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Keywords = nitride-metal nanocomposite

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12 pages, 2279 KiB  
Article
Electrostatic Self-Assembly of Heterostructured In2O3/Ti3C2Tx Nanocomposite for High-Selectivity NO2 Gas Sensing at Room Temperature
by Yongjing Guo, Zhengxin Zhang, Hangshuo Feng, Qingfu Dai, Qiuni Zhao, Zaihua Duan, Shenghui Guo, Li Yang, Ming Hou and Yi Xia
Chemosensors 2025, 13(7), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors13070249 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 373
Abstract
Owing to high electrical conductivity, layered structure, and abundant surface functional groups, transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) have received enormous interest in the field of gas sensors at room temperature. In this work, we synthesize a heterostructured nanocomposite with indium oxide (In2O [...] Read more.
Owing to high electrical conductivity, layered structure, and abundant surface functional groups, transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) have received enormous interest in the field of gas sensors at room temperature. In this work, we synthesize a heterostructured nanocomposite with indium oxide (In2O3) decorated on titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets by electrostatic self-assembly and develop it for high-selectivity NO2 gas sensing at room temperature. Self-assembly formation of multiple heterojunctions in the In2O3/Ti3C2Tx composite provide abundant NO2 gas adsorption sites and high electron transfer activity, which is conducive to improving the gas-sensing response of the In2O3/Ti3C2Tx gas sensor. Assisted by rich adsorption sites and hetero interface, the as-fabricated In2O3/Ti3C2Tx gas sensor exhibits the highest response to NO2 among various interference gases. Meanwhile, a detection limit of 0.3 ppm, and response/recovery time (197.62/93.84 s) is displayed at room temperature. Finally, a NO2 sensing mechanism of In2O3/Ti3C2Tx gas sensor is constructed based on PN heterojunction enhancement and molecular adsorption. This work not only expands the gas-sensing application of MXenes, but also demonstrates an avenue for the rational design and construction of NO2-sensing materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterial-Based Gas Sensors and Humidity Sensors)
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20 pages, 3918 KiB  
Article
Engineered Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN Spinel Nanostructures for Dual-Functional Energy Storage and Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
by Abdus Sami, Sohail Ahmad, Ai-Dang Shan, Sijie Zhang, Liming Fu, Saima Farooq, Salam K. Al-Dawery, Hamed N. Harharah, Ramzi H. Harharah and Gasim Hayder
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2200; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072200 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
The rapid growth in population and industrialization have significantly increased global energy demand, placing immense pressure on finite and environmentally harmful conventional fossil fuel-based energy sources. In this context, the development of hybrid electrocatalysts presents a crucial solution for energy conversion and storage, [...] Read more.
The rapid growth in population and industrialization have significantly increased global energy demand, placing immense pressure on finite and environmentally harmful conventional fossil fuel-based energy sources. In this context, the development of hybrid electrocatalysts presents a crucial solution for energy conversion and storage, addressing environmental challenges while meeting rising energy needs. In this study, the fabrication of a novel bifunctional catalyst, copper nickel aluminum spinel (Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4) supported on graphitic carbon nitride (GCN), using a solid-state synthesis process is reported. Because of its effective interface design and spinel cubic structure, the Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN nanocomposite, as synthesized, performs exceptionally well in electrochemical energy conversion, such as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and energy storage. In particular, compared to noble metals, Pt/C- and IrO2-based water-splitting cells require higher voltages (1.70 V), while for the Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN nanocomposite, a voltage of 1.49 V is sufficient to generate a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in an alkaline solution. When used as supercapacitor electrode materials, Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN nanocomposites show a specific capacitance of 1290 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and maintain a specific capacitance of 609 F g−1 even at a higher current density of 5 A g−1, suggesting exceptional rate performance and charge storage capacity. The electrode’s exceptional capacitive properties were further confirmed through the determination of the roughness factor (Rf), which represents surface heterogeneity and active area enhancement, with a value of 345.5. These distinctive characteristics render the Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN composite a compelling alternative to fossil fuels in the ongoing quest for a viable replacement. Undoubtedly, the creation of the Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN composite represents a significant breakthrough in addressing the energy crisis and environmental concerns. Owing to its unique composition and electrocatalytic characteristics, it is considered a feasible choice in the pursuit of ecologically sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Full article
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29 pages, 3423 KiB  
Review
A Review on Biomedical Applications of Plant Extract-Mediated Metallic Ag, Au, and ZnO Nanoparticles and Future Prospects for Their Combination with Graphitic Carbon Nitride
by Priyanka Panchal, Protima Rauwel, Satya Pal Nehra, Priyanka Singh, Mamta Karla, Glemarie Hermosa and Erwan Rauwel
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060820 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 953
Abstract
Since the publication of the 12 principles of green chemistry in 1998 by Paul Anastas and John Warner, the green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles has emerged as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods. Plant-based synthesis utilizes natural [...] Read more.
Since the publication of the 12 principles of green chemistry in 1998 by Paul Anastas and John Warner, the green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles has emerged as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods. Plant-based synthesis utilizes natural extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents, minimizing harmful chemicals and toxic by-products. Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) exhibit strong antibacterial activity; Au nanoparticles (Au-NPs) are seen as a promising carrier for drug delivery and diagnostics because of their easy functionalization and biocompatibility; and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), on the other hand, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill microorganisms effectively. These nanoparticles also demonstrate antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing degenerative diseases. Green syntheses based on plant extracts enhance biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy, making them suitable for antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant applications. Applying a similar “green synthesis” for advanced nanostructures like graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) is an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional ways of doing things. GCN exhibits exceptional photocatalytic activity, pollutant degradation efficiency, and electronic properties, with applications in environmental remediation, energy storage, and biomedicine. This review highlights the potential of green-synthesized hybrid nanocomposites combining nanoparticles and GCN as sustainable solutions for biomedical and environmental challenges. The review also highlights the need for the creation of a database using a machine learning process that will enable providing a clear vision of all the progress accomplished till now and identify the most promising plant extracts that should be used for targeted applications. Full article
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81 pages, 20686 KiB  
Review
A Review on Multifunctional Polymer–MXene Hybrid Materials for Electronic Applications
by Fatemeh Morshedi Dehaghi, Mohammad Aberoumand and Uttandaraman Sundararaj
Molecules 2025, 30(9), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30091955 - 28 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1665
Abstract
MXenes, a family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides, have emerged as a promising class of nanomaterials for interdisciplinary applications due to their unique physiochemical properties. The large surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, superior mechanical properties, and abundant possible functional [...] Read more.
