman spectroscopy. The presence of iron and nitrogen in the carbons increases the onset potential toward oxygen reduction in KOH 0.1 mol L−1 by 130 mV (0.83 V), in comparison to carbonized glucose, whereas the reaction mechanism shifts closer to a direct pathway and the formation of HO2− decreases to 25% (3.5 electrons). The reaction rate also increased in comparison to the carbonized glucose, as observed by the decrease in the Tafel slope value from 117 to 61 mV dec−1. Furthermore, the incorporation of iron and nitrogen in a single step enhanced the short-term performance of the prepared electrocatalysts, which may also be due to the higher relative amount of quaternary nitrogen.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoporous Carbons for Hydrogen Sorption and Electrochemical Energy Storage)
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Open AccessArticle
Expanded Graphite (EG) Stabilization of Stearic and Palmitic Acid Mixture for Thermal Management of Photovoltaic Cells
by
Sereno Sacchet, Francesco Valentini, Alice Benin, Marco Guidolin, Riccardo Po and Luca Fambri
C 2024, 10(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020046 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
In this work, passive cooling systems for the revamping of existent silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells were developed and analysed in order to mitigate the efficiency loss caused by temperature rise in the hot season. For this purpose, expanded graphite (EG) was used to
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In this work, passive cooling systems for the revamping of existent silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells were developed and analysed in order to mitigate the efficiency loss caused by temperature rise in the hot season. For this purpose, expanded graphite (EG) was used to stabilize a phase change material (PCM) with a melting temperature close to 53 °C in order to realize thermal management systems (TMSs) able to store heat at constant temperature during melting and releasing it in crystallization. In particular, stearic and palmitic acid mixture (PA-SA) was shape-stabilized in EG at different concentrations (10, 12 and 14 part per hundred ratio) under vacuum into a rotary evaporation apparatus followed by cold compaction; PA-SA leakage was reduced due to its intercalation between the graphite lamellae, and the thermal conductivity necessary to maximize the heat transfer to a bulk TMS was improved via powder cold compaction, which minimizes voids and creates preferential thermal conductive patterns. The composite materials, stable till 150 °C, were tested by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at 1 °C/min to precisely determine the phase transition temperatures and the enthalpic content, which was only slightly reduced from 196 J/g of the neat PCM to 169 J/g due to the very low EG fraction necessary for the stabilization. Despite only the 14:100 EG-to-PA-SA ratio, the system’s thermal conductivity was enhanced 40 times with respect to the neat PCM (from 0.2 to 8.3 W/(m K), value never reached in works present in the literature), with a good convergence of the values evaluated through hot disk tests and laser flash analysis (LFA), finding correlation with both graphitic content and density. In order to completely avoid leaking with the consequent dispersion of PCM in the environment during the final application, all the samples were encapsulated in a PE-made film. The mechanical properties were evaluated with compression tests at 30 °C and 80 °C simulating a possible compressive stress deriving from the contact needed to maintain the TMS position on the rear of the PV cells. Finally, the material response was simulated by imposing thermal cycles into a climatic chamber and reproducing the three hottest and coldest days of summer 2022 of two Italian locations, Verona (Veneto, 45° N, 11° E) and Gela (Sicily, 37° N, 14° E), thus highlighting the thermal management effects with delays in temperature increase and daily peak temperature smoothing. The role of EG is strategic for the processing and the properties of the resulting composites in order to realize a proper compromise between the melting enthalpy of PCM and the thermal conductivity enhancement given by EG.
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(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Materials and Carbon Allotropes)
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