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Prof. Dr. Robert A. Varin
Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Dr. Geng Zhong
Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 December 2024)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (31 March 2025)
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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the size effect, materials with nanoscale dimensions or structures are advantageous in offering huge surface-to-volume ratios, favorable transport properties, altered physical properties, and confinement effects. Functional nanomaterials have been extensively studied for energy-related applications such as solar cells, catalysts, and electrochemical energy storage systems. Nanostructured materials benefit these applications by (1) providing a large surface area to boost the electrochemical reaction at the heterophase interface, (2) generating optical effects to improve optical absorption in solar cells, and (3) giving rise to a porous structure to facilitate the electron or ion transport and electrolyte diffusion, so as to ensure a high-efficiency electrochemical process. I invite you to submit manuscripts on topics including (but not limited to) the following:

1. Nanomaterials for the future hydrogen economy (any aspect);

2. Nanomaterials for renewable energy production and efficient storage;

3. Nanomaterials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems;

4. Nanomaterials for sustainable energy and environmental protection;

5. Nanomaterials for a sustainable environment;

6. Nanomaterials for water and wastewater treatment;

7. Nanomaterials for future highly efficient solar cells and solar energy conversion;

8. Technology for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials;

9. New mechanisms relying on nanostructures;

10. Understanding of the relationship between the device performance and the nanomaterial structure.

Prof. Dr. Robert A. Varin
Dr. Geng Zhong
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • energy
  • nanomanufacturing
  • electrochemical
  • carbon neutral
  • wastewater

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Sciences
applsci 		2.5 5.3 2011 18.4 Days CHF 2400
Energies
energies 		3.0 6.2 2008 16.8 Days CHF 2600
Materials
materials 		3.1 5.8 2008 13.9 Days CHF 2600
Nanoenergy Advances
nanoenergyadv 		- - 2021 33.8 Days CHF 1000
Nanomaterials
nanomaterials 		4.4 8.5 2010 14.1 Days CHF 2400

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Published Papers (17 papers)