MXenes, a family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides, have emerged as a promising class of nanomaterials for interdisciplinary applications due to their unique physiochemical properties. The large surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, superior mechanical properties, and abundant possible functional groups make this layered nanomaterial an ideal candidate for multifunctional hybrid materials for electronic applications. This review highlights recent progress in MXene-based hybrid materials, focusing on their electrical, dielectric, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties, with an emphasis on the development of multifunctionality required for advanced electronic devices. The review explores the multifunctional nature of MXene-based polymer nanocomposites and hybrid materials, covering the coexistence of a diverse range of properties, including sensory capabilities, electromagnetic interference shielding, energy storage, and the Joule heating phenomenon. Finally, the future outlook and key challenges are summarized, offering insights to guide future research aimed at improving the performance and functionality of MXene–polymer nanocomposites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Way Forward in MXenes Materials)
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34 pages, 6861 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in MOF-Based Materials for Biosensing Applications
by Rudra Kumar, Muhammad Sajid Shafique, Sergio O. Martínez Chapa and Marc J. Madou
Sensors 2025, 25(8), 2473; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25082473 - 14 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1720
Abstract
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) or coordination polymers have gained enormous interest in recent years due to their extraordinary properties, including their high surface area, tunable pore size, and ability to form nanocomposites with various functional materials. MOF materials possess redox-active properties that are beneficial [...] Read more.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) or coordination polymers have gained enormous interest in recent years due to their extraordinary properties, including their high surface area, tunable pore size, and ability to form nanocomposites with various functional materials. MOF materials possess redox-active properties that are beneficial for electrochemical sensing applications. Furthermore, the tunable pore size and high surface area improve the adsorption or immobilization of enzymes, which can enhance the sensitivity and selectivity for specific analytes. Additionally, MOF-derived metal sulfides, phosphides, and nitrides demonstrate superior electrical conductivity and structural stability, ideal for electrochemical sensing. Moreover, the functionalization of MOFs further increases sensitivity by enhancing electrode–analyte interactions. The inclusion of carbon materials within MOFs enhances their electrical conductivity and reduces background current through optimized loading, preventing agglomeration and ensuring uniform distribution. Noble metals immobilized on MOFs offer improved stability and catalytic performance, providing larger surface areas and uniform nanoparticle dispersion. This review focuses on recent developments in MOF-based biosensors specifically for glucose, dopamine, H2O2, ascorbic acid, and uric acid sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosensors)
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25 pages, 13843 KiB  
Article
Sustainable MXene Synthesis via Molten Salt Method and Nano-Silicon Coating for Enhanced Lithium-Ion Battery Performance
by Hansu Kim, Yunki Jung, Wonhwa Lee, Young-Pyo Jeon, Jin-Yong Hong and Jea Uk Lee
Molecules 2025, 30(4), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30040812 - 10 Feb 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1927
Abstract
MXenes, a family of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance, making them highly promising for diverse applications, particularly in energy storage. Despite notable advancements, MXene synthesis remains a critical [...] Read more.
MXenes, a family of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance, making them highly promising for diverse applications, particularly in energy storage. Despite notable advancements, MXene synthesis remains a critical challenge, as conventional methods often rely on hazardous hydrofluoric acid-based processes, posing substantial environmental and safety risks. In this study, we present an eco-friendly synthesis approach for MXenes using molten salt processes, which offer a safer, sustainable alternative while enabling scalable production. Additionally, we explore the development of high-performance battery anodes by fabricating nanocomposites of nano-silicon and MXene, followed by a bio-inspired polydopamine coating and carbonization process. This innovative strategy not only enhances the structural stability and electrochemical performance of the anodes but also aligns with environmentally conscious design principles. Our findings demonstrate the potential of eco-friendly MXene synthesis and nanocomposite materials in advancing sustainable energy storage technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Way Forward in MXenes Materials)
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48 pages, 7039 KiB  
Review
A Review of Nanocarbon-Based Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Nagaraj Nandihalli
Crystals 2024, 14(9), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090800 - 10 Sep 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5424
Abstract
Renewable and non-renewable energy harvesting and its storage are important components of our everyday economic processes. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), with their rechargeable features, high open-circuit voltage, and potential large energy capacities, are one of the ideal alternatives for addressing that endeavor. Despite their [...] Read more.
Renewable and non-renewable energy harvesting and its storage are important components of our everyday economic processes. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), with their rechargeable features, high open-circuit voltage, and potential large energy capacities, are one of the ideal alternatives for addressing that endeavor. Despite their widespread use, improving LIBs’ performance, such as increasing energy density demand, stability, and safety, remains a significant problem. The anode is an important component in LIBs and determines battery performance. To achieve high-performance batteries, anode subsystems must have a high capacity for ion intercalation/adsorption, high efficiency during charging and discharging operations, minimal reactivity to the electrolyte, excellent cyclability, and non-toxic operation. Group IV elements (Si, Ge, and Sn), transition-metal oxides, nitrides, sulfides, and transition-metal carbonates have all been tested as LIB anode materials. However, these materials have low rate capability due to weak conductivity, dismal cyclability, and fast capacity fading owing to large volume expansion and severe electrode collapse during the cycle operations. Contrarily, carbon nanostructures (1D, 2D, and 3D) have the potential to be employed as anode materials for LIBs due to their large buffer space and Li-ion conductivity. However, their capacity is limited. Blending these two material types to create a conductive and flexible carbon supporting nanocomposite framework as an anode material for LIBs is regarded as one of the most beneficial techniques for improving stability, conductivity, and capacity. This review begins with a quick overview of LIB operations and performance measurement indexes. It then examines the recently reported synthesis methods of carbon-based nanostructured materials and the effects of their properties on high-performance anode materials for LIBs. These include composites made of 1D, 2D, and 3D nanocarbon structures and much higher Li storage-capacity nanostructured compounds (metals, transitional metal oxides, transition-metal sulfides, and other inorganic materials). The strategies employed to improve anode performance by leveraging the intrinsic features of individual constituents and their structural designs are examined. The review concludes with a summary and an outlook for future advancements in this research field. Full article
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13 pages, 4810 KiB  
Article
Optimization of UV-Curable Polyurethane Acrylate Coatings with Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) for Improved Mechanical and Adhesive Properties
by Vishal Gavande, Shanmugam Mahalingam, Junghwan Kim and Won-Ki Lee
Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2544; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172544 - 9 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2920
Abstract
Polymer coatings are widely used in industries for protection, decoration, and specific applications, typically including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to achieve low viscosity. The growing environmental concerns and the anticipated limits on fossil feedstock have driven the coating industry towards eco-friendly alternatives, with [...] Read more.
Polymer coatings are widely used in industries for protection, decoration, and specific applications, typically including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to achieve low viscosity. The growing environmental concerns and the anticipated limits on fossil feedstock have driven the coating industry towards eco-friendly alternatives, with UV-curing technology emerging as a promising solution due to its energy efficiency, low-temperature operation, reduced VOC emissions, and high curing speed. Polyurethane acrylates (PUAs) are critical in UV-curable formulations, offering excellent flexibility, impact strength, optical, and adhesion properties. However, UV-cured PUA coatings face limitations in thermal stability and tensile strength, which can be addressed by incorporating fillers. This study investigates the effects of multi-functionalized hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles on the mechanical, thermal, optical, and adhesion properties of UV-cured PUA films and coatings for pre-coated metals. The results demonstrated that incorporating hBN nanoparticles enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposite films, with optimal performance observed at 0.5% hBN loading. Despite the improved properties, the FTIR spectra indicated that the low concentration of hBN did not produce significant changes, potentially due to the overshadowing signals from the difunctional polyurethane acrylate. Full article
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13 pages, 4894 KiB  
Article
Self-Assembled TiN-Metal Nanocomposites Integrated on Flexible Mica Substrates towards Flexible Devices
by Juncheng Liu, Yizhi Zhang, Hongyi Dou, Benson Kunhung Tsai, Abhijeet Choudhury and Haiyan Wang
Sensors 2024, 24(15), 4863; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24154863 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1216
Abstract
The integration of nanocomposite thin films with combined multifunctionalities on flexible substrates is desired for flexible device design and applications. For example, combined plasmonic and magnetic properties could lead to unique optical switchable magnetic devices and sensors. In this work, a multiphase TiN-Au-Ni [...] Read more.
