Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.0
3.0
Journals
J. Compos. Sci.
Special Issues
Advancements in Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications
share announcement

Advancements in Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Composites Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 6789

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Mohd Shahneel Saharudin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Computing & Engineering Technology, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7QB, UK
Interests: polymer composites; MXenes; graphene; additive manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This special issue of Journal of Composites Science aims to showcase the latest advancements and innovations in composite materials specifically tailored for energy storage applications. Composite materials have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their unique combination of properties, including high strength, lightweight, and tunable characteristics, which make them promising candidates for enhancing energy storage technologies. This issue will feature original research articles, reviews, and perspectives covering a wide range of topics such as the design and synthesis of novel composite materials, advanced characterization techniques, material engineering strategies for optimizing electrochemical performance, integration of nanomaterials, scalable manufacturing processes, durability assessments, application-specific case studies, and sustainability considerations. By bringing together contributions from researchers, engineers, and industry professionals, this special issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in composite materials for energy storage and stimulate further advancements in this rapidly growing field.

Dr. Mohd Shahneel Saharudin
Guest Editor

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. Journal of Composites Science 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 1800 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

  • polymers
  • composites
  • energy storage

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

20 pages, 3722 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Using a NiFe2O4/NG@MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 Composite Photoanode: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance
by Waheed Rehman, Faiq Saeed, Samia Arain, Muhammad Usman, Bushra Maryam and Xianhua Liu
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(5), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9050250 - 17 May 2025
Viewed by 145
Abstract
NiFe2O4 and TiO2 are widely studied for photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications due to their unique properties. Nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), such as MIL-100(Fe) (where MIL stands for Materials of Lavoisier Institute), are commonly incorporated to enhance PEC [...] Read more.
NiFe2O4 and TiO2 are widely studied for photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications due to their unique properties. Nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), such as MIL-100(Fe) (where MIL stands for Materials of Lavoisier Institute), are commonly incorporated to enhance PEC performance by offering a high surface area and facilitating efficient charge transport. Composite systems are commonly employed to overcome the limitations of individual PEC catalysts. In this study, a highly efficient NiFe2O4/NG@MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 photoanode was developed to enhance photoelectrochemical water-splitting performance. The composite was synthesized via a hydrothermal method with a two-step heating process. X-ray diffraction confirmed the expected crystal structures, with peak broadening in NiFe2O4 indicating reduced crystallite size and increased lattice strain. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the Ni 2p and Fe 2p regions validated the successful integration of NiFe2O4 into the composite. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated excellent performance, with linear sweep voltammetry achieving a peak photocurrent density of 3.5 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V (vs RHE). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a reduced charge-transfer resistance of 50 Ω, indicating improved charge transport. Optical and electronic properties were evaluated using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Tauc plots, revealing a direct bandgap of 2.1 eV. The composite exhibited stable photocurrent under amperometric J-t testing for 2000 s, demonstrating its durability. These findings underscore the potential of NiFe2O4/NG@MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 as a promising material for renewable energy applications, particularly in photoelectrochemical water splitting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 10273 KiB  
Article
Electrical Properties of Semiconductor/Conductor Composites: Polypyrrole-Coated Tungsten Microparticles
by Jaroslav Stejskal, Marek Jurča, Miroslava Trchová and Jan Prokeš
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(3), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9030098 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 369
Abstract
Tungsten microparticles were coated with globular or nanotubular polypyrrole in situ during the oxidation of pyrrole in aqueous medium with ammonium peroxydisulfate or iron(III) chloride, respectively. The resulting core–shell composites with various contents of tungsten were obtained as powders composed of metal particles [...] Read more.
Tungsten microparticles were coated with globular or nanotubular polypyrrole in situ during the oxidation of pyrrole in aqueous medium with ammonium peroxydisulfate or iron(III) chloride, respectively. The resulting core–shell composites with various contents of tungsten were obtained as powders composed of metal particles embedded in a semiconducting polymer matrix. The coating of tungsten with polypyrrole was analysed by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies. The resistivity of composite powders was determined by the four-point van der Pauw method as a function of pressure applied up to 10 MPa. The degree of compression was also recorded and its relation to electrical properties is discussed on the basis of the percolation concept. The electrical properties of composites are afforded by polypyrrole matrix and they are independent of tungsten content. As the conducting tungsten particles are separated by polypyrrole shells, they cannot produce conducting pathways and behave similarly as a nonconducting filler. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 4513 KiB  
Article
Nanostructured C@CuS Core–Shell Framework with High Lithium-Ion Storage Performance
by Changqing Jin, Zaidong Peng, Yongxing Wei, Ruihua Nan, Zhong Yang, Zengyun Jian and Qingping Ding
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(9), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090375 - 21 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1101
Abstract
In this study, we have synthesized a nanostructured core–shell framework of carbon-coated copper sulfide (C@CuS) through a one-step precipitation technique. The carbon sphere template facilitated the nucleation of CuS nanostructures. The synthesized nanocomposites have demonstrated remarkable lithium-ion storage capabilities when utilized as an [...] Read more.
