Search Results (85)

The increasing demand for safe, cost-effective, and sustainable energy storage solutions has spotlighted aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) as promising alternatives to lithium-ion systems. However, the practical deployment of AZIBs remains hindered by dendritic growth, hydrogen evolution, and surface corrosion at the zinc metal anode, which severely compromise electrochemical stability. In this study, we propose an interfacial engineering strategy involving ultrathin diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings applied to Zn anodes. The DLC films serve as conformal, ion-permeable barriers that mitigate parasitic side reactions and facilitate uniform Zn plating/stripping behavior. Materials characterizations of the DLC layer on the Zn anodes revealed the tunability of sp²/sp³ hybridization and surface morphology depending on DLC thickness. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated a significant reduction in interfacial resistance, particularly in the optimally coated sample (DLC2, ~20 nm), which achieved a favorable balance between mechanical integrity and ionic transport. Symmetric-cell tests confirmed enhanced cycling stability over 160 h, while full-cell configurations with an ammonium vanadate nanofiber-based cathode exhibited superior capacity retention over 900 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹. The DLC2-coated Zn anodes demonstrated the most effective performance, attributable to its moderate surface roughness, reduced disorder, and minimized charge-transfer resistance. These results provide insight into the importance of fine-tuning the DLC thickness and carbon bonding structure for suppressing dendrite formation and enhancing electrochemical stability. Full article

Advancements in thermoregulating textiles have been propelled by innovations in nanotechnology, composite materials, and smart fiber engineering. This article reviews recent scholarly papers on experimental passive and active thermoregulating textiles to present the latest advancements in these fabrics, their mechanisms of thermoregulation, and their feasibility for use. The review underscores that phase-change materials enhanced with graphene, boron nitride, and carbon nanofibers offer superior thermal conductivity, phase stability, and flexibility, making them ideal for wearable applications. Shape-stabilized phase-change materials and aerogel-infused fibers have shown promising results in outdoor, industrial, and emergency settings due to their durability and high insulation efficiency. Radiative cooling textiles, engineered with hierarchical nanostructures and Janus wettability, demonstrate passive temperature regulation through selective solar reflection and infrared emission, achieving substantial cooling effects without external energy input. Thermo-responsive, shape-memory materials, and moisture-sensitive polymers enable dynamic insulation and actuation. Liquid-cooling garments and thermoelectric hybrids deliver precise temperature control but face challenges in portability and power consumption. While thermoregulating textiles show promise, the main challenges include achieving scalable manufacturing, ensuring material flexibility, and integrating multiple functions without sacrificing comfort. Future research should focus on hybrid systems combining passive and active mechanisms, user-centric wearability studies, and cost-effective fabrication methods. These innovations hold significant potential for applications in extreme environments, athletic wear, military uniforms, and smart clothing, contributing to energy efficiency, health, and comfort in a warming climate. Full article

The rapid development of wearable electronics requires multifunctional, transient electronic devices to reduce the ecological footprint and ensure data security. Unfortunately, existing transient electronic materials need to be degraded in chemical solvents or body fluids. Here, we report green luminescent, water-soluble, and biocompatible piezoelectric nanofibers developed by electrospinning green carbon quantum dots (G-CQDs), mulberry silk fibroin (SF), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The introduction of G-CQDs significantly enhances the piezoelectric output of silk fibroin-based fiber materials. Meanwhile, the silk fibroin-based hybrid fibers maintain the photoluminescent response of G-CQDs without sacrificing valuable biocompatibility. Notably, the piezoelectric output of a G-CQD/PVA/SF fiber-based nanogenerator is more than three times higher than that of a PVA/SF fiber-based nanogenerator. This is one of the highest levels of state-of-the-art piezoelectric devices based on biological organic materials. As a proof of concept, in the actual scenario of a rope skipping exercise, the G-CQD/PVA/SF fiber-based nanogenerator is further employed as a self-powered wearable sensor for real-time sensing of athletic motions. It demonstrates high portability, good flexibility, and stable piezoresponse for smart sports applications. This class of water-disposable, piezo/photoactive biological materials could be compelling building blocks for applications in a new generation of versatile, transient, wearable/implantable devices. Full article