The integration of nanocomposite thin films with combined multifunctionalities on flexible substrates is desired for flexible device design and applications. For example, combined plasmonic and magnetic properties could lead to unique optical switchable magnetic devices and sensors. In this work, a multiphase TiN-Au-Ni nanocomposite system with core–shell-like Au-Ni nanopillars embedded in a TiN matrix has been demonstrated on flexible mica substrates. The three-phase nanocomposite film has been compared with its single metal nanocomposite counterparts, i.e., TiN-Au and TiN-Ni. Magnetic measurement results suggest that both TiN-Au-Ni/mica and TiN-Ni/mica present room-temperature ferromagnetic property. Tunable plasmonic property has been achieved by varying the metallic component of the nanocomposite films. The cyclic bending test was performed to verify the property reliability of the flexible nanocomposite thin films upon bending. This work opens a new path for integrating complex nitride-based nanocomposite designs on mica towards multifunctional flexible nanodevice applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Sensing)
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15 pages, 4219 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Vanadium Nitride/Carbon Nanocomposites
by Helia Magali Morales, Horacio Vieyra, David A. Sanchez, Elizabeth M. Fletes, Michael Odlyzko, Timothy P. Lodge, Victoria Padilla-Gainza, Mataz Alcoutlabi and Jason G. Parsons
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 6952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25136952 - 25 Jun 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2406
Abstract
The present work focuses on the synthesis of a vanadium nitride (VN)/carbon nanocomposite material via the thermal decomposition of vanadyl phthalocyanine (VOPC). The morphology and chemical structure of the synthesized compounds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy [...] Read more.
The present work focuses on the synthesis of a vanadium nitride (VN)/carbon nanocomposite material via the thermal decomposition of vanadyl phthalocyanine (VOPC). The morphology and chemical structure of the synthesized compounds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The successful syntheses of the VOPC and non-metalated phthalocyanine (H2PC) precursors were confirmed using FTIR and XRD. The VN particles present a needle-like morphology in the VN synthesized by the sol-gel method. The morphology of the VN/C composite material exhibited small clusters of VN particles. The XRD analysis of the thermally decomposed VOPC indicated a mixture of amorphous carbon and VN nanoparticles (VN(TD)) with a cubic structure in the space group FM-3M consistent with that of VN. The XPS results confirmed the presence of V(III)-N bonds in the resultant material, indicating the formation of a VN/C nanocomposite. The VN/C nanocomposite synthesized through thermal decomposition exhibited a high carbon content and a cluster-like distribution of VN particles. The VN/C nanocomposite was used as an anode material in LIBs, which delivered a specific capacity of 307 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and an excellent Coulombic efficiency of 99.8 at the 100th cycle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electrochemistry of Metal Nanomaterials)
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17 pages, 2855 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Flame Retardance and Fire-Warning Applications
by Weiliang Lin, Yao Yuan, Lulu Xu and Wei Wang
Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081858 - 19 Apr 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2496
Abstract
Graphene-like 2D nanomaterials, such as graphene, MXene, molybdenum disulfide, and boron nitride, present a promising avenue for eco-friendly flame retardants. Their inherent characteristics, including metal-like conductivity, high specific surface area, electron transport capacity, and solution processability, make them highly suitable for applications in [...] Read more.
Graphene-like 2D nanomaterials, such as graphene, MXene, molybdenum disulfide, and boron nitride, present a promising avenue for eco-friendly flame retardants. Their inherent characteristics, including metal-like conductivity, high specific surface area, electron transport capacity, and solution processability, make them highly suitable for applications in both structural fire protection and fire alarm systems. This review offers an up-to-date exploration of advancements in flame retardant composites, utilizing pristine graphene-like nanosheets, versatile graphene-like nanosheets with multiple functions, and collaborative systems based on these nanomaterials. Moreover, graphene-like 2D nanomaterials exhibit considerable potential in the development of early fire alarm systems, enabling timely warnings. This review provides an overview of flame-retarding and fire-warning mechanisms, diverse multifunctional nanocomposites, and the evolving trends in the development of fire alarm systems anchored in graphene-like 2D nanomaterials and their derivatives. Ultimately, the existing challenges and prospective directions for the utilization of graphene-like 2D nanomaterials in flame retardant and fire-warning applications are put forward. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Macromolecular Chemistry)
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15 pages, 2486 KiB  
Article
Intercalated PtCo Electrocatalyst of Vanadium Metal Oxide Increases Charge Density to Facilitate Hydrogen Evolution
by Jingjing Zhang, Wei Deng, Yun Weng, Jingxian Jiang, Haifang Mao, Wenqian Zhang, Tiandong Lu, Dewu Long and Fei Jiang
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071518 - 28 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2040
Abstract
Efforts to develop high-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of utmost importance in ensuring sustainable hydrogen production. The controllable fabrication of inexpensive, durable, and high-efficient HER catalysts still remains a great challenge. Herein, we introduce a universal strategy aiming to [...] Read more.
