Advances in Carbon-Based Materials

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon-based materials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and other carbon allotropes, have emerged as a cornerstone in materials science, particularly in the development of advanced nanocomposites. These materials exhibit remarkable properties, such as high electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and exceptional mechanical strength, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in structural materials, multifunctional composites, and energy storage systems.

The following Topic focuses on the latest advancements in the synthesis, characterization, and application of carbon-based materials, with a strong emphasis on their role in the development of nanocomposites. Experimental research aimed at optimizing the overall physical properties of carbon-based systems is particularly encouraged. In addition, studies that employ simulation and numerical methods to complement experimental findings and provide deeper insights into material behavior are welcomed. The intersection of experimental and computational approaches is crucial for advancing our understanding of these materials and their integration into practical applications.

This issue aims to highlight innovative strategies for enhancing the performance of carbon-based composites, improving their scalability, and addressing challenges related to their production and application. To accelerate progress in this dynamic field, we invite you to share your expertise through original research articles, reviews, or innovative methodologies. Collaborative efforts will be key to overcoming challenges and expanding the applications of carbon-based materials across disciplines. This is an exciting era for carbon-based materials research, and we look forward to building a robust knowledge base together.

Prof. Dr. Giovanni Spinelli
Prof. Dr. Vittorio Romano
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Nano applnano	-	4.6	2020	15.7 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
C carbon	2.9	3.4	2015	22.5 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Materials materials	3.2	6.4	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.3	9.2	2010	14 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.9	9.7	2009	14.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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All Applied Nano C Materials Nanomaterials Polymers

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12 pages, 2146 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Mitigating the Thermal Bottleneck in Polycrystalline Diamond Films by Gradient ICP Etching of the Nucleation Layer

by Yuhan Lv, Lei Zhao, Xiangbing Wang, Zhanpeng Sheng, Rongchen Zhang, Xuejian Cui, Nan Jiang, Jian Yi and Jianhui Huang

Materials 2026, 19(4), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040759 - 15 Feb 2026

Viewed by 258

Abstract

A defect-rich nucleation layer near the substrate is widely regarded as a key thermal bottleneck in thick polycrystalline diamond films. Here, we quantitatively evaluate this effect by progressively removing the nucleation layer via depth-controlled inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching and measuring the thermal [...] Read more.

A defect-rich nucleation layer near the substrate is widely regarded as a key thermal bottleneck in thick polycrystalline diamond films. Here, we quantitatively evaluate this effect by progressively removing the nucleation layer via depth-controlled inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching and measuring the thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity increases from 1549.9097 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ (as-grown) to 1656.1743 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ (1 h), 1783.3763 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ (3 h), and 1792.0250 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ after 5 h of etching, consistent with the reduction of defects and non-diamond carbon revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analyses. These results provide a quantitative, depth-resolved validation of the nucleation-layer thermal resistance and establish an effective post-growth route to enhance thermal transport in thick polycrystalline diamond films. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Carbon-Based Materials)

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29 pages, 8435 KB  

Open AccessReview

In Situ and Operando Monitoring Techniques for Carbon- and Silicon-Based Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Review

by Mingjie Wang, Siqing Chen, Yue Guo, Hengshan Mao, Gaoce Han, Yu Ding, Yuxin Fan and Yifei Yu

C 2026, 12(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/c12010016 - 9 Feb 2026

Viewed by 459

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) power devices from portable electronics to electric vehicles and grid storage, yet their reliable operation requires real-time monitoring of battery state, particularly at the anode where complex reactions and structural changes occur. Sensor technologies capable of capturing dynamic physical and [...] Read more.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) power devices from portable electronics to electric vehicles and grid storage, yet their reliable operation requires real-time monitoring of battery state, particularly at the anode where complex reactions and structural changes occur. Sensor technologies capable of capturing dynamic physical and chemical signals have therefore gained increasing attention for probing internal battery processes. This review summarizes recent operando and in situ monitoring strategies for carbon-based and silicon-based anodes, highlighting advances in electrical, optical, and acoustic sensing. These methods reveal degradation mechanisms and morphological evolution in real time. Multimodal sensing strategies that integrate multiple signals for improved battery state estimation are also discussed. Finally, future directions are outlined, focusing on real-time anode monitoring and the integration of sensing technologies with next-generation battery designs. This review aims to guide the development of smart battery sensing for artificial-intelligence-assisted and multimodal sensing, providing solutions for battery management system that enable accurate synchronous detection of mechanical, thermal, and electrical signals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Carbon-Based Materials)