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17 pages, 10493 KiB  
Article
Modified Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Foam Stabilization: Mechanisms and Applications for Enhanced Oil Recovery
by Dandan Yin, Judong Qiu, Dongfeng Zhao, Yongzheng Wang, Tao Huang, Yunqian Long and Xiaohe Huang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(5), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15050395 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 690
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential in stabilizing foam for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). However, conventional NPs are difficult to recover and may contaminate produced oil, increasing operational costs. In contrast, superparamagnetic Fe3O4 NPs can be efficiently recovered using external [...] Read more.
Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential in stabilizing foam for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). However, conventional NPs are difficult to recover and may contaminate produced oil, increasing operational costs. In contrast, superparamagnetic Fe3O4 NPs can be efficiently recovered using external magnetic fields, offering a sustainable solution for foam stabilization. In this study, Fe3O4 NPs were coated with SiO2 using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and further modified with dodecyltrimethoxysilane to enhance their hydrophobicity. The modification effects were characterized, and the optimal foam-stabilizing Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs were found to have a contact angle of 77.01°. The foam system formed with α-olefin sulfonate (0.2 wt%) as the foaming agent and the optimal modified NPs exhibited a drainage half-life of 452 s. After foam-stabilization experiments, the NPs were recovered and reused, with the results indicating that three recovery cycles were optimal. Finally, visual microscopic displacement experiments demonstrated that the foam stabilized by modified NPs effectively mobilized clustered, membranous, and dead-end residual oil, increasing the recovery rate by 17.01% compared with unmodified NPs. This study identifies key areas for future investigation into the application of magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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13 pages, 4372 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Performance and Stability of Li-CO2 Batteries Through LAGTP Solid Electrolyte and MWCNT/Ru Cathode Integration
by Dan Na, Dohyeon Yu, Hwan Kim, Baeksang Yoon, David D. Lee and Inseok Seo
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(23), 1894; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14231894 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1000
Abstract
Li-CO2 batteries (LCBs) have emerged as promising solutions for energy storage, with the added benefit of contributing to carbon neutrality by capturing and utilizing CO2 during operation. In this study, a high-performance LCB was developed using a Ge-doped LiAlGeTi (PO4 [...] Read more.
Li-CO2 batteries (LCBs) have emerged as promising solutions for energy storage, with the added benefit of contributing to carbon neutrality by capturing and utilizing CO2 during operation. In this study, a high-performance LCB was developed using a Ge-doped LiAlGeTi (PO4)3 (LAGTP) solid electrolyte, which was synthesized via a solution-based method by doping Ge into NASICON-type LATP. The ionic conductivity of the LAGTP pellets was measured as 1.04 × 10−3 S/cm at 25 °C. The LCB utilizing LAGTP and an MWCNT/Ru cathode maintained a stable cycling performance over 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g, with a cut-off capacity of 500 mAh/g. Post-cycle analysis confirmed the reversible electrochemical reactions at the cathode. The integration of LAGTP as a solid electrolyte effectively enhanced the ionic conductivity and improved the cycle life and performance of the LCB. This study highlights the potential of Ge-doped NASICON-type solid electrolytes for advanced energy-storage technologies and offers a pathway for developing sustainable and high-performance LCBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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16 pages, 741 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of TiO2 Nanoparticle-Enhanced Palm and Soybean Biodiesel Blends for Emission Mitigation and Improved Combustion Efficiency
by Ramozon Khujamberdiev and Haeng Muk Cho
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191570 - 28 Sep 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1549
Abstract
The use of biodiesel as an alternative to conventional diesel fuels has gained significant attention due to its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy sustainability. This study explores the impact of TiO2 nanoparticles on the emission characteristics and combustion [...] Read more.
The use of biodiesel as an alternative to conventional diesel fuels has gained significant attention due to its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy sustainability. This study explores the impact of TiO2 nanoparticles on the emission characteristics and combustion efficiency of biodiesel blends in compression ignition (CI) engines. The fuels analyzed include diesel, SB20 (soybean biodiesel), SB20 + 50 TiO2 ppm, SB20 + 75 TiO2 ppm, PB20 (palm biodiesel), PB20 + 50 TiO2 ppm, and PB20 + 75 TiO2 ppm. Experiments were conducted under a consistent load of 50% across engine speeds ranging from 1000 to 1800 RPM. While TiO2 nanoparticles have been widely recognized for their ability to enhance biodiesel properties, limited research exists on their specific effects on soybean and palm biofuels. This study addresses these gaps by providing a comprehensive analysis of emissions, including NOX, CO, CO2, and HC, as well as exhaust gas temperature (EGT), across various engine speeds and nanoparticle concentrations. The results demonstrate that TiO2 nanoparticles lead to a reduction in CO emissions by up to 30% and a reduction in HC emissions by 21.5% at higher concentrations and engine speeds. However, this improvement in combustion efficiency is accompanied by a 15% increase in CO2 emissions, indicating more complete fuel oxidation. Additionally, NOX emissions, which typically increase with engine speed, were mitigated by 20% with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. Exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) were also lowered, indicating enhanced combustion stability. These findings highlight the potential of TiO2 nanoparticles to optimize biodiesel blends for improved environmental performance in CI engines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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29 pages, 7649 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity Induced by Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEPs) on Cell Line A549 and the Potential Role of Amide-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes as Fuel Additive