Efforts to develop high-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of utmost importance in ensuring sustainable hydrogen production. The controllable fabrication of inexpensive, durable, and high-efficient HER catalysts still remains a great challenge. Herein, we introduce a universal strategy aiming to achieve rapid synthesis of highly active hydrogen evolution catalysts using a controllable hydrogen insertion method and solvothermal process. Hydrogen vanadium bronze HxV2O5 was obtained through controlling the ethanol reaction rate in the oxidization process of hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, the intermetallic PtCoVO supported on two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets was prepared by a solvothermal method at the oil/water interface. In terms of HER performance, PtCoVO/g-C3N4 demonstrates superior characteristics compared to PtCo/g-C3N4 and PtCoV/g-C3N4. This superiority can be attributed to the notable influence of oxygen vacancies in HxV2O5 on the electrical properties of the catalyst. By adjusting the relative proportions of metal atoms in the PtCoVO/g-C3N4 nanomaterials, the PtCoVO/g-C3N4 nanocomposites show significant HER overpotential of η10 = 92 mV, a Tafel slope of 65.21 mV dec−1, and outstanding stability (a continuous test lasting 48 h). The nanoarchitecture of a g-C3N4-supported PtCoVO nanoalloy catalyst exhibits exceptional resistance to nanoparticle migration and corrosion, owing to the strong interaction between the metal nanoparticles and the g-C3N4 support. Pt, Co, and V simultaneous doping has been shown by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to enhance the density of states (DOS) at the Fermi level. This augmentation leads to a higher charge density and a reduction in the adsorption energy of intermediates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)
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15 pages, 5821 KiB  
Article
Visible Light Photoactivity of g-C3N4/MoS2 Nanocomposites for Water Remediation of Hexavalent Chromium
by Chunmei Tian, Huijuan Yu, Ruiqi Zhai, Jing Zhang, Cuiping Gao, Kezhen Qi, Yingjie Zhang, Qiang Ma and Mengxue Guo
Molecules 2024, 29(3), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29030637 - 30 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1769
Abstract
Water pollution has becoming an increasingly serious issue, and it has attracted a significant amount of attention from scholars. Here, in order remove heavy metal hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) from wastewater, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was modified with molybdenum [...] Read more.
Water pollution has becoming an increasingly serious issue, and it has attracted a significant amount of attention from scholars. Here, in order remove heavy metal hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) from wastewater, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was modified with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) at different mass ratios via an ultrasonic method to synthesize g-C3N4/MoS2 (CNM) nanocomposites as photocatalysts. The nanocomposites displayed efficient photocatalytic removal of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) from water under UV, solar, and visible light irradiation. The CNM composite with a 1:2 g-C3N4 to MoS2 ratio achieved optimal 91% Cr (VI) removal efficiency at an initial 20 mg/L Cr (VI) concentration and pH 3 after 120 min visible light irradiation. The results showed a high pH range and good recycling stability. The g-C3N4/MoS2 nanocomposites exhibited higher performance compared to pure g-C3N4 due to the narrowed band gap of the Z-scheme heterojunction structure and effective separation of photo-generated electron–hole pairs, as evidenced by structural and optical characterization. Overall, the ultrasonic synthesis of g-C3N4/MoS2 photocatalysts shows promise as an efficient technique for enhancing heavy metal wastewater remediation under solar and visible light. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalytic Materials and Photocatalytic Reactions)
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57 pages, 12654 KiB  
Review
Electrochemical Detection of Heavy Metal Ions Based on Nanocomposite Materials
by Mahendra D. Shirsat and Tibor Hianik
J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(11), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7110473 - 11 Nov 2023
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 8194
Abstract
Heavy metal ions (HMIs) have acute toxic effects on health and are dangerous for human existence and the ecosystem. Therefore, their sensitive and selective detection is of great importance. In recent years, various nanocomposite materials have been used by researchers for the detection [...] Read more.
Heavy metal ions (HMIs) have acute toxic effects on health and are dangerous for human existence and the ecosystem. Therefore, their sensitive and selective detection is of great importance. In recent years, various nanocomposite materials have been used by researchers for the detection of HMIs by using various modalities of electrochemical techniques. This review summarizes the recent advances in developing electrochemical sensors based on numerous nanocomposite materials for detecting HMIs. Nanocomposite materials, such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), organic conducting polymer (OCPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide (GO), graphene/reduced graphene oxide (rGO), graphitic carbon nitride, metal oxide, chitosan, MXenes, metal nanoparticle-based nanocomposites, etc., have been explored by various researchers to improve the sensing properties of electrochemical sensors. This review emphasizes nanocomposite materials’ synthesis and characterization techniques, modalities for HMI detection using electrochemical techniques, and electrochemical sensors. Moreover, this review highlights the development of portable biosensors for detecting HMIs in real-world scenarios, such as environmental monitoring, food safety, and clinical diagnosis. This review also demonstrates the importance of electrochemical sensors based on nanocomposite materials as a reliable, sensitive, and selective tool for detecting HMIs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposites)
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20 pages, 2715 KiB  
Review
Recent Innovative Progress of Metal Oxide Quantum-Dot-Integrated g-C3N4 (0D-2D) Synergistic Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Applications
by Tejaswi Tanaji Salunkhe, Thirumala Rao Gurugubelli, Bathula Babu and Kisoo Yoo
Catalysts 2023, 13(11), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13111414 - 3 Nov 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3700
Abstract
Modern industrialization has unleashed unprecedented environmental challenges, primarily in the form of pollution. In response to these pressing issues, the quest for innovative and sustainable solutions has intensified. Photocatalysis, with its unique capabilities, has emerged as a potent technology to combat the adverse [...] Read more.
Modern industrialization has unleashed unprecedented environmental challenges, primarily in the form of pollution. In response to these pressing issues, the quest for innovative and sustainable solutions has intensified. Photocatalysis, with its unique capabilities, has emerged as a potent technology to combat the adverse effects of industrialization on the environment. This review highlights recent advances in harnessing photocatalysis to address environmental pollution. Photocatalysis offers a multifaceted approach, utilizing solar energy for catalytic reactions and enabling efficient pollutant removal. Quantum dots and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) are essential elements in this science. In contrast to quantum dots, which have enormous potential due to their size-dependent bandgap tunability and effective charge carrier production, g-C3N4 has properties like chemical stability and a configurable bandgap that make it a versatile material for photocatalysis. In this review, we explore recent achievements in integrating metal oxide quantum dots with g-C3N4, forming nanocomposites with superior photocatalytic activity. These nanocomposites exhibit extended light absorption ranges and enhanced charge separation efficiency, positioning them at the forefront of diverse photocatalytic applications. In conclusion, this comprehensive review underscores the critical role of photocatalysis as a potent tool to counteract the adverse environmental effects of modern industrialization. By emphasizing recent advancements in g-C3N4 and quantum dots and highlighting the advantages of metal oxide quantum dots decorated/integrated with g-C3N4 nanocomposites, this work contributes to the evolving landscape of sustainable solutions for environmental remediation and pollution control. These innovations hold promise for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Full article
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