MnO is an attractive material due to its high specific capacitance and thermal and chemical activity. It can be recycled from alkaline batteries with a good yield and can be used for supercapacitor applications after enhancing its poor conductivity. In this study, Ru-MnO-Carbon nanofibers(Ru-MnO-CNFs) were prepared by the impregnation of Ru (1 wt%) into MnO recovered from used alkaline batteries, followed by their incorporation into polyacrylnitrile (PAN) nanofibers by electrospinning and carbonization. The prepared materials, Ru-MnO and Ru-MnO-CNFs, were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical characterization was performed, comparing the characteristics of Ru-MnO and Ru-MnO-CNFs samples. It was found that the capacitance of MnO recovered from used alkaline batteries could be enhanced by combining it with Ru and CNFs. The hybrid Ru-MnO/CNFs composite could be used as stable electrode material for high performance supercapacitors. Full article

Carbon-based microwave absorption materials have garnered widespread attention as lightweight and efficient wave absorbers, emerging as a prominent focus in the field of functional materials research. In this work, FeNi₃ nanoparticles, synthesized in situ within graphite interlayers, were employed as catalysts to grow carbon nanofibers in situ via intercalation chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We discovered that amorphous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) can exfoliate and separate highly conductive graphite nanosheets (GNS) from the interlayers. Meanwhile, the carbon nanofibers eventually intertwine and encapsulate the graphite nanosheets, forming porous hybrids. This process induces significant changes in the electrical conductivity and electromagnetic parameters of the resulting GNS/CNF hybrids, enhancing the impedance matching between the hybrids and free space. Although this process slightly reduces the microwave loss capability of the hybrids, the balance between these effects significantly enhances their microwave absorption performance, particularly in the K_u band. Specifically, the optimized GNS/CNF hybrids, when mixed with paraffin at a 30 wt% ratio, exhibit a maximum microwave reflection loss of −44.1 dB at 14.6 GHz with a thickness of 1.5 mm. Their effective absorption bandwidth, defined as the frequency range with a reflection loss below −10 dB, spans the 12.5–17.4 GHz range, covering more than 80% of the K_u band. These results indicate that the GNS/CNF hybrids prepared via intercalation CVD are promising candidates for microwave absorption materials. Full article

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a typical environmental estrogen that is distributed worldwide and has the potential to pose a hazard to the ecological environment and human health. The development of an efficient and sensitive sensing strategy for the monitoring of BPA residues is of paramount importance. A novel electrochemical sensor based on carbon black and carbon nanofibers composite (CB/f-CNF)-assisted signal amplification has been successfully constructed for the amperometric detection of BPA in foods. Herein, the hybrid CB/f-CNF was prepared using a simple one-step ultrasonication method, and exhibited good electron transfer capability and excellent catalytic properties, which can be attributed to the large surface area of carbon black and the strong enhancement of the conductivity and porosity of carbon nanofibers, which promote a faster electron transfer process on the electrode surface. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed CB/f-CNF/GCE sensor exhibited a wide linear response range (0.4–50.0 × 10⁻⁶ mol/L) with a low limit of detection of 5.9 × 10⁻⁸ mol/L for BPA quantification. Recovery tests were conducted on canned peaches and boxed milk, yielding satisfactory recoveries of 86.0–102.6%. Furthermore, the developed method was employed for the rapid and sensitive detection of BPA in canned meat and packaged milk, demonstrating comparable accuracy to the HPLC method. This work presents an efficient signal amplification strategy through the utilization of carbon/carbon nanocomposite sensitization technology. Full article

This study addresses the critical challenge of carbon corrosion in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) by developing hybrid supports that combine the high surface area of carbon black (CB) with the superior crystallinity and graphitic structure of carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Two commercially available CB samples were physically activated and composited with two types of CNFs synthesized via chemical vapor deposition using different carbon sources. The structure, morphology, and crystallinity of the resulting CNF–CB hybrid supports were characterized, and the performances of these hybrid supports in mitigating carbon corrosion and enhancing the PEMFC performance was evaluated through full-cell testing in collaboration with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) manufacturer (VinaTech, Seoul, Republic, of Korea), adhering to industry-standard fabrication and evaluation procedures. Accelerated stress tests following the US Department of Energy protocols revealed that incorporating CNFs enhanced the durability of the CB-based hybrid supports without compromising their performance. The improved performance of the MEAs with the hybrid carbon support is attributed to the ability of the CNF to act as a structural backbone, facilitate water removal, and provide abundant edge plane sites for anchoring the platinum catalyst, which promoted the oxygen reduction reaction and improved catalyst utilization. The findings of this study highlight the potential of CNF-reinforced CB supports for enhancing the durability and performance of PEMFCs. Full article