by Juan Sebastian Pino, Pedro Nel Alvarado, Winston Rojas, Karen Cacua and Natalia Gomez-Lopera
Energies 2024, 17(18), 4646; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184646 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1432
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have consistently linked air pollution to severe health risks. One strategy to reduce the impact of combustion products from engines is adding additives to the fuel. Potential benefits have been observed in terms of performance and emissions, as well as in [...] Read more.
Epidemiological studies have consistently linked air pollution to severe health risks. One strategy to reduce the impact of combustion products from engines is adding additives to the fuel. Potential benefits have been observed in terms of performance and emissions, as well as in decreasing fuel consumption. However, the associated emission of particulate matter into the environment may have unforeseen health effects. This study examines the effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) from diesel fuel mixed with amide-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTF). The aim is to analyze the properties of DEPs and determine their toxic effects on lung cells. The DEPs were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, while the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed through gas chromatography. Various assays were conducted to assess cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. The addition of CNTF to diesel fuel altered the morphology and size of the particles, as well as the quantity and composition of PAHs. At the cellular level, diesel DEPs induce higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA damage, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity compared to both CNTF and diesel–CNTF DEPs. These findings suggest that the nano-additives enhance energy efficiency by reducing pollutants without significantly increasing cell toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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14 pages, 4399 KiB  
Article
Spray-Coated Transition Metal Dichalcogenides as Hole Transport Layers in Inverted NFA-Based Organic Photovoltaics with Enhanced Stability under Solar and Artificial Light
by Marinos Tountas, Katerina Anagnostou, Evangelos Sotiropoulos, Christos Polyzoidis and Emmanuel Kymakis
Nanoenergy Adv. 2024, 4(3), 221-234; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv4030014 - 10 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1935
Abstract
In this study, we explored the potential of exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) as innovative spray-coated hole transport layers (HTLs) in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), addressing the need for efficient and stable materials in solar cell technology. This research was motivated by the need [...] Read more.
In this study, we explored the potential of exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) as innovative spray-coated hole transport layers (HTLs) in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), addressing the need for efficient and stable materials in solar cell technology. This research was motivated by the need for alternative HTLs that can offer enhanced performance under varying lighting conditions, particularly in indoor environments. Employing UV-visible absorption and Raman spectroscopy, we characterized the optical properties of MoS2, MoSe2, WS2, and WSe2, confirming their distinct excitonic transitions and direct bandgap features. The nanocrystalline nature of these TMDs, revealed through XRD patterns and crystallite size estimation using the Scherrer method, significantly contributes to their enhanced physical properties and operational efficiency as HTLs in OPVs. These TMDs were then integrated into OPV devices and evaluated under standard solar and indoor lighting conditions, to assess their effectiveness as HTLs. The results demonstrated that MoS2, in particular, displayed remarkable performance, rivalling traditional HTL materials like MoO3. It maintained high power conversion efficiency across a spectrum of light intensities, illustrating its versatility for both outdoor and indoor applications. Additionally, MoS2 showed superior stability over extended periods, suggesting its potential for long-term usage in OPVs. This study contributes significantly to the field of photovoltaic materials, presenting TMDs, especially MoS2, as promising candidates for efficient and stable OPVs in diverse lighting conditions, thereby broadening the scope of solar cell applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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12 pages, 5569 KiB  
Article
Optimized Adsorption–Catalytic Conversion for Lithium Polysulfides by Constructing Bimetallic Compounds for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
by Liping Chen, Runhua Wang, Nan Li, Yang Bai, Yimo Zhou and Juan Wang
Materials 2024, 17(13), 3075; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133075 - 22 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1397
Abstract