In this study, we have synthesized a nanostructured core–shell framework of carbon-coated copper sulfide (C@CuS) through a one-step precipitation technique. The carbon sphere template facilitated the nucleation of CuS nanostructures. The synthesized nanocomposites have demonstrated remarkable lithium-ion storage capabilities when utilized as an anode in lithium-ion batteries. Notably, they exhibit an impressive rate capability of 314 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 5000 mA g−1, along with excellent long-term cycle stability, maintaining 463 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 800 cycles. This superior performance is due to the core–shell architecture of the composite, where the carbon core enhances the conductivity of CuS nanoparticles and mitigates volume expansion, thus preventing capacity loss. Our study not only elucidates the significance of carbon in the construction of nano-heterojunctions or composite electrodes but also presents a practical approach to significantly boost the electrochemical performance of CuS and other metal sulfides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2201 KiB  
Article
Hydrogen Generation by Nickel Electrodes Coated with Linear Patterns of PTFE
by Alion Alushi, Atheer Al-Musawi, Kyuman Kim, Chong-Yong Lee, Klaudia Wagner and Gerhard F. Swiegers
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(9), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090368 - 19 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1234
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that partially coating electrode surfaces with patterns of ‘islands’ of hydrophobic tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Teflon) may lead to more energy efficient gas generation. This occurred because the gas bubbles formed preferentially on the PTFE, thereby freeing up the catalytically active [...] Read more.
Previous studies have shown that partially coating electrode surfaces with patterns of ‘islands’ of hydrophobic tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Teflon) may lead to more energy efficient gas generation. This occurred because the gas bubbles formed preferentially on the PTFE, thereby freeing up the catalytically active metallic surfaces to produce the gas more efficiently. This work examined electrochemically induced hydrogen bubble formation on a nickel electrode surface that had been coated with linear patterns of PTFE. The impact of the PTFE line size (width) and degree of coverage was examined and analyzed. No improvement in electrical energy efficiency was observed up to 15 mA/cm2 when comparing the PTFE-coated electrodes with the control bare uncoated electrode. However, increasing PTFE coverage up to 15% generally improved electrolysis performance. Moreover, samples with 50% wider lines performed better (at the equivalent PTFE coverage), yielding an overpotential decline of up to 3.9% depending on the PTFE coverage. A ‘bubble-scavenging’ phenomenon was also observed, wherein bubbles present on the PTFE lines rapidly shrunk until they disappeared. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 10364 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effect in MoS2 Nanosheets–Biochar Nanocomposites with Enhanced Surface Area and Electrical Conductivity for Energy Storage Applications
by Thangaraj Pandiselvi, Chithiraiselvan Praveena, Venkatachalam Sridevi, Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran and Masanari Kimura
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(9), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090357 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1363
Abstract
Layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a transition metal dichalcogenide, shows distinct optical, electrical, and physical properties at a few-layer thickness. MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) widely explored for energy and environmental applications but have limitations with respect to their electrical conductivity and charge [...] Read more.
Layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a transition metal dichalcogenide, shows distinct optical, electrical, and physical properties at a few-layer thickness. MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) widely explored for energy and environmental applications but have limitations with respect to their electrical conductivity and charge transfer characteristics due to their low surface area. These limitations can be overcome by combining MoS2 NSs with carbon-based materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and biochar, which can enhance the properties in a synergistic way. In this study, biochar (BC), a carbon-rich material prepared from vegetable biomass through low-temperature pyrolysis has been combined with bulk MoS2 in various ratios using an aqueous phase exfoliation method to form MoS2 NSs–biochar nanocomposites. The spectroscopic, structural, and morphological studies confirmed the synergistic interaction between MoS2 and BC, which is well reflected in the facile exfoliation process and the formation of few layered MoS2 NSs on the surface of the BC without any agglomeration. The electrochemical studies prove that incorporating biochar into MoS2 enhances the capacitive behavior and reduces the charge transfer resistance compared to pristine MoS2 NSs and pristine biochar. This study provides ample scope for the composite to be explored for energy storage applications, especially towards the development of electrode materials due to the synergistic effect between MoS2 NSs and biochar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4215 KiB  
Article
Optimizing DMF Utilization for Improved MXene Dispersions in Epoxy Nanocomposites
by Ayyaz Ali Janjua, Muhammad Younas, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas, Islam Shyha, Nadimul Haque Faisal, Fawad Inam and Mohd Shahneel Saharudin
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(9), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090340 - 29 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1801
Abstract
Dimethylformamide (DMF), a polar solvent, is commonly used for preparing graphene/epoxy nanocomposites. While previous research has commonly predominantly highlighted the improvement in physio-mechanical properties of these nanocomposites, the effect of DMF on processing and its direct influence on the final characteristics of MXene/epoxy [...] Read more.
Dimethylformamide (DMF), a polar solvent, is commonly used for preparing graphene/epoxy nanocomposites. While previous research has commonly predominantly highlighted the improvement in physio-mechanical properties of these nanocomposites, the effect of DMF on processing and its direct influence on the final characteristics of MXene/epoxy nanocomposites have not been investigated. This unexplored link between DMF dosage, MXene concentrations, and the final composite properties presents an exciting direction for future research. In this study, a fixed dosage of DMF was used with varying MXene concentrations to fabricate the nanocomposites. To assess the reliability of DMF dosage on the characteristics of the fabricated nanocomposites, various evaluation techniques were employed, including dispersion evaluation, mechanical tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and surface roughness measurements. The research outcomes revealed that as MXene concentration increased, the characteristics of the MXene/epoxy nanocomposites, improved across the board, indicating their potential for use in energy storage applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop