Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.2
4.3
Journals
Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Nanostructured Materials for Electrocatalysis
share announcement

Nanostructured Materials for Electrocatalysis

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 May 2026 | Viewed by 17885

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Chunming Zheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology and Process Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Processes, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China
Interests: various micro/nanostructured material synthesis techniques

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials are materials with typical size features in the lower nanometer size range and characteristic mesoscopic properties, for example, quantum size effects. These properties make them attractive objects of fundamental research and potential new applications.

The rapid consumption of fossil fuels has caused increasing instances of climatic issues and energy crises, which leads to the urgent demand for developing sustainable and clean energies. The development of electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices offers opportunities to address global energy challenges. The development of advanced electrocatalyst technology is based on the exploration of many scientific problems, including in-depth understanding of electrocatalytic mechanisms, design and synthesis of advanced catalysts, design of electrolytic cells, exploration of catalytic reaction possibilities, and advanced characterization techniques.

The present Special Issue of Nanomaterials focuses on the latest theoretical developments and practical applications of electrocatalysis mechanisms. Both academic and industrial researchers are welcome to submit papers that foster the current knowledge of nanomaterials and present new ideas for future electrocatalysis applications.

Prof. Dr. Chunming Zheng
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. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • electro-catalysis
  • nano-materials
  • energy conversion
  • methane oxidation

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

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 2499 KiB  
Article
Constructing Sulfur Vacancy-Rich NiCo2S4@MoS2 Core@shell Heterostructure via Interface Engineering for Enhanced HER Electrocatalysis
by Ziteng Song, Yuan Liu, Peng Yin, Jie Dai, Yingying Xu, Rongming Wang and Sibin Duan
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1061; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141061 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 238
Abstract
The rational design of heterointerfaces with optimized charge dynamics and defect engineering remains pivotal for developing advanced non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for water splitting. A comparative study of NiCo2S4–MoS2 heterostructures was conducted to elucidate the impact of interfacial architecture [...] Read more.
The rational design of heterointerfaces with optimized charge dynamics and defect engineering remains pivotal for developing advanced non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for water splitting. A comparative study of NiCo2S4–MoS2 heterostructures was conducted to elucidate the impact of interfacial architecture and defect engineering on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. A core@shell NiCo2S4@MoS2 heterostructure was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal growth method, inducing lattice distortion and strong interfacial coupling, while supported NiCo2S4/MoS2 heterostructures were prepared by ultrasonic-assisted deposition. A detailed structural and spectroscopic characterization and theoretical calculation demonstrated that the core@shell configuration promotes charge redistribution across the NiCo2S4–MoS2 interface and generates abundant sulfur vacancies, thereby increasing the density of electroactive sites. Electrochemical measurements reveal that NiCo2S4@MoS2 markedly outperforms the supported heterostructure, single-component NiCo2S4, and MoS2 when serving as the HER catalyst in acid solution. These findings establish a dual-optimization strategy—combining interfacial design with vacancy modulation—that provides a generalizable paradigm for the deliberate design of high-efficiency non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for water splitting reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Electrocatalysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 13042 KiB  
Article
Biomass Cellulose-Derived Carbon Aerogel Supported Magnetite-Copper Bimetallic Heterogeneous Fenton-like Catalyst Towards the Boosting Redox Cycle of ≡Fe(III)/≡Fe(II)
by Qiang Zhao, Jiawei Yang, Jiayi Xia, Gaotian Zhao, Yida Yang, Zongwei Zhang, Jing Li, Fang Wei and Weiguo Song
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(8), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15080614 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 495
Abstract
To degrade high-concentration and toxic organic effluents, we developed Fe-Cu active sites loaded on biomass-source carbon aerogel (CA) to produce a low-cost and high-efficiency magnetic Fenton-like catalyst for the catalytic oxidative decomposition of organic pollutants. It exhibits excellent performance in catalytic Fenton-like reactions [...] Read more.
To degrade high-concentration and toxic organic effluents, we developed Fe-Cu active sites loaded on biomass-source carbon aerogel (CA) to produce a low-cost and high-efficiency magnetic Fenton-like catalyst for the catalytic oxidative decomposition of organic pollutants. It exhibits excellent performance in catalytic Fenton-like reactions for RhB removal at an ultrahigh initial concentration of up to 1000 ppm. To be specific, Fe3O4 and Cu nanoparticles are generated in situ on a mesoporous CA support, denoted as an Fe3O4-Cu/CA catalyst. Experimentally, factors including initial dye concentration, catalyst dosage, H2O2 dosage, pH, and temperature, which significantly influence the oxidative degradation rate of RhB, are carefully studied. The RhB (1000 ppm) degradation ratio reaches 93.7% within 60 min under low catalyst and H2O2 dosage. The catalyst also shows slight metal leaching (almost 1.4% of total Fe and 4.0% of total Cu leached after a complete degradation of 25 μmol RhB under conditions of 15 mg catalyst dosage, 20 mL RhB solution (600 ppm), and 200 μL 30 wt% H2O2 dosage, at pH of 2.5, at 40 °C), good catalytic activity for degrading organic pollutants, excellent reusability, and good catalytic stability (the degradation ratio is nearly 82.95% in the 8th cycle reaction). The synergistic effect between Fe and Cu species plays a vital role in promoting the redox cycle of Fe(III)/Fe(II) and enhancing the generation of ·OH. It is suitable for ultrahigh-concentration organic pollutant degradation in practical wastewater treatment applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Electrocatalysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 7851 KiB  
Article
Effects of Palladium Precursors on the Activity of Palladium Nanocatalysts for the Oxidation of Volatile Organic Components
by Qingtao Li, Qi Cai, Xiaoyun Li, Enshan Han, Yanmin Sun, Yanfei Lu, Zhe Cai and Haibin Yu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071189 - 27 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2114
Abstract
To screen a suitable precursor, the effects of palladium salts on performance of Pd nanocatalysts for the oxidation of volatile organic components (VOCs) were investigated. A series of catalysts was prepared by impregnating Pd(NO3)2, PdCl2 and Pd(NH3 [...] Read more.
To screen a suitable precursor, the effects of palladium salts on performance of Pd nanocatalysts for the oxidation of volatile organic components (VOCs) were investigated. A series of catalysts was prepared by impregnating Pd(NO3)2, PdCl2 and Pd(NH3)4Cl2 on alumina-coated cordierites. These catalysts were characterized by XRF, ICP-OES, XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, TEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy, pulse-CO chemisorption, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, and XPS. Pulse-CO chemisorption and TEM showed that Pd species formed by Pd(NO3)2 have the highest metal dispersion (17.7%), while the other two were aggregating. For the same Pd loading, the higher the metal dispersion, the more the number of PdO species, so the number of PdO particles in the catalyst prepared from Pd (NO3) 2 is the largest. The catalytic oxidation activities of these catalysts were evaluated by ethane and propane. Based on a 99% conversion in the oxidation of ethane and propane at 598 K and 583 K, respectively, the catalyst prepared from Pd(NO3)2 was considered to be the best performing catalyst. The chloride species in precursors can promote the aggregation of Pd species and poison the catalysts. The results show that Pd(NO3)2 is more suitable as the precursor of VOC oxidation catalyst than PdCl2 and Pd(NH3)4Cl2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Electrocatalysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 6762 KiB  
Article
Reactive Flame-Retardant Cotton Fabric Coating: Combustion Behavior, Durability, and Enhanced Retardant Mechanism with Ion Transfer
by Wenju Zhu, Qing Wang, Mingyang Yang, Minjing Li, Chunming Zheng, Dongxiang Li, Xiaohan Zhang, Bowen Cheng and Zhao Dai
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 4048; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12224048 - 17 Nov 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3084
Abstract
In recent years, we have witnessed numerous indoor fires caused by the flammable properties of cotton. Flame-retardant cotton deserves our attention. A novel boric acid and diethylenetriaminepenta (methylene-phosphonic acid) (DTPMPA) ammonium salt-based chelating coordination flame retardant (BDA) was successfully prepared for cotton fabrics, [...] Read more.
In recent years, we have witnessed numerous indoor fires caused by the flammable properties of cotton. Flame-retardant cotton deserves our attention. A novel boric acid and diethylenetriaminepenta (methylene-phosphonic acid) (DTPMPA) ammonium salt-based chelating coordination flame retardant (BDA) was successfully prepared for cotton fabrics, and a related retardant mechanism with ion transfer was investigated. BDA can form a stable chemical and coordination bond on the surface of cotton fibers by a simple three-curing finishing process. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of BDA-90 increased to 36.1%, and the LOI value of cotton fabric became 30.3% after 50 laundering cycles (LCs) and exhibited excellent durable flame retardancy. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods were used to observe the bonding mode and morphology of BDA on cotton fibers. A synergistic flame-retardant mechanism of condensed and gas phases was concluded from thermogravimetry (TG), cone calorimeter tests, and TG-FTIR. The test results of whiteness and tensile strength showed that the physical properties of BDA-treated cotton fabric were well maintained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Electrocatalysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 4574 KiB  
Review
Research and Application Progress of Geopolymers in Adsorption: A Review
by Jinyun Xu, Minjing Li, Di Zhao, Guoqiang Zhong, Yu Sun, Xudong Hu, Jiefang Sun, Xiaoyun Li, Wenju Zhu, Ming Li, Ziqi Zhang, Yu Zhang, Liping Zhao, Chunming Zheng and Xiaohong Sun
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(17), 3002; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12173002 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6656
Abstract
Geopolymer is a porous inorganic material with a three-dimensional mesh structure, good mechanical properties, a simple preparation process (no sintering) and a low economic cost, and it is environmentally friendly. Geopolymer concrete has been widely used in the construction field, and many other [...] Read more.
Geopolymer is a porous inorganic material with a three-dimensional mesh structure, good mechanical properties, a simple preparation process (no sintering) and a low economic cost, and it is environmentally friendly. Geopolymer concrete has been widely used in the construction field, and many other studies have revealed that geopolymer will become one of the most promising inorganic materials with unique structure and properties. This paper provides a review of the development and current status of geopolymers and briefly explains the effects of material proportioning, experimental factors and activators on geopolymer performance. Because of the advantages of high specific surface area and high porosity, geopolymers could be used as adsorbent materials. This paper summarizes the research progresses of the adsorption of metal cations, anions, dyes, and gases by geopolymers, which emphasizes the geopolymer membranes in adsorption, and discusses the challenges and opportunities for the development of more efficient, sustainable and practical adsorption protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Electrocatalysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 7100 KiB  
Review
Composition and Structure Progress of the Catalytic Interface Layer for Bipolar Membrane
by Di Zhao, Jinyun Xu, Yu Sun, Minjing Li, Guoqiang Zhong, Xudong Hu, Jiefang Sun, Xiaoyun Li, Han Su, Ming Li, Ziqi Zhang, Yu Zhang, Liping Zhao, Chunming Zheng and Xiaohong Sun
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(16), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12162874 - 21 Aug 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4212
Abstract
Bipolar membranes, a new type of composite ion exchange membrane, contain an anion exchange layer, a cation exchange layer and an interface layer. The interface layer or junction is the connection between the anion and cation exchange layers. Water is dissociated into protons [...] Read more.
Bipolar membranes, a new type of composite ion exchange membrane, contain an anion exchange layer, a cation exchange layer and an interface layer. The interface layer or junction is the connection between the anion and cation exchange layers. Water is dissociated into protons and hydroxide ions at the junction, which provides solutions to many challenges in the chemical, environmental and energy fields. By combining bipolar membranes with electrodialysis technology, acids and bases could be produced with low cost and high efficiency. The interface layer or junction of bipolar membranes (BPMs) is the connection between the anion and cation exchange layers, which the membrane and interface layer modification are vital for improving the performance of BPMs. This paper reviews the effect of modification of a bipolar membrane interface layer on water dissociation efficiency and voltage across the membrane, which divides into three aspects: organic materials, inorganic materials and newly designed materials with multiple components. The structure of the interface layer is also introduced on the performance of bipolar membranes. In addition, the remainder of this review discusses the challenges and opportunities for the development of more efficient, sustainable and practical bipolar membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Electrocatalysis)
►▼ 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