Although lithium–sulfur batteries possess the advantage of high theoretical specific capacity, the inevitable shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides is still a difficult problem restricting its application. The design of highly active catalysts to promote the redox reaction during charge–discharge and thus reduce the [...] Read more.
Although lithium–sulfur batteries possess the advantage of high theoretical specific capacity, the inevitable shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides is still a difficult problem restricting its application. The design of highly active catalysts to promote the redox reaction during charge–discharge and thus reduce the existence time of lithium polysulfides in the electrolyte is the mainstream solution at present. In particular, bimetallic compounds can provide more active sites and exhibit better catalytic properties than single-component metal compounds by regulating the electronic structure of the catalysts. In this work, bimetallic compounds-nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NiCo)Se2-NCNT and (CuCo)Se2-NCNT are designed by introducing Ni and Cu into CoSe2, respectively. The (CuCo)Se2-NCNT delivers an optimized adsorption–catalytic conversion for lithium polysulfide, benefitting from adjusted electron structure with downshifted d-band center and increased electron fill number of Co in (CuCo)Se2 compared with that of (NiCo)Se2. This endows (CuCo)Se2 moderate adsorption strength for lithium polysulfides and better catalytic properties for their conversion. As a result, the lithium–sulfur batteries with (CuCo)Se2-NCNT achieve a high specific capacity of 1051.06 mAh g−1 at 1C and an enhanced rate property with a specific capacity of 838.27 mAh g−1 at 4C. The work provides meaningful insights into the design of bimetallic compounds as catalysts for lithium–sulfur batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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15 pages, 7428 KiB  
Article
Removal of Bisphenol A from Water by Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Loaded with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
by Luying Chen, Jintao Jiang and Leimei Sheng
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3943; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093943 - 6 May 2024
Viewed by 1847
Abstract
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) loaded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by the arc discharge method and air heat treatment. The nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, etc. The results showed that the heat-treated [...] Read more.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) loaded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by the arc discharge method and air heat treatment. The nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, etc. The results showed that the heat-treated nanocomposites (SWCNTs/FexOy) had iron oxide phases and superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of 33.32 emu/g. Compared with the non-heat-treated materials, SWCNTs/FexOy had a larger specific surface area and pore volume. Using SWCNTs/FexOy to remove the organic contaminant (bisphenol A, BPA), it was found that under the conditions of pH = 3 and adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g/L, the maximum adsorption capacity of the composite was 117 mg/g, and the adsorption could reach more than 90% in only 5 min when the BPA content was below 0.05 mmol/L. The fitting results of the Langmuir and D-R models are more consistent with the experimental data, indicating a relatively uniform distribution of the adsorption sites and that the adsorption process is more consistent with physical adsorption. The kinetic calculations showed that the SWCNTs/FexOy exhibits chemical effects on both the surface and the gap, and the adsorption process is controlled by the π-π bonds and the hydrophobicity of the SWCNTs/FexOy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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9 pages, 2262 KiB  
Communication
MoSe2 with Ultra-Fine Pt Decoration for Efficient Photodegradation
by Yong Chen, Dawei Shao, Fupeng Xu, Zhongjia Huang and Xinying Shi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3592; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093592 - 24 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1306
Abstract
Transition metal dichalcogenides are widely studied for their photocatalytic ability due to the adjustable bandgap, high carrier mobility and possibility of foreign-element doping. In this work, multilayer molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) was decorated with ultra-fine Pt nanoparticles through the mild hydrothermal method. [...] Read more.
Transition metal dichalcogenides are widely studied for their photocatalytic ability due to the adjustable bandgap, high carrier mobility and possibility of foreign-element doping. In this work, multilayer molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) was decorated with ultra-fine Pt nanoparticles through the mild hydrothermal method. MoSe2-Pt nanocomposites were synthesized and showed good structural and chemical stabilities. The incorporation of Pt nanoparticles provides plenty of active sites for MoSe2. The dominant Pt particle sizes are 1.8 nm, 1.8 nm, and 1.9 nm for the three synthesized samples, respectively. The mean crystal sizes of Pt (111) were calculated from X-ray diffraction patterns and we found that they were in accordance with the particle sizes. Both the particle sizes and mean crystal sizes are related to the synthesis conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations revealed the formation of Se–Pt bonding. The relative contents of Pt–Se bonding were also calculated from XPS results, and they show the same trends as the optical absorption properties. Combining the XPS and optical absorption results, the effects of Se–Pt bonding during the photo-related process could be further confirmed. By degrading methylene blue (MB) under visible light, the synthesized nanocomposites proved promising for application in real-case degradation of organic pollutants. The sample synthesized with a moderate content of MoSe2 exhibited the best photodegradation efficiency, which could be explained by the maximum Pt-Se contents. Based on the experimental findings, we proposed a possible photodegradation mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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12 pages, 6362 KiB  
Article
Lotus Root Type Nickel Oxide-Carbon Nanofibers: A Hybrid Supercapacitor Electrode Material
by Juhyeong Kim, Junho Lee, Hwajeong Ryu, Yoon Hwa, Aneel Pervez, Taeyong Choi, Suyong Nam and Yoonkook Son
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072977 - 1 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1520
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the electrochemical properties of a nickel oxide-carbon (NiO/C) material, synthesized in the form of highly porous carbon nanofibers through the electrospinning of polymers such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polystyrene (PS) followed by a carbonization process. The primary focus [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigate the electrochemical properties of a nickel oxide-carbon (NiO/C) material, synthesized in the form of highly porous carbon nanofibers through the electrospinning of polymers such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polystyrene (PS) followed by a carbonization process. The primary focus of this work is to determine the optimal mixing ratio for the hybrid material composed of NiO and carbon. While it is widely acknowledged that supercapacitor materials benefit from having a high specific surface area, our findings reveal that hybrid carbon nanofibers with a 45% specific carbon-to-nickel oxide ratio exhibit significantly enhanced capacitance (39.9 F g−1). This outcome suggests the promising potential of our materials as an energy storage material for hybrid supercapacitors, combining the advantages of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLC) and Pseudo capacitors (Pseudo). Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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16 pages, 4162 KiB  
Article
An Experimental Study on the Effect of Nanofluids on the Thermal Conductivity and Rheological Properties of a Coolant for Liquids
by Le Sun, Jiafeng Geng, Kaijun Dong and Qin Sun
Energies 2024, 17(6), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061313 - 8 Mar 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2196
Abstract
Thermal conductivity and viscosity are important properties for nanofluids as they significantly affect the flow and heat transfer process. To date, the rheological properties of water-based nanofluids have been well studied, while the results are scarce for non-aqueous nanofluids. In this study, the [...] Read more.
Thermal conductivity and viscosity are important properties for nanofluids as they significantly affect the flow and heat transfer process. To date, the rheological properties of water-based nanofluids have been well studied, while the results are scarce for non-aqueous nanofluids. In this study, the thermal conductivity and rheological properties of two different kinds of oxide nanofluids (CuO and Al2O3) in a typical commercial data center focusing on liquid coolants were systematically investigated at different mass fractions and temperatures. The results showed that the addition of nanoparticles can significantly improve the heat conduction capacity of mineral oil coolants. There is an average increase in thermal conductivity of up to 20–25%. The shear rate–shear stress and shear rate–viscosity curves all showed that mineral oil coolant-based oxide nanofluids behaved as Newtonian fluids and that nanoparticles did not cause the increment in viscosity. The effect of temperature on rheological properties was also studied, and the result showed that high temperatures resulted in low viscosity and shear stress. Finally, the effect of particle type was investigated, and it was found that no matter what kind of nanoparticles were added, their effects on the rheological behaviors were the same. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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15 pages, 6612 KiB  
Article
Development of Polymer-Cored Akaganeite Adsorbent for Phosphate Adsorption
by Jiyeol Bae, Hyobin We, Suho Kim, Sungjik Oh and Soyoung Baek
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010146 - 23 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1832
Abstract
Environmental issues related to phosphate and resource depletion have recently emerged as serious problems. This study focuses on solving the problems of phosphate removal and recovery using synthesized granular akaganeite (GAK). This study identified that akaganeite, which possesses an FeOOH structure in iron [...] Read more.
Environmental issues related to phosphate and resource depletion have recently emerged as serious problems. This study focuses on solving the problems of phosphate removal and recovery using synthesized granular akaganeite (GAK). This study identified that akaganeite, which possesses an FeOOH structure in iron oxyhydroxide, can be synthesized and used as a reusable material. Immobilization with the core–shell method using polyethersulfone was applied as a strategy to recover phosphate anions from a trace of phosphate solution. GAK was successfully analyzed using SEM/TGA/BET to understand its physical properties. XRD and SAD pattern analyses suggested that the GAK powder form was amorphous in nature. The powdered akaganeite had a surface area of 231 mg2/g and a maximum adsorption capacity of 21.27 mg/g. To prevent the dispersion of powder during granulation, polyethersulfone was used as a scaffold since akaganeite particles can be effectively immobilized onto PES polymer scaffolds, as substantiated by the SEM/EDS results. Moreover, a lack of changes in the pore sizes suggested that physical properties remained unchanged. Furthermore, compared to the granular akaganeite, the surface area of powdered akaganeite decreased 4–5-fold. The adsorption kinetic of granular akaganeite fit the pseudo-second-order model. The powdered form displayed high removal efficiency, intimate with phosphate anions, when n > 1.0, instead of lower KF. On the other hand, granular akaganeite showed lower affinity when n < 1.0, but appeared positive for an adsorbate with higher KF. This implies that the granulation of akaganeite with the PES polymer did not change its adsorption property, with the maximum adsorption capacity for granular akaganeite being 3.65 mg/g. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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23 pages, 8283 KiB  
