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Gels
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Advances in Carbon Gels: From Synthesis to Electrochemical and (Bio)analytical...
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Advances in Carbon Gels: From Synthesis to Electrochemical and (Bio)analytical Applications

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Processing and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 4178

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana Casanova

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Interfaces, Confinement, Matériaux et Nanostructures, ICMN-CNRS (UMR 7374)-Université d’Orléans, 1b rue de la Férollerie, 45071 Orléans, Cedex 2, France
Interests: electrochemistry; electroanalysis; wearable sensors; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sébastien Schaefer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Interfaces, Confinement, Matériaux et Nanostructures, ICMN-CNRS (UMR 7374)–Université d’Orléans, 1b rue de la Férollerie, 45071 Orléans, France
Interests: adsorption; kinetics; catalyst characterization; catalyst synthesis; material characterization; nanomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon gels are attractive three-dimensional structures that can confine small molecules within the cavities of their porous framework, as well as exhibit remarkable electrical conductivity. The mostly mesoporous nature of their porous texture enables specific advantages of the carbon gels when compared to other carbonaceous materials. Typically formed via the carbonization of a previously assembled polymeric network in the presence or absence of templates, these carbon gels possess unique properties, such as low density, high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and fast diffusion capability for the confined molecules, among others. However, the synthesis of carbon gels often involves complex, time-consuming, and energy-intensive processes, which can hinder their scalability and competitiveness within the industrial field. Advances in terms of fabrication performance, such as the combination with metallic or carbon-based additives, the doping of the micro- or nano-structure with heteroatoms, or the implementation of technologically sophisticated processes, have enabled the application of carbon gels in a wide scope of disciplines, such as energy conversion and storage, environmental remediation, and electroanalysis via piezoelectric, optical, and electrochemical sensors.

This Special Issue, entitled “Advances in Carbon Gels: From Synthesis to Electrochemical and (Bio)analytical Applications”, aims to highlight recent developments in the synthesis, characterization, and applicability of carbon gels through the use of innovative approaches. Original research articles, reviews, letters, and mini reviews covering these topics or similar topics are welcome.

Dr. Ana Casanova
Dr. Sébastien Schaefer
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. Gels 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

  • carbon gels
  • novel synthesis approaches
  • electrochemical applications
  • electroanalysis applications

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3731 KiB  
Article
NMR Characterization of Graphene Oxide-Doped Carbon Aerogel in a Liquid Environment
by Dávid Nyul, Mónika Kéri, Levente Novák, Hanna Szabó, Attila Csík and István Bányai
Gels 2025, 11(2), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11020129 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 568
Abstract
In this study, we report the findings of a morphological analysis of a resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF)-based carbon aerogel (CA) and its graphene oxide (GO)-doped version (CA-GO), prepared for possible applications as an electrode material. Beyond some electron microscopic and N2 sorption investigations, we [...] Read more.
In this study, we report the findings of a morphological analysis of a resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF)-based carbon aerogel (CA) and its graphene oxide (GO)-doped version (CA-GO), prepared for possible applications as an electrode material. Beyond some electron microscopic and N2 sorption investigations, we mostly used NMR cryoporometry and relaxometry to characterize the gels in a wet state, as they are usually applied. The precursor RF polymer aerogel was prepared both with and without GO and was subsequently carbonized into carbon aerogel. Modifying the polymer aerogel using GO resulted in a larger variety of C-O bonds in both polymer aerogels. However, the most important changes occurred in the morphology of the carbon aerogels. NMR relaxometry revealed the highly hydrophilic nature of the pore wall of the RF polymer aerogels, as demonstrated by their uniform wetting behavior. The carbonization resulted in a mostly hydrophobic pore wall decorated by some oxygen-containing spots and a macroporous system. Doping with GO after pyrolysis resulted in spherical pores in the CA and cylindrical pores in the CA-GO, which is potentially a more promising material for electrochemical use than CA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Carbon Gels: From Synthesis to Electrochemical and (Bio)analytical Applications)
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15 pages, 22026 KiB  
Article
Morphology of Graphene Aerogel as the Key Factor: Mechanical Properties Under Tension and Compression
by Elizaveta Rozhnova and Julia Baimova
Gels 2025, 11(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11010003 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 656
Abstract
Graphene aerogels with high surface areas, ultra-low densities, and thermal conductivities have been attracted a lot of attention in recent years. However, considerable difference in their deformation behavior and mechanical properties lead to their poor performance. The problem can be solved by preparing [...] Read more.
Graphene aerogels with high surface areas, ultra-low densities, and thermal conductivities have been attracted a lot of attention in recent years. However, considerable difference in their deformation behavior and mechanical properties lead to their poor performance. The problem can be solved by preparing graphene aerogel of given morphology and by control the properties through the special structure of graphene cells. In the present work, molecular dynamics simulation is used to overview the mechanical properties of four different morphologies of graphene aerogel: honeycomb, cellular, lamellar and randomly distributed graphene flakes. All the structures are considered under uniaxial compression and tension with the detailed analysis of the deformation behavior. It is found that cellular structures have much better compressibility and elasticity. During both compression and tension, cellular structures can be transformed from one to another by controlling the compression/tensile direction. The highest strength and fracture strain are found for the lamellar GA under tension along the direction perpendicular to the alignment of the graphene walls. This reveals that the mechanical properties of graphene aerogels can be controlled by enhancing the structural morphology. The obtained results is the contribution which provide the insights into recent developments concerning the design of carbon-based structures and their application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Carbon Gels: From Synthesis to Electrochemical and (Bio)analytical Applications)
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Review

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27 pages, 12339 KiB  
Review
Potential of Carbon Aerogels in Energy: Design, Characteristics, and Applications
by Gazi A. K. M. Rafiqul Bari and Jae-Ho Jeong
Gels 2024, 10(6), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10060389 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2466
Abstract
In energy applications, the use of materials with hierarchical porous structures and large surface areas is essential for efficient charge storage. These structures facilitate rapid electron and ion transport, resulting in high power density and quick charge/discharge capabilities. Carbon-based materials are extensively utilized [...] Read more.
In energy applications, the use of materials with hierarchical porous structures and large surface areas is essential for efficient charge storage. These structures facilitate rapid electron and ion transport, resulting in high power density and quick charge/discharge capabilities. Carbon-based materials are extensively utilized due to their tunable properties, including pore sizes ranging from ultra- to macropores and surface polarity. Incorporating heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, and boron modifies the carbon structure, enhancing electrocatalytic properties and overall performance. A hierarchical pore structure is necessary for optimal performance, as it ensures efficient access to the material’s core. The microstructure of carbon materials significantly impacts energy storage, with factors like polyaromatic condensation, crystallite structure, and interlayer distance playing crucial roles. Carbon aerogels, derived from the carbonization of organic gels, feature a sponge-like structure with large surface area and high porosity, making them suitable for energy storage. Their open pore structure supports fast ion transfer, leading to high energy and power densities. Challenges include maintaining mechanical or structural integrity, multifunctional features, and scalability. This review provides an overview of the current progress in carbon-based aerogels for energy applications, discussing their properties, development strategies, and limitations, and offering significant guidance for future research requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Carbon Gels: From Synthesis to Electrochemical and (Bio)analytical Applications)
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