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Recent Advances of Catalysts and Nanostructured Materials

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 13548

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Shaojun Yuan

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Guest Editor

Low-Carbon Technology & Chemical Reaction Engineering Lab, College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Interests: nano environmental materials; adsorption; CO₂ capture; supercapacitor; supwetting surfaces for oil/water separation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Yuxin Zhang

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Guest Editor

College of Material Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Interests: environmental protection; sustainability; renewable energy source; sewage treatment; anti-corrosion technology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the increasing recognition of the importance of nanostructured materials in heterogenous catalysis, it is timely to assemble this Special Issue to provide an up-to-date overview of the status of novel methods for nanostrucutred catalyst synthesis, as well as advances in catalysts. The advent of nanotechnology has allowed an immense scope and opportunities for the fabrication of desired nanostructured catalysts with large surface-to-volume ratios (and, hence, attractive chemical reactivities) and unique functionalities to heterogenous catalysis. Several disciplines of modern materials sciences are essential to the discovery, development, and improvement of advanced catalysts and nanostructured catalysts for chemical, petrochemical, environmental, energy, commodity, and fine chemical processes. Despite the impressive progress in all types of advanced catalysts and nanostructured catalysts, significant challenges still remain to be addressed. Nanostructured catalysts have played and will undoubtedly continue to play critical roles in the future development of catalysis technologies.

The objective of this Special Issue is to collect the newest and most crucial techniques for the controlled synthesis of nanostructured solid-state materials used as catalysis, particularly on state-of-the-art works on advance of catalysts and nanostructured materials. In addition to original research papers, comprehensive review articles are most welcome. It is our great pleasure to invite you to submit contributions to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Shaojun Yuan
Prof. Dr. Yuxin Zhang
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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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

single atom catalysts
photocatalysts
electrocatalysts
membrane catalysts
nanomolecular sieve catalysts
nanometallic particle catalysts
nanometal oxide catalyst
nanostructured catalysts
nanocatalysts
photocatalytic nanomaterials
electrocatalytic nanomaterials
MOF-based catalytic materials
graphene-based catalytic materials
carbon-nanotube-based catalytic materials
1D nanocatalytic materials
2D nanocatalytic materials
3D nanocatalytic materials
nanoscale catalytic materials
nanocomposite materials
nanoporous catalytic materials
nano-inorganic catalysts
nano-organic catalysts
adsorption
nanostructured catalysts for various applications

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 6728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anisotropic and Highly Sensitive Flexible Strain Sensors Based on Carbon Nanotubes and Iron Nanowires for Human–Computer Interaction Systems

by Decheng Wu, Yinlei Su, Rui Li, Jingyuan Zhao, Li Yang and Pingan Yang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13029; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713029 - 22 Aug 2023

Viewed by 935

Abstract

Flexible strain sensors for multi-directional strain detection are crucial in complicated hman–computer interaction (HCI) applications. However, enhancing the anisotropy and sensitivity of the sensors for multi-directional detection in a simple and effective method remains a significant issue. Therefore, this study proposes a flexible strain sensor with anisotropy and high sensitivity based on a high-aspect-ratio V-groove array and a hybrid conductive network of iron nanowires and carbon nanotubes (Fe NWs/CNTs). The sensor exhibits significant anisotropy, with a difference in strain detection sensitivity of up to 35.92 times between two mutually perpendicular directions. Furthermore, the dynamic performance of the sensor shows a good response rate, ranging from 223 ms to 333 ms. The sensor maintains stability and consistent performance even after undergoing 1000 testing cycles. Additionally, the constructed flexible strain sensor is tested using the remote control application of a trolley, demonstrating its high potential for usage in practical HCI systems. This research offers a significant competitive advantage in the development of flexible strain sensors in the field of HCI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances of Catalysts and Nanostructured Materials)

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16 pages, 8092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Core–Shell Structured Silica-Coated Iron Nanowires Composites for Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Properties

by Pingan Yang, Wenxian Ye, Haibo Ruan, Rui Li, Mengjie Shou, Yichen Yin, Xin Huang, Yuxin Zhang and Jiufei Luo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 8620; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108620 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1466