Article
Towards the Development of a Z-Scheme FeOx/g-C3N4 Thin Film and Perspectives for Ciprofloxacin Visible Light-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation
by Murilo Fendrich, Om Prakash Bajpai, Raju Edla, Alessandra Molinari, Paola Ragonese, Chiara Maurizio, Michele Orlandi and Antonio Miotello
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10591; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910591 - 22 Sep 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1996
Abstract
Thermally synthesized graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) over pulsed laser deposition (PLD) produced urchin-like iron oxide (FeOx) thin films were fabricated via in situ and ex situ processes. Materials characterisation revealed the formation of the graphitic allotrope of C3 [...] Read more.
Thermally synthesized graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) over pulsed laser deposition (PLD) produced urchin-like iron oxide (FeOx) thin films were fabricated via in situ and ex situ processes. Materials characterisation revealed the formation of the graphitic allotrope of C3N4 and a bandgap Eg for the combined FeOx/g-C3N4 of 1.87 and 1.95 eV for each of the different fabrication strategies. The in situ method permitted to develop a novel petal-like morphology, whereas for the ex situ method, a morphological mixture between FeOx bulk and g-C3N4 was observed. Given the improved optical and morphological properties of the in situ film, it was employed as a proof of concept for the direct photocatalysis and photo-Fenton removal of ciprofloxacin antibiotic (CIP) under visible light irradiation. Improved photocatalytic activity (rate constant k = 8.28 × 10−4 min−1) was observed, with further enhancement under photo-Fenton conditions (k = 2.6 × 10−3 min−1), in comparison with FeOx + H2O2 (k = 1.6 × 10−3 min−1) and H2O2 only (k = 1.3 × 10−4 min−1). These effects demonstrate the in situ methodology as a viable route to obtain working heterojunctions for solar photocatalysis in thin-film materials, rather than the more common powder materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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26 pages, 24813 KiB  
Review
Magnetic Nanoparticles as Mediators for Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy Applications: A Status Review
by Miloš Beković, Irena Ban, Miha Drofenik and Janja Stergar
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9548; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179548 - 23 Aug 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2371
Abstract
This concise review delves into the realm of superparamagnetic nanoparticles, specifically focusing on Fe2O3, Mg1+xFe2−2xTixO4, Ni1−xCux, and CrxNi1−x, along with their synthesis methods [...] Read more.
This concise review delves into the realm of superparamagnetic nanoparticles, specifically focusing on Fe2O3, Mg1+xFe2−2xTixO4, Ni1−xCux, and CrxNi1−x, along with their synthesis methods and applications in magnetic hyperthermia. Remarkable advancements have been made in controlling the size and shape of these nanoparticles, achieved through various synthesis techniques such as coprecipitation, mechanical milling, microemulsion, and sol–gel synthesis. Through this review, our objective is to present the outcomes of diverse synthesis methods, the surface treatment of superparamagnetic nanoparticles, their magnetic properties, and Curie temperature, and elucidate their impact on heating efficiency when subjected to high-frequency magnetic fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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15 pages, 6194 KiB  
Article
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles—Solution-Based Synthesis and Characterizations
by Khagendra P. Bhandari, Dhurba R. Sapkota, Manoj K. Jamarkattel, Quenton Stillion and Robert W. Collins
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(11), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13111795 - 2 Jun 2023
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5675
Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have shown great potential because of their versatile and promising applications in different fields, including solar cells. Various methods of synthesizing ZnO materials have been reported. In this work, controlled synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was achieved via a simple, [...] Read more.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have shown great potential because of their versatile and promising applications in different fields, including solar cells. Various methods of synthesizing ZnO materials have been reported. In this work, controlled synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was achieved via a simple, cost-effective, and facile synthetic method. Using transmittance spectra and film thickness of ZnO, the optical band gap energies were calculated. For as-synthesized and annealed ZnO films, the bandgap energies were found to be 3.40 eV and 3.30 eV, respectively. The nature of the optical transition indicates that the material is a direct bandgap semiconductor. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) analysis was used to extract dielectric functions where the onset of optical absorption of ZnO was observed at lower photon energy due to annealing of the nanoparticle film. Similarly, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data revealed that the material is pure and crystalline in nature, with the average crystallite size of ~9 nm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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19 pages, 1313 KiB  
Review
Application of Nanotechnology in Extinguishing Agents
