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Nanomaterials
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Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications
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Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "2D and Carbon Nanomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2023) | Viewed by 15539

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sergio Morales-Torres

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Guest Editor
Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: carbon nanostructures; graphene; nanostructured metal oxide; structured catalysts and membranes; chemical functionalization; advanced oxidation processes; air/water treatment; desalination
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luisa Pastrana-Martínez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: doped carbon materials; graphene derivatives; adsorption and advanced oxidation technologies (heterogeneous photocatalysis, photo-Fenton, ozonation) for water treatment; CO2 photocatalytic conversion; oxygen reduction reaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Francisco José Maldonado-Hódar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: carbon nanomaterials; carbon–metal nanocomposites; physical and chemical characterization; synergistic effects; adsorption; environmental catalysis; air/water abatement; value-added products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon materials, such as activated carbons or graphite, have been traditionally applied for adsorption processes and electrodes development. Nevertheless, the boost of nanotechnology strongly encouraged the production of different carbon nanostructures with 0D (carbon dots), 1D (carbon nanotubes), 2D (graphene) or 3D (carbon gels) formats and more advanced properties. The interest in these nanomaterials is not only related to its nanostructure, but also to its surface chemistry. Thus, different chemical functionalizations can be carried out to tailor the chemical nature of the carbon surface for the required applications. Among the different covalent functionalities, oxygen-containing surface groups are typically generated by oxidation treatments, although other functionalities or even heteroatoms (N, P, B, and S) can be also incorporated into carbon materials to fit their chemical and electrical properties. Non-covalent functionalization via the physical adsorption of aromatic compounds or polymer chains includes processes based on weak interactions, such as van der Waals forces, π–π interactions and electrostatic forces. On the other hand, carbon nanomaterials and their corresponding carbon–metal nanocomposites have demonstrated excellent performance as heterogeneous catalysts and/or sensors. Covalent or non-covalent functionalities also serve as anchoring sites of metallic phases modifying the inert and hydrophobic carbon surface. Thus, carbon materials are often used to develop highly dispersed metal nanoparticles systems, which are stabilized to avoid sintering by the appropriate morphology, high surface and carbon–metal interactions of carbon supports. These nanocomposites are further employed in the synthesis of high value-added products for different chemical industries (pharmaceutical, etc.), as well environmental applications and energy.

This Special Issue aims to collect advances in the synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of carbon-based nanocomposites. Special attention is given to one-pot procedures, advanced synthesis processes (sol–gel, hydrothermal, and ionic liquids) and activation treatments (ultrasound and microwaves) for the preparation of nanocomposites. The application of these nanomaterials in sensors; electrochemical devices; energy; heterogeneous catalysts, including photo-, sono-, electro-, and thermoprocesses; adsorption and molecular sieves for the separation /concentration of substances is also of high interest.

We are pleased to invite you to submit a manuscript for this Special issue. Original research articles, short communications, and reviews are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Sergio Morales-Torres
Dr. Luisa Pastrana-Martínez
Prof. Dr. Francisco José Maldonado-Hódar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Functional carbon materials
  • Carbon–metal nanocomposites
  • Chemical functionalization
  • Selective reduction processes
  • Green synthesis
  • Water/air abatement
  • Adsorption and separation processes
  • Advanced oxidation processes
  • Photo-, sono-, electro, and thermocatalysis
  • Sensors

