Functional Carbon-Based Materials and Systems for Energy and Environmental Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Functional carbon-based materials and systems are at the forefront of sustainable technologies for energy conversion, storage and environmental remediation. This Topic aims to bring together innovative research and critical reviews on the design, synthesis, characterization and performance optimization of advanced carbon materials, such as nanoporous carbons, surface-functionalized carbons and carbon-based hybrids and composites. Emphasis will be given to studies that elucidate structure–property relationships, surface functionalization mechanisms and the integration of carbons into electrochemical, catalytic and adsorption systems. Topics of interest include H₂ production, storage and applications, electrochemical energy storage and conversion, CO₂ capture and utilization, catalytic degradation of pollutants and adsorption-based purification of water and air. Studies addressing the development of scalable synthesis routes, stability and recyclability assessments and the coupling of experimental and computational approaches are highly encouraged. Contributions exploring in situ and operando characterization, multiscale modeling, life-cycle analysis, techno-economic evaluation and system-level integration of carbon-based technologies are also welcome. Collectively, this Topic aims to highlight the central role of functional carbons in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon-footprint and resource-efficient future.

Dr. Nikolaos Kostoglou
Dr. Claus Rebholz
Topic Editors