As a sustainable alternative technology to the cost- and energy-intensive Haber–Bosch method, electrochemical nitrogen (N₂) reduction offers direct conversion of N₂ to NH₃ under ambient conditions. Direct use of noble metals or non-noble metals as electrocatalytic materials results in unsatisfactory electrocatalytic properties because of their low electrical conductivity and stability. Herein, three-dimensional flexible carbon nanofiber (CNF/TiO₂@CoS) nanostructures were prepared on the surface of CNF by using electrospinning, a hydrothermal method, and in situ growth. We investigated the behavior of CNFs/TiO₂@CoS as an electrocatalytic material in 0.1 M sodium sulfate. The highest ammonia yield of the material was 4.61 × 10⁻¹¹ mol s⁻¹ cm⁻² at −0.45 V vs. RHE, and the highest Faraday efficiency, as well as superior long-term durability, was 8.3% at −0.45 V vs. RHE. This study demonstrates the potential of firecracker-shaped nanofiber templates for loading varied noble metals or non-noble metals as a novel development of hybrid composites for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction. Full article

This review examines high-performance advanced composites (HPACs) for lightweight, high-strength, and multi-functional applications. Fiber-reinforced composites, particularly those utilizing carbon, glass, aramid, and nanofibers, are highlighted for their exceptional mechanical, thermal, and environmental properties. These materials enable diverse applications, including in the aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense sectors. In extreme conditions, matrix materials—polymers, metals, and ceramics—and advanced reinforcement materials must be carefully chosen to optimize performance and durability. Significant advancements in manufacturing techniques, such as automated and additive methods, have improved precision, reduced waste, and created highly customized and complex structures. Multifunctional composites integrating structural properties with energy storage and sensing capabilities are emerging as a breakthrough aligned with the trend toward smart material systems. Despite these advances, challenges such as recyclability, scalability, cost, and robust quality assurance remain. Addressing these issues will require the development of sustainable and bio-based composites, alongside efficient recycling solutions, to minimize their environmental impact and ensure long-term technological viability. The development of hybrid composites and nanocomposites to achieve multifunctionality while maintaining structural integrity will also be described. Full article

Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as predominant devices for sensitive, rapid, and specific sensing of biomolecules, with significant applications in clinical diagnostics, environmental observation, and food processing. The improvement of inventive materials, especially carbon-based materials, and metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (M/MONPs), has changed the impact of biosensing, improving the performance and flexibility of electrochemical biosensors. Carbon-based materials, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers, have excellent electrical conductivity, a high surface area, large pore size, and good biocompatibility, making them ideal electrocatalysts for biosensor applications. Furthermore, M and MONPs have highly effective synergistic, electronic, and optical properties that influence signal transduction, selectivity, and sensitivity. This study completely explored continuous progressions and upgrades in carbonaceous materials (CBN materials) and M/MONPs for electrochemical biosensor applications. It analyzed the synergistic effects of hybrid nanocomposites that combine carbon materials with metal nanoparticles (MNPs) and their part in upgrading sensor performance. The paper likewise incorporated the surface alteration procedures and integration of these materials into biosensor models. The study examined difficulties, requirements, and possibilities for executing these innovative materials in practical contexts. This overview aimed to provide specialists with insights into the most recent patterns in the materials study of electrochemical biosensors and advance further progressions in this dynamic sector. Full article

In recent years, significant efforts have been dedicated to understanding the growth mechanisms behind the synthesis of vertically aligned nanocarbon structures using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). This study explores how varying synthesis conditions, specifically hydrocarbon flow rate, hydrocarbon type, and plasma power,—affect the microstructure, properties, and electrochemical performance of nitrogen-doped vertically aligned graphene (NVG) and nitrogen-doped vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (NVCNFs) hybrids. It was observed that adjustments in these synthesis parameters led to noticeable changes in the microstructure, with particularly significant alterations when changing the hydrocarbon precursor from acetylene to methane. The electrochemical investigation revealed that the sample synthesized at higher plasma power exhibited enhanced electron transfer kinetics, likely due to the higher density of open edges and nitrogen doping level. This study contributes to better understanding the PECVD process for fabricating nanocarbon materials, particularly for sensor applications. Full article