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2372 KiB  
Article
Flexible and Lightweight Carbon Nanotube Composite Filter for Particulate Matter Air Filtration
by Megha Chitranshi, Daniel Rui Chen, Peter Kosel, Marc Cahay and Mark Schulz
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 4094; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12224094 - 21 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1827
Abstract
Particulate Matter (PM) has become an important source of air pollution. We proposed a flexible and lightweight carbon nanotube (CNT) composite air filter for PM removal. The developed CNT filtering layers were fabricated using a floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) synthesis process [...] Read more.
Particulate Matter (PM) has become an important source of air pollution. We proposed a flexible and lightweight carbon nanotube (CNT) composite air filter for PM removal. The developed CNT filtering layers were fabricated using a floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) synthesis process and then combined with conventional filter fabrics to make a composite air filter. Filtration performance for CNT filtering layer alone and composited with other conventional filter fabrics for particles size 0.3 μm to 2.5 μm was investigated in this study. The CNT composite filter is highly hydrophobic, making it suitable for humid environments. The CNT composite filter with two layers of tissue CNT performed best and achieved a filtration efficiency over 90% with a modest pressure drop of ~290 Pa for a particle size of 2.5 μm. This CNT composite filter was tested over multiple cycles to ensure its reusability. The developed filter is very light weight and flexible and can be incorporated into textiles for wearable applications or used as a room filter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications)
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21 pages, 5507 KiB  
Article
Degradation of Toluene from Gas Streams by Heterogeneous Fenton Oxidation in a Slurry Bubble Reactor with Activated Carbon-Based Catalysts
by Emanuel F. S. Sampaio, V. Guimarães, O. S. G. P. Soares, M. Fernando R. Pereira, Carmen S. D. Rodrigues and Luis M. Madeira
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3274; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12193274 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1420
Abstract
A novel approach for the treatment of volatile organic compounds from gaseous streams was developed. In order to accomplish this, a semi-batch bubble reactor was used, aiming to assess the toluene (selected as model compound) degradation from gaseous streams via heterogeneous Fenton oxidation. [...] Read more.
A novel approach for the treatment of volatile organic compounds from gaseous streams was developed. In order to accomplish this, a semi-batch bubble reactor was used, aiming to assess the toluene (selected as model compound) degradation from gaseous streams via heterogeneous Fenton oxidation. Activated carbon-based catalysts—metal-free or iron-impregnated—with different textural and chemical surface properties were used for the first time as catalysts, in order to degrade gaseous toluene using such technology. Complementary characterization techniques, such as nitrogen adsorption at –196 °C, elemental analysis, pH at the point of zero charge (pHPZC), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were used. The materials’ chemical surface properties, particularly the presence of N-surface groups, were herein found to play an important role in toluene adsorption and catalytic performance. The maximum amount of toluene transferred, 6.39 × 10−3 mol, was achieved using melamine-doped activated carbon (N-doped material) that was impregnated with iron (sample herein called ACM-Fe). This iron-based catalyst was found to be quite stable during three reutilization cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications)
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17 pages, 4412 KiB  
Article
Effective Practical Solutions for De-Icing of Automotive Component
by Andrea Tinti, Gloria Anna Carallo, Antonio Greco, María Dolores Romero-Sánchez, Luigi Vertuccio and Liberata Guadagno
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(17), 2979; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12172979 - 28 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Carbon Nanotube (CNTs)-based masterbatches have been mixed with thermoplastic polymers currently used to manufacture automotive components. These mixtures have been tailored to integrate an effective heating function in the materials. The manufacturing method for composite compounding and processing conditions significantly affects the electrical [...] Read more.
Carbon Nanotube (CNTs)-based masterbatches have been mixed with thermoplastic polymers currently used to manufacture automotive components. These mixtures have been tailored to integrate an effective heating function in the materials. The manufacturing method for composite compounding and processing conditions significantly affects the electrical resistivity of the developed materials. The resistivity of the material can be controlled within tight tolerances sufficient to meet automotive requirements. The optimal compounding parameters of the melt process technologies were defined to obtain uniform filler dispersion and distribution. Heating and de-icing tests were performed on sheet specimens with optimized CNT content and electrical conductivity suitable for effective electro-thermal behaviour with low input voltages (≤24 V DC), making them safe for users. Finally, a simplified analytical model of the Joule effect arising from an energy balance of the system under study (heat equation) was developed and validated by comparison with experimental data for use in future development for the purpose of the preliminary design of components in the automotive sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications)
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17 pages, 7837 KiB  
Article
Microbial Electrosynthesis Inoculated with Anaerobic Granular Sludge and Carbon Cