Carbon Nanomaterials for Green Energy Storage and Catalysis Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2024) | Viewed by 9637

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Ministry of Education of China, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: graphene; conductive polymers; regulation and assembly of micro-nano structures; electrochemistry; miniature energy storage devices

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Guest Editor
School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Interests: electrocatalysis; heterogeneous catalysis; photocatalysis; surface/interface engineering of catalysts
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School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
Interests: carbon based self-assembly structure; biochemical sensors; wearable storage and electronic devices; functional nanocomposites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon nanomaterials gradually play crucial role in the green energy and catalysis research fields due to their the exceptional mechanical, electrical, and unique chemical features. On one way, the development of novel green energy storage systems has significantly contributed to the realization of environmentally friendly energy mix in recent years. Precise design and regulation of the microscopic morphology of carbon nanomaterials, as well as the in-depth study of the reaction mechanism, reaction thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics of green energy storage systems, are conducive to the construction of high-performance, long-lasting, and cost-effective green energy storage systems. On the other way, advanced catalysis technologies are equally serious and efficient methods for the production of new renewable and sustainable energy sources. The development of highly active catalysts with carbon nanomaterials has become a prominent topic of focus in catalytic technology. Specially, simulation of the catalyst model and the theoretical calculation of the catalytic reaction process can provide substantial support for the design and fabrication of a feasible catalyst structure.

In this Special Issue of Nanomaterials, we expect contributions from a wide community of researchers and scientists working on carbon nanomaterials (including graphene, carbon nanotubes, graphite, amorphous carbon and other carbon-based nanomaterials) relating to green energy storage applications, such as batteries, supercapacitors, hybrid supercapacitors, and emerging miniature energy storage devices, and catalysis applications, such as photocatalysts and electrocatalysts for water splitting, fuel cells, and metal-air batteries. Since diverse green energies (e.g., chemical energy, mechanical energy, solar energy, etc.) receive more and more attention in recent years, we also anticipate manuscripts dealing with these aspects in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Yang Zhao
Dr. Jinchen Fan
Guest Editors

Dr. Yu Ma
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • batteries
  • supercapacitors
  • hybrid supercapacitors
  • emerging miniature energy storage devices
  • electrocatalysis
  • photocatalysis
  • fuel cells
  • metal-air batteries
  • moisture-electric generation
  • water evaporation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 5274 KiB  
Article
Simultaneous Effect of Diameter and Concentration of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Cement Mortars: With and without Biosilica
by Suren A. Malumyan, Nelli G. Muradyan, Marine A. Kalantaryan, Avetik A. Arzumanyan, Yeghvard Melikyan, David Laroze and Manuk G. Barseghyan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(15), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151271 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 769
Abstract
In this work, the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT1, MWCNT2, and MWCNT3) with different outer diameters and specific surface areas on the mechanical and electrical properties of cement mortar have been investigated. Various concentrations of MWCNTs were used (0.05, 0.10, and 0.15%), [...] Read more.
In this work, the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT1, MWCNT2, and MWCNT3) with different outer diameters and specific surface areas on the mechanical and electrical properties of cement mortar have been investigated. Various concentrations of MWCNTs were used (0.05, 0.10, and 0.15%), the effective dispersion of which was carried out by an Ultrasonic machine (for 40 min with 160 W power and a 24 kHz frequency) using a surfactant. Composites have been processed with a biosilica content of 10% by weight of cement and without it. Compressive strength tests were carried out on days 7 and 28 of curing. The 7-day compressive strength of samples prepared without biosilica increased compared to the result of the control sample (6.4% for MWCNT1, 7.4% for MWCNT2, and 10.8% for MWCNT3), as did those using biosilica (6.7% in the case of MWCNT1, 29.2% for MWCNT2, and 2.1% for MWCNT3). Compressive strength tests of 28-day specimens yielded the following results: 21.7% for MWCNT1, 3.8% for MWCNT2, and 4.2% for MWCNT3 in the absence of biosilica and 8.5%, 12.6%, and 6.3% with biosilica, respectively. The maximum increase in compressive strength was observed in the composites treated with a 0.1% MWCNT concentration, while in the case of 0.05 and 0.15% concentrations, the compressive strengths were relatively low. The MWCNT-reinforced cement matrix obtained electrical properties due to the high electrical conductivity of these particles. The effect of MWCNT concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 wt% on the electrical properties of cement mortar, especially the bulk electrical resistivity and piezoresistive characteristics of cement mortar, was studied in this work. At a concentration of 0.05%, the lowest value of resistivity was obtained, and then it started to increase. The obtained results show that all investigated specimens have piezoresistive properties and that the measurements led to a deviation in fractional change in resistivity. Full article
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24 pages, 5827 KiB  
Article
Functionalization of MWCNTs for Bioelectrocatalysis by Bacterial Two-Domain Laccase from Catenuloplanes japonicus
by Azat Abdullatypov, Pavel Oskin, Veronika Fedina, Liubov Trubitsina, Sofiya Yakimovich, Ekaterina Shuvalova, Pradeep Verma, Tatyana Dyachkova, Olga Ponamoreva and Sergey Alferov
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(23), 3019; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13233019 - 25 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1171
Abstract
This study was carried out in order to assess several modifications of carbon nanotube-based nanomaterials for their applications in laccase electrodes and model biofuel cells. The modified MWCNTs served as adapters for the immobilization of laccase from Catenuloplanes japonicus VKM Ac-875 on the [...] Read more.
This study was carried out in order to assess several modifications of carbon nanotube-based nanomaterials for their applications in laccase electrodes and model biofuel cells. The modified MWCNTs served as adapters for the immobilization of laccase from Catenuloplanes japonicus VKM Ac-875 on the surface of electrodes made of graphite rods and graphite paste. The electrochemical properties of the electrodes were tested in linear and cyclic voltammetrical measurements for the determination of the redox potential of the enzyme and achievable current densities. The redox potential of the enzyme was above 500 mV versus NHE, while the highest current densities reached hundreds of µA/cm2. Model biofuel cells on the base of the laccase cathodes had maximal power values from 0.4 to 2 µW. The possibility of practical application of such BFCs was discussed. Full article
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15 pages, 2703 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Cu Nanoparticles Incorporated Mesoporous C/SiO2 for Efficient Tetracycline Degradation
by Ning Wang, Yuanyuan Zhao, Xuelian Wu, Dapeng Li, Ruguang Ma, Zhigang Chen and Zhengying Wu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(17), 2478; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13172478 - 2 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1228
Abstract
In this study, a Cu NPs-incorporated carbon-containing mesoporous SiO2 (Cu/C-SiO2) was successfully synthesized through a grinding-assisted self-infiltration method followed by an in situ reduction process. The obtained Cu/C-SiO2 was then employed as a Fenton-like catalyst to remove tetracycline (TC) [...] Read more.
In this study, a Cu NPs-incorporated carbon-containing mesoporous SiO2 (Cu/C-SiO2) was successfully synthesized through a grinding-assisted self-infiltration method followed by an in situ reduction process. The obtained Cu/C-SiO2 was then employed as a Fenton-like catalyst to remove tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solutions. TEM, EDS, XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, FTIR, and XPS methods were used to characterize the crystal structure, morphology, porosity, chemical composition, and surface chemical properties of the catalyst. The effects of initial TC concentration, catalyst dosage, H2O2 dosage, solution pH, HA addition, and water media on the TC degradation over Cu/C-SiO2 were investigated. Scavenging and electrochemical experiments were then carried out to analyze the TC degradation mechanism. The results show that the Cu/C-SiO2 can remove 99.9% of the concentrated TC solution (C0 = 500 mg·L−1), and it can be used in a wide pH range (R.E. = 94–99%, pH = 3.0–11.0). Moreover, hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were detected to be the dominant reactive species in this catalytic system. This study provides a simple and promising method for the synthesis of heteroatom-containing mesoporous catalysts for the decomposition of antibiotics in wastewater. Full article
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Review