Needle-like CoO nanowires have been successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process on an electrospun carbon nanofibers substrate. The as-prepared sample mesoporous CoO nanowires aligned vertically on the surface of carbon nanofibers and cross-linked with each other, producing loosely porous nanostructures. These hybrid composite electrodes exhibit a high specific capacitance of 1068.3 F g⁻¹ at a scan rate of 5 mV s⁻¹ and a good rate capability of 613.7 F g⁻¹ at a scan rate of 60 mV s⁻¹ in a three-electrode cell. The CoO NWs@CNF//CNT@CNF asymmetric device exhibits remarkable cycling stability and delivers a capacitance of 79.3 F/g with a capacitance retention of 92.1 % after 10,000 cycles. The asymmetric device delivers a high energy density of 37 Wh kg⁻¹ with a power density of 0.8 kW kg⁻¹ and a high power density of 16 kW kg⁻¹ with an energy density of 23 Wh kg⁻¹. This study demonstrated a promising strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of flexible supercapacitors. Full article

In recent years, the demand for solid, thin, and flexible energy storage devices has surged in modern consumer electronics, which require autonomy and long duration. In this context, hybrid supercapacitors have become strategic, and significant efforts are being made to develop cells with higher energy densities while preserving the power density of conventional supercapacitors. Motivated by these requirements, we report the development of a new high-performance dual-redox-mediator supercapacitor. In this study, cells were constructed using fully moldable buckypapers (BPs), composed of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers, as electrodes. We evaluated the compatibility of BPs with hydrogel polymer electrolytes, based on 1 mol L⁻¹ H₂SO₄ and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), supplemented with different redox species: methylene blue, indigo carmine, and hydroquinone. Solid cells were constructed containing two active redox species to maximize the specific capacity of each electrode. Considering the main results, the dual-redox-mediator supercapacitor exhibits high energy density of 32.0 Wh kg⁻¹ (at 0.8 kW kg⁻¹) and is capable of delivering 25.9 Wh kg⁻¹ at high power demand (4.0 kW kg⁻¹). Stability studies conducted over 10,000 galvanostatic cycles revealed that the PVA polymer matrix benefits the system by inhibiting the crossover of redox species within the cell. Full article

This study presents the feasibility of improving some selected mechanical strengths and the inner-structural analyses of cement matrix by electrospun nanofibers containing nylon 66, nanosilica, and carbon nanotube. The hybrid electrospun nanofibers were fabricated and mixed into ordinary Portland cement. From the mechanical strength test results, the hybrid nanofibers have shown their role in improving the tensile, compressive, and toughness behavior of the mixed cement material. The improvements of 62%, 38%, and 69%, respectively, were observed compared to those of the control paste. The novelty of the surface and inner structure of the hybrid fibers, as well as the modified cement matrix, were observed by the scanned images from electron microscopes. Besides, the additional pozzolanic reaction between the generated calcium hydroxide and the attached silica was clarified thanks to the results of energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Finally, the consistency between mechanical strength results and inner-structure analyses showed the potential of the proposed fiber to improve cement-based materials. Full article

Interest grows in designing silicon-on-insulator slot waveguides to trap optical fields in subwavelength-scale slots and developing their optofluidic devices. However, it is worth noting that the inherent limitations of the waveguide structures may result in high optical losses and short optical paths, which challenge the device’s performance in optofluidics. Incorporating the planar silicon-based slot waveguide concept into a silica-based hollow-core fiber can provide a perfect solution to realize an efficient optofluidic waveguide. Here, we propose a subwavelength-scale liquid-core hybrid fiber (LCHF), where the core is filled with carbon disulfide and surrounded by a silicon ring in a silica background. The waveguide properties and the Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) effect in the LCHF are investigated. The fraction of power inside the core of 56.3% allows for improved sensitivity in optical sensing, while the modal Raman gain of 23.60 m⁻¹·W⁻¹ is two times larger than that generated around a nanofiber with the interaction between the evanescent optical field and the surrounding Raman media benzene-methanol, which enables a significant low-threshold SRS effect. Moreover, this in-fiber structure features compactness, robustness, flexibility, ease of implementation in both trace sample consumption and reasonable liquid filling duration, as well as compatibility with optical fiber systems. The detailed analyses of the properties and utilizations of the LCHF suggest a promising in-fiber optofluidic platform, which provides a novel insight into optofluidic devices, optical sensing, nonlinear optics, etc. Full article