Abstract

In this study, we successfully prepared core–shell heterostructured nanocomposites (Fe NWs@SiO₂), with ferromagnetic nanowires (Fe NWs) as the core and silica (SiO₂) as the shell. The composites exhibited enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption and oxidation resistance and were synthesized using a simple liquid-phase hydrolysis reaction. We tested and analyzed the microwave absorption properties of Fe NWs@SiO₂ composites with varied filling rates (mass fractions of 10 wt%, 30 wt%, and 50 wt% after mixing with paraffin). The results showed that the sample filled with 50 wt% had the best comprehensive performance. At the matching thickness of 7.25 mm, the minimum reflection loss (RL_min) could reach −54.88 dB at 13.52 GHz and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL < −10 dB) could reach 2.88 GHz in the range of 8.96–17.12 GHz. Enhanced microwave absorption performance of the core–shell structured Fe NWs@SiO₂ composites could be attributed to the magnetic loss of the composite, the core–shell heterogeneous interface polarization effect, and the small-scale effect induced by the one-dimensional structure. Theoretically, this research provided Fe NWs@SiO₂ composites with highly absorbent and antioxidant core–shell structures for future practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances of Catalysts and Nanostructured Materials)

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14 pages, 3469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Removal Mechanism for Copper Cyanide Complex Ions in Water: Ion Species Differences and Evolution Process

by Ying Liu, Baogang Sun, Wenting Jia, Yuan Wang, Lijia Huang, Pengge Ning and Shaojun Yuan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5066; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065066 - 07 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2085

Abstract

A large amount of cyanide-containing wastewater is discharged during electrode material synthesis. Among them, cyanides will form metal–cyanide complex ions which possess high stability, making it challenging to separate them from these wastewaters. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the complexation mechanism of cyanide ions and heavy metal ions from wastewater in order to obtain a deep insight into the process of cyanide removal. This study employs Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to reveal the complexation mechanism of metal–cyanide complex ions formed by the interaction of Cu⁺ and CN⁻ in copper cyanide systems and its transformation patterns. Quantum chemical calculations show that the precipitation properties of Cu(CN)₄³⁻ can assist in the removal of CN⁻. Therefore, transferring other metal–cyanide complex ions to Cu(CN)₄³⁻ can achieve deep removal. OLI studio 11.0 analyzed the optimal process parameters of Cu(CN)₄³⁻ under different conditions and determined the optimal process parameters of the removal depth of CN⁻. This work has the potential to contribute to the future preparation of related materials such as CN⁻ removal adsorbents and catalysts and provide theoretical foundations for the development of more efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly next-generation energy storage electrode materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances of Catalysts and Nanostructured Materials)

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14 pages, 5087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Atomic Scale Optimization Strategy of Al-Based Layered Double Hydroxide for Alkali Stability and Supercapacitors

by Chuan Jing, Kai Shu, Qing Sun, Jiayu Zheng, Shuijie Zhang, Xin Liu, Kexin Yao, Xianju Zhou and Xiaoying Liu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911645 - 01 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1237

Abstract

The pseudocapacitor material is easily decomposed when immersed in alkaline solution for a long time. Hence, it is necessary to find a strategy to improve the alkali stability of pseudocapacitor materials. In addition, the relationship between alkali stability and electrochemical performance is still unclear. In this work, a series of Al-based LDH (Layered double hydroxide) and derived Ni/Co-based sulfides are prepared, and corresponding alkali stability and electrochemical performance are analyzed. The alkali stability of CoAl LDH is so poor and can be improved effectively by doping of Ni. Ni₁Co₂S₄ and Ni₂Co₁Al LDH exhibit an outstanding alkali stability, and Ni₂Co₁S₄ exhibits an extremely poor alkali stability. The variable valence state of Co element and the solubility of Al in alkali solution are the fundamental reasons for the poor alkali stability of CoAl LDH and Ni₂Co₁S₄. Ni₂Co₁S₄ showed an outstanding electrochemical performance in a three-electrode system, which is better than that of Ni₁Co₂S₄, indicating that there is no direct correlation between alkali stability and electrochemical properties. Sulfidation improved the electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity of electrode materials, whereas alkali etching suppressed the occurrence of the electrochemical reaction. Overall, this work provides a clear perspective to understand the relationship between alkali stability and electrochemical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances of Catalysts and Nanostructured Materials)

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12 pages, 2935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microwave Absorption of α-Fe₂O₃@diatomite Composites

by Chenzhi Zhang, Dashuang Wang, Lichao Dong, Kailin Li, Yifan Zhang, Pingan Yang, Shuang Yi, Xingjian Dai, Changqing Yin, Zhilan Du, Xinfang Zhang, Quan Zhou, Zhiyu Yi, Jinsong Rao and Yuxin Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9362; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169362 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

A neoteric round sieve diatomite (De) decorated with sea-urchin-like alpha-type iron trioxide (α-Fe₂O₃) synthetics was prepared by the hydrothermal method and further calcination. The results of the electromagnetic (EM) parameters of α-Fe₂O₃-decorated De (α-Fe₂O₃@D) showed that the minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of α-Fe₂O₃@D could reach −54.2 dB at 11.52 GHz and the matched absorber thickness was 3 mm. The frequency bandwidth corresponding to the microwave RL value below −20 dB was up to 8.24 GHz (9.76–18 GHz). This indicates that α-Fe₂O₃@D composite can be a lightweight and stable material; because of the low density of De (1.9–2.3 g/cm³), the density of α-Fe₂O₃@D composite material is lower than that of α-Fe₂O₃ (5.18 g/cm³). We found that the combination of the magnetic loss of sea-urchin-like α-Fe₂O₃ and the dielectric loss of De has the most dominant role in electromagnetic wave absorption and loss. We focused on comparing the absorbing properties before and after the formation of sea-urchin-like α-Fe₂O₃ and explain in detail the effects of the structure and crystal shape of this novel composite on the absorbing properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances of Catalysts and Nanostructured Materials)

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15 pages, 8461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Stretchable and Sensitive Flexible Strain Sensor Based on Fe NWs/Graphene/PEDOT:PSS with a Porous Structure

by Ping’an Yang, Sha Xiang, Rui Li, Haibo Ruan, Dachao Chen, Zhihao Zhou, Xin Huang and Zhongbang Liu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 8895; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23168895 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2268

Abstract

With the rapid development of wearable smart electronic products, high-performance wearable flexible strain sensors are urgently needed. In this paper, a flexible strain sensor device with Fe NWs/Graphene/PEDOT:PSS material added under a porous structure was designed and prepared. The effects of adding different sensing materials and a different number of dips with PEDOT:PSS on the device performance were investigated. The experiments show that the flexible strain sensor obtained by using Fe NWs, graphene, and PEDOT:PSS composite is dipped in polyurethane foam once and vacuum dried in turn with a local linearity of 98.8%, and the device was stable up to 3500 times at 80% strain. The high linearity and good stability are based on the three-dimensional network structure of polyurethane foam, combined with the excellent electrical conductivity of Fe NWs, the bridging and passivation effects of graphene, and the stabilization effect of PEDOT:PSS, which force the graphene-coated Fe NWs to adhere to the porous skeleton under the action of PEDOT:PSS to form a stable three-dimensional conductive network. Flexible strain sensor devices can be applied to smart robots and other fields and show broad application prospects in intelligent wearable devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances of Catalysts and Nanostructured Materials)

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Review

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22 pages, 10925 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review on Catalytic Oxidation of VOCs at Ambient Temperature

by Rui Zhao, Han Wang, Dan Zhao, Rui Liu, Shejiang Liu, Jianfeng Fu, Yuxin Zhang and Hui Ding

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 13739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232213739 - 08 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2820

Abstract

As an important air pollutant, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose a serious threat to the ecological environment and human health. To achieve energy saving, carbon reduction, and safe and efficient degradation of VOCs, ambient temperature catalytic oxidation has become a hot topic for researchers. Firstly, this review systematically summarizes recent progress on the catalytic oxidation of VOCs with different types. Secondly, based on nanoparticle catalysts, cluster catalysts, and single-atom catalysts, we discuss the influence of structural regulation, such as adjustment of size and configuration, metal doping, defect engineering, and acid/base modification, on the structure–activity relationship in the process of catalytic oxidation at ambient temperature. Then, the effects of process conditions, such as initial concentration, space velocity, oxidation atmosphere, and humidity adjustment on catalytic activity, are summarized. It is further found that nanoparticle catalysts are most commonly used in ambient temperature catalytic oxidation. Additionally, ambient temperature catalytic oxidation is mainly applied in the removal of easily degradable pollutants, and focuses on ambient temperature catalytic ozonation. The activity, selectivity, and stability of catalysts need to be improved. Finally, according to the existing problems and limitations in the application of ambient temperature catalytic oxidation technology, new prospects and challenges are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances of Catalysts and Nanostructured Materials)

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