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28 pages, 4312 KB  

Open AccessReview

From Biomass to Adsorbent: A Comprehensive Review on Bio-Derived Carbons for Dye Removal

by Buvaneswari Kuppusamy, Fathima Rigana Mohamed Ismail, Preethi Balakrishnan, Seong-Cheol Kim, Shakila Parveen Asrafali and Thirukumaran Periyasamy

Polymers 2026, 18(2), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18020180 - 9 Jan 2026

Viewed by 838

Abstract

The escalating release of synthetic dyes from textile and allied industries has become a pressing global environmental issue due to their toxicity, persistence, and resistance to biodegradation. Among the various treatment strategies, adsorption has emerged as one of the most efficient, economical, and [...] Read more.

The escalating release of synthetic dyes from textile and allied industries has become a pressing global environmental issue due to their toxicity, persistence, and resistance to biodegradation. Among the various treatment strategies, adsorption has emerged as one of the most efficient, economical, and sustainable techniques for dye removal from aqueous environments. This review highlights recent advances in bio-derived adsorbents—particularly raw biomass powders, biochars, and activated carbons—developed from renewable waste sources such as agricultural residues, fruit peels, shells, and plant fibers. It systematically discusses adsorption mechanisms, the influence of process parameters, kinetic and thermodynamic models, and regeneration performance. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the superior adsorption efficiency and cost-effectiveness of biomass-derived carbons compared to conventional adsorbents. The integration of surface modification, magnetization, and nanocomposite formation has further enhanced dye uptake and reusability. Overall, this study underscores the potential of biomass-derived materials as sustainable alternatives for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Carbon-Based Materials)

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16 pages, 2988 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Tailoring Architecture of Carbon Aerogel via Self-Assembly Template for Balanced Mechanical and Thermal Insulation Performance

by Lei Yang, Xianxin Shao, Lin Lu, Xiaoyan Chen, Yiming Yang, Hao Li, Yiqiang Hong and Yingjie Qiao

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(24), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15241874 - 13 Dec 2025

Viewed by 627

Abstract

Carbon aerogels (CAs) had been well applied in extreme condition thermal insulation, but achieving a balance between mechanical robustness and thermal insulation remains challenging. We present a novel strategy to fabricate carbon aerogels with tunable mechanical properties and thermal insulation properties by tailoring [...] Read more.

Carbon aerogels (CAs) had been well applied in extreme condition thermal insulation, but achieving a balance between mechanical robustness and thermal insulation remains challenging. We present a novel strategy to fabricate carbon aerogels with tunable mechanical properties and thermal insulation properties by tailoring their skeleton architecture via molecular assembly. Carbon precursor aerogel with thick neck particle packing structure was obtained by strong hydrogen-bonding-induced self-assembly between polyurethane-urea oligomer (PUU) and phenolic resin (PF), and carbon aerogel retained robust interparticle connections after pyrolysis, resulting in excellent mechanical properties. The presence of PUU leads to denser packing of resin molecules, promotes graphitization of the carbon and formation of nanocrystalline structures at 1400 °C, resulting in optimized compression modulus and strength. The closed pore structure of carbon skeleton was further studied by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), while moderate pore width (0.4–0.6 nm) optimizes the balance between strength (110 MPa) and thermal conductivity (0.30 W/(m·K)). This work demonstrates that molecular-level assembly combined with pyrolysis control enables precise tuning of carbon aerogel structures and properties, providing new insights for high-temperature thermal insulation applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Carbon-Based Materials)

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18 pages, 1709 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Formation of Improved Metallurgical Properties and Carbon Structure of Coke by Optimizing the Composition of Petrographically Heterogeneous Interbasin Coal Batches

by Denis Miroshnichenko, Kateryna Shmeltser, Maryna Kormer, Leonid Bannikov, Serhii Nedbailo, Mykhailo Miroshnychenko, Natalya Mukina and Mariia Shved

C 2025, 11(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/c11030069 - 4 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1622

Abstract

Given the multi-basin raw material base for coking that has been formed at most industry enterprises, there is an urgent need to optimize the component composition and improve the basic technological methods of coal raw material preparation, taking into account the petrographic characteristics [...] Read more.

Given the multi-basin raw material base for coking that has been formed at most industry enterprises, there is an urgent need to optimize the component composition and improve the basic technological methods of coal raw material preparation, taking into account the petrographic characteristics of coal batches. A comprehensive study of the components included in a coke chemical enterprise’s coking raw material base was carried out. The work used standardized methods for studying coal and coal batches’ technological and plastic–viscous properties. The qualitative characteristics of coke were determined using physical–mechanical and thermochemical methods of studying standardized indicators: crushability (M₂₅), abrasion (M₁₀), reactivity (CRI), post-reaction strength (CSR), and specific electrical resistance (ρ). The results were analyzed using the licensed Microsoft Excel computer program. Based on the results of proximate, plastometric, and petrographic analyses of the studied coal samples and data from experimental industrial coking, proposals were made to optimize the component composition, properties of the coal batch, and technology for its preparation for coking. The established inverse dependence of Gibbs free energy (ΔG_f,total) on the reaction capacity of coke CRI and its direct reliance on its post-reaction strength CSR confirmed the feasibility of using ΔG_f,total as a thermodynamic predictive parameter for optimizing and compiling coal batches that produce less reactive, stronger coke. This made it possible to improve the quality indicators of metallurgical coke. Thus, according to the M₂₅ crushability index, the mechanical strength increased by 0.6%, and the M₁₀ abrasion decreased by 0.4%. Significant improvements in thermochemical properties and an increase in the orderliness of the carbon structure were recorded: the CRI reactivity decreased by 3.1%, the CSR post-reaction strength increased by 8.3%, and the specific resistance decreased by 8.4%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Carbon-Based Materials)

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16 pages, 3401 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Biochar-Enhanced Sulfur: Mechanistic Insights into a Novel and Effective Bactericide

by Yuanqi Peng, Lezhu Su, Meng Liu, Chen Zeng, Bo Xiang, Zhuoyao Xie, Zijing Hu and Nan Zhou

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(9), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15090697 - 6 May 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1134

Abstract

The development of green, efficient, and stable pesticides for controlling agricultural pathogens remains a critical research focus. Elemental sulfur, although widely used for its bactericidal and insecticidal properties, suffers from aggregation, poor dispersibility, and limited contact with target organisms, restricting its effectiveness. In [...] Read more.

The development of green, efficient, and stable pesticides for controlling agricultural pathogens remains a critical research focus. Elemental sulfur, although widely used for its bactericidal and insecticidal properties, suffers from aggregation, poor dispersibility, and limited contact with target organisms, restricting its effectiveness. In this study, we synthesized a novel biochar–sulfur composite by combining sustainable biochar with sulfur at low temperatures. The resulting material exhibited enhanced dispersibility and a five-fold increase in bactericidal efficacy compared to sulfur alone, as demonstrated in tests against R. solanacearum and E. coli. Additionally, the composite maintained 80% efficacy after five cycles of use, highlighting its favorable cyclic performance. Mechanistic studies revealed that biochar accelerates sulfur’s redox reaction, generating free radicals that drive efficient bactericidal action. This work provides a simple and sustainable approach for developing sulfur-based antimicrobial pesticides, offering new opportunities for sulfur utilization in agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Carbon-Based Materials)

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14 pages, 3125 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Improvement of Graphene Oxide Film via the Synergy of Intercalating Highly Oxidized Graphene Oxide and Borate Bridging

by Yiwei Quan, Peng He and Guqiao Ding

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(8), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15080630 - 20 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1077

Abstract

Converting graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets into high-performance paper-like GO films has significant practical value. However, it is still challenging because the mechanical properties significantly decreased when the nanosheets are assembled into films. The simultaneous attainment of high tensile strength, high modulus, and relatively [...] Read more.

Converting graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets into high-performance paper-like GO films has significant practical value. However, it is still challenging because the mechanical properties significantly decreased when the nanosheets are assembled into films. The simultaneous attainment of high tensile strength, high modulus, and relatively high toughness remains a formidable challenge. Here, we demonstrated an effective approach involving the incorporation of high oxidized graphene oxide (HOGO) and borate, to enhance the mechanical properties of GO films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements and thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) revealed the synergistic effects of hydrogen and covalent bonding from HOGO and borate, respectively. Additionally, wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) analysis indicated a notable enhancement in the orientation of the GO in the resulting films, characterized by the Herman’s orientation factor (ƒ = 0.927), attributable to the combined action of hydrogen and covalent bonding. The borate-crosslinked GO+HOGO films exhibited exceptional mechanical properties, with an impressive strength (417.2 MPa), high modulus (43.8 GPa), and relatively high toughness (2.5 MJ m⁻³). This innovative assembly strategy presents a promising avenue for achieving desirable mechanical properties, thereby enhancing the potential for commercial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Carbon-Based Materials)

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