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19 pages, 4594 KiB  
Review
Graphene-Based Wearable Temperature Sensors: A Review
by Jiajia Liu, Ying Wang, Xiangyang Li, Jiaqi Wang and Yang Zhao
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(16), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13162339 - 14 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2322
Abstract
Flexible sensing electronics have received extensive attention for their potential applications in wearable human health monitoring and care systems. Given that the normal physiological activities of the human body are primarily based on a relatively constant body temperature, real-time monitoring of body surface [...] Read more.
Flexible sensing electronics have received extensive attention for their potential applications in wearable human health monitoring and care systems. Given that the normal physiological activities of the human body are primarily based on a relatively constant body temperature, real-time monitoring of body surface temperature using temperature sensors is one of the most intuitive and effective methods to understand physical conditions. With its outstanding electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, graphene emerges as a promising candidate for the development of flexible and wearable temperature sensors. In this review, the recent progress of graphene-based wearable temperature sensors is summarized, including material preparation, working principle, performance index, classification, and related applications. Finally, the challenges and future research emphasis in this field are put forward. This review provides important guidance for designing novel and intelligent wearable temperature-sensing systems. Full article
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27 pages, 4659 KiB  
Review
Preparation of MnO2-Carbon Materials and Their Applications in Photocatalytic Water Treatment
by Kun Fan, Qing Chen, Jian Zhao and Yue Liu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030541 - 29 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3542
Abstract
Water pollution is one of the most important problems in the field of environmental protection in the whole world, and organic pollution is a critical one for wastewater pollution problems. How to solve the problem effectively has triggered a common concern in the [...] Read more.
Water pollution is one of the most important problems in the field of environmental protection in the whole world, and organic pollution is a critical one for wastewater pollution problems. How to solve the problem effectively has triggered a common concern in the area of environmental protection nowadays. Around this problem, scientists have carried out a lot of research; due to the advantages of high efficiency, a lack of secondary pollution, and low cost, photocatalytic technology has attracted more and more attention. In the past, MnO2 was seldom used in the field of water pollution treatment due to its easy agglomeration and low catalytic activity at low temperatures. With the development of carbon materials, it was found that the composite of carbon materials and MnO2 could overcome the above defects, and the composite had good photocatalytic performance, and the research on the photocatalytic performance of MnO2-carbon materials has gradually become a research hotspot in recent years. This review covers recent progress on MnO2-carbon materials for photocatalytic water treatment. We focus on the preparation methods of MnO2 and different kinds of carbon material composites and the application of composite materials in the removal of phenolic compounds, antibiotics, organic dyes, and heavy metal ions in water. Finally, we present our perspective on the challenges and future research directions of MnO2-carbon materials in the field of environmental applications. Full article
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