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Crystals
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Advances in Nanocomposites: Structure, Properties and Applications
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Advances in Nanocomposites: Structure, Properties and Applications

A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352). This special issue belongs to the section "Hybrid and Composite Crystalline Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 2025

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Oscar Cigarroa-Mayorga

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Advanced Technologies Department, UPIITA-Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2580, Col. Ticomán, Mexico City 07340, Mexico
Interests: ceramics; nanoparticles; heterostructures; photodegradation; nanowires; transmission electron microscopy; functionalization; alloys; thermal oxidation; defect engineering; mechanical milling; phase transition; breast cancer; diagnostic systems; nanodrugs; artificial intelligence-based diagnostic systems
Dr. José Luis Casas-Espínola

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physics Department ESFM, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN, San Pedro Zacatenco 07738, CDMX, Mexico
Interests: solid state; physical methods for growing crystals; photoluminescence; optics; spectroscopy; thin films; solar recovery materials
Dr. Yazmin Mariela Hernández-Rodríguez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Advanced Technologies Department, UPIITA-Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2580, Col. Ticomán, Mexico City 07340, Mexico
Interests: nanomaterials; sensing devices; phase evolution; functionalization; biocompatibility of nanomaterials; electron microscopy; chemical methods for synthesizing nanomaterials; nanocomposites; non-isotropic nanoparticles
Prof. Dr. Leonid M. Kustov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Chemistry Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
2. N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
Interests: catalysis; metal nanoparticles; bimetallic particles; supported metals; spectroscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

The Special Issue titled ‘Advances in Nanocomposites: Structure, Properties, and Applications’ aims to bring together cutting-edge research in the rapidly evolving field of nanocomposites. Nanocomposites, which incorporate nanoparticles or nanostructured materials into matrices, have revolutionized various industries due to their superior mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical properties. This Special Issue will focus on the synthesis, characterization, and innovative applications of nanocomposites in areas such as energy storage, environmental remediation, electronics, biomedical applications, and more.

We invite contributions that explore the relationship between the structural properties of nanocomposites and their functional behaviors. Topics of interest include but are not limited to, novel fabrication techniques, advanced characterization methods, and the development of nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical strength, conductivity, catalytic performance, and other properties that push the boundaries of material science. We also encourage submissions that highlight the application potential of nanocomposites in real-world scenarios, such as drug delivery systems, sensors, photovoltaic devices, and composite coatings.

Authors are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, and short communications that present new insights, tackle existing challenges, or propose novel approaches in the field. Our goal is to offer a platform for the exchange of knowledge and the advancement of nanocomposite technology, fostering collaboration across disciplines and paving the way for future innovations. The articles should address (but are not limited to) the following topics:

  • Synthesis and fabrication techniques for nanocomposites.
  • Nanocomposite materials for energy storage and conversion.
  • Mechanical properties and durability of nanocomposites.
  • Functional nanocomposites for environmental remediation.
  • Nanocomposites in biomedical applications: drug delivery and tissue engineering.
  • Thermal and electrical conductivity in nanocomposites.
  • Nanocomposite coatings for corrosion and wear resistance.
  • Nanocomposites in flexible electronics and sensors.
  • Catalytic applications of nanocomposites in chemical processes.
  • Modeling and simulation of nanocomposite structures and properties.

Prof. Dr. Oscar Cigarroa-Mayorga
Dr. José Luis Casas-Espínola
Dr. Yazmin Mariela Hernández-Rodríguez
Prof. Dr. Leonid M. Kustov
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crystals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • electron microscopy
  • nanostructured materials
  • nanocrystals
  • mechanical properties
  • functionalization
  • phase transition
  • applied nanomaterials
  • advanced characterization