by Anna Rabajczyk, Maria Zielecka and Justyna Gniazdowska
Materials 2022, 15(24), 8876; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15248876 - 12 Dec 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4114
Abstract
Extinguishing agents are a very important tool in the field of security, both in terms of private and social aspects. Depending on the type of burning substance and place of fire, appropriately prepared and developed solutions should be used. We can distinguish, among [...] Read more.
Extinguishing agents are a very important tool in the field of security, both in terms of private and social aspects. Depending on the type of burning substance and place of fire, appropriately prepared and developed solutions should be used. We can distinguish, among others, materials, powders or foaming agents. Modifications introduced into them, including ones based on the achievements in the field of nanotechnology, can improve their safety of use and extend their service life. Such amendments also reduce the costs of production and neutralization of the area after a fire, and increase the fire extinguishing effectiveness. The introduction of nanoparticles allows, e.g., shortening of the fire extinguishing time, reduction of the risk of smoke emission and the toxic substances contained in it, and an increase in the specific surface of particles and thus increasing the sorption of pollutants. The elaborations use metal nanoparticles, e.g., NP-Ag, metal oxides such as NP-SiO2, as well as particles of substances already present in extinguishing agents but treated and reduced to nanosize. It should be noted, however, that all changes must lead to obtaining a tool that meets the relevant legal requirements and has appropriate approvals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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28 pages, 6846 KiB  
Review
Advances of Carbon Materials for Dual-Carbon Lithium-Ion Capacitors: A Review
by Ying Duan, Changle Li, Zhantong Ye, Hongpeng Li, Yanliang Yang, Dong Sui and Yanhong Lu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 3954; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12223954 - 10 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2544
Abstract
Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) have drawn increasing attention, due to their appealing potential for bridging the performance gap between lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Especially, dual-carbon lithium-ion capacitors (DC-LICs) are even more attractive because of the low cost, high conductivity, and tunable nanostructure/surface chemistry/composition, as [...] Read more.
Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) have drawn increasing attention, due to their appealing potential for bridging the performance gap between lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Especially, dual-carbon lithium-ion capacitors (DC-LICs) are even more attractive because of the low cost, high conductivity, and tunable nanostructure/surface chemistry/composition, as well as excellent chemical/electrochemical stability of carbon materials. Based on the well-matched capacity and rate between the cathode and anode, DC-LICs show superior electrochemical performances over traditional LICs and are considered to be one of the most promising alternatives to the current energy storage devices. In particular, the mismatch between the cathode and anode could be further suppressed by applying carbon nanomaterials. Although great progresses of DC-LICs have been achieved, a comprehensive review about the advances of electrode materials is still absent. Herein, in this review, the progresses of traditional and nanosized carbons as cathode/anode materials for DC-LICs are systematically summarized, with an emphasis on their synthesis, structure, morphology, and electrochemical performances. Furthermore, an outlook is tentatively presented, aiming to develop advanced DC-LICs for commercial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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14 pages, 4957 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Graphene Oxide Reinforced Copper–Tungsten Composites Produced via Ball Milling of Metal Flakes
by Fei Lin, Ruoyu Xu, Mingyu Zhou, Robert J. Young, Ian A. Kinloch and Yi Ding
Materials 2022, 15(21), 7736; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217736 - 3 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2544
Abstract
Copper–tungsten (Cu-W) composites are widely used in high-power and -temperature electrical applications. The combination of these metals, however, leads to compromised physical and electrical properties. Herein, we produce Cu-W-graphene oxide (Cu-W-GO) composites to address this challenge. To ensure uniform density composites, the as-received [...] Read more.
Copper–tungsten (Cu-W) composites are widely used in high-power and -temperature electrical applications. The combination of these metals, however, leads to compromised physical and electrical properties. Herein, we produce Cu-W-graphene oxide (Cu-W-GO) composites to address this challenge. To ensure uniform density composites, the as-received metal powders were flattened into a flake morphology by ball milling and then mixed with up to 0.5 wt.% GO flakes. The green forms were processed using spark plasma sintering. The GO was found to be well-dispersed amongst the metallic phases in the final composite. The addition of GO reduced the relative density of the composites slightly (4.7% decrease in relative density at 0.5 wt% GO loading for the composites processed at 1000 °C). X-ray diffraction confirmed good phase purity and that no carbide phases were produced. GO was found to improve the mechanical properties of the Cu-W, with an optimal loading of 0.1 wt.% GO found for ultimate compression strength and strain to failure, and 0.3 wt.% optimal loading for the 0.2% offset yield strength. Significantly, the electrical conductivity increased by up to 25% with the addition of 0.1 wt.% GO but decreased with higher GO loadings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications)
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