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
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  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 6288 KiB  
Article
Solvothermal Synthesis of Unsupported NiMo Catalyst with High Activity in Hydrodesulfurization of 4,6-Dimethyldibenzothiophene
by José R. Contreras Bárbara, Rogelio Cuevas García, Diego A. Fabila Bustos, Iván Puente Lee and Macaria Hernández Chávez
Crystals 2025, 15(3), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15030245 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 591
Abstract
Environmental legislation has focused its attention on improving air quality. In this context, the presence of sulfur compounds in fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, is undesirable. When sulfur is combusted, compounds are emitted as SOx (SO2 and SO3) [...] Read more.
Environmental legislation has focused its attention on improving air quality. In this context, the presence of sulfur compounds in fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, is undesirable. When sulfur is combusted, compounds are emitted as SOx (SO2 and SO3) into the atmosphere, causing acid rain and respiratory diseases. For this reason, environmental norms have been established to reduce the sulfur content of fuels. Sulfur (mainly as alkylbenzothiophenes, dibenzothiophenes and alkyldibenzothiophenes) is removed in refineries through a process called hydrodesulfurization (HDS). HDS is performed at an industrial level with the use of NiMo, CoMo or NiW catalysts supported on alumina. Unsupported MoS2 (bulk) catalysts have recently attracted attention due to their high activity and selectivity in HDS. In this study, bulk NiMo catalyst precursors were synthesized using solvothermal methods with varying pH and solvothermal synthesis time. The precursors and catalysts were characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), textural properties using liquid nitrogen physisorption at 77 K, Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HTREM). The results indicate that the morphology of the NiMoO4 precursors synthesized in an ethanol/water mixture varies, forming “grains,” “flakes” or “rods,” depending on the dwell time and synthesis conditions. The catalytic activity results show that the bulk NiMo catalyst synthesized at 2 h presented higher selectivity and catalytic activity in the HDS of 4,6-DMDBT when compared to a supported reference catalyst (NiMo/γ-Al2O3). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanocomposites: Structure, Properties and Applications)
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14 pages, 5958 KiB  
Article
Effect of Concentration and pH on the Photoluminescent Properties of CQDs Obtained from Actinidia deliciosa
by Carlos Alfredo Zamora-Valencia, María Isabel Reyes-Valderrama, Luis Escobar-Alarcón, Vicente Garibay-Febles and Ventura Rodríguez-Lugo
Crystals 2025, 15(3), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15030206 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 522
Abstract
This study investigates the synthesis and photoluminescent properties of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from Actinidia deliciosa using the hydrothermal method. The effect of concentration and pH on the composition, structure, and optical properties of CQDs was analyzed using characterization techniques such as [...] Read more.
This study investigates the synthesis and photoluminescent properties of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from Actinidia deliciosa using the hydrothermal method. The effect of concentration and pH on the composition, structure, and optical properties of CQDs was analyzed using characterization techniques such as TEM, EDS, FTIR, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The CQDs exhibited particle sizes ranging from 1 to 10 nm, with a graphitic structure and oxygen-containing functional groups, as identified by FTIR bands corresponding to OH, C=O, and C=C. The stability analysis revealed particle agglomeration over 30 days, increasing the size up to <40 nm. Regarding the optical properties, the CQDs displayed absorption peaks at 225 and 280 nm and a bandgap of ~3.78–3.82 eV. The PL characterization demonstrated tunable emission from violet to green, depending on the excitation wavelength. CQDs synthesized at an acidic pH of 2 exhibited enhanced luminescence due to protonation effects, whereas an alkaline pH led to a reduction in emission intensity. The hydrothermal method enabled a simple and eco-friendly synthesis, using water as the sole solvent, yielding stable CQDs with a luminescence lifespan exceeding 30 days. Their optical and electronic properties make them promising candidates for photocatalysis, heavy metal detection, and bioimaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanocomposites: Structure, Properties and Applications)
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Review

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24 pages, 3717 KiB  
Review
Fly Ash-Supported Photocatalysts: Synthesis, Applications, and Advances in Modification Technology
by Cheng-Gong Lu, Chu-Jie Jiao, Xiu-Cheng Zhang, Wen-Cong Lin and Xue-Fei Chen
Crystals 2025, 15(3), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15030223 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 495
Abstract
Fly ash, a primary solid waste product of coal combustion, poses severe threats to human health and the environment due to its massive accumulation. Leveraging the modified porous structure and engineered adsorptive properties of fly ash, its integration with nano-photocatalytic materials can achieve [...] Read more.
Fly ash, a primary solid waste product of coal combustion, poses severe threats to human health and the environment due to its massive accumulation. Leveraging the modified porous structure and engineered adsorptive properties of fly ash, its integration with nano-photocatalytic materials can achieve dispersion and stabilization of the photocatalyst, significantly enhancing photocatalytic activity while enabling a synergistic effect between adsorption and photocatalysis. This paper focuses on the issue of agglomeration in semiconductor photocatalytic materials and briefly reviews the preparation methods and applications of modified fly ash-supported photocatalytic materials from both domestic and international perspectives in recent years. Initially, the properties and modification techniques of fly ash are analyzed, with a special emphasis on three methods for preparing fly ash-based photocatalytic composites: the sol-gel method, hydrothermal synthesis, and liquid-phase precipitation. A comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of these three methods is conducted. Furthermore, the performance of the materials and the positive impacts of fly ash-composite photocatalysts are analyzed in terms of applications such as the degradation of pollutants in water, the degradation of NOx and VOCs gaseous pollutants, self-cleaning properties, and CO2 reduction capabilities. These analyses indicate that fly ash primarily serves as an adsorbent and carrier in these applications. However, as a carrier, fly ash possesses a limited number of active sites, and its modification technology is not yet fully mature. Additionally, research in this area is still in the experimental stage and has not transitioned to engineered production. Therefore, there is a need for continuous improvement in fly ash modification techniques. Furthermore, additional research should be conducted on functional building materials loaded with fly ash-supported photocatalytic materials to enhance their practicality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanocomposites: Structure, Properties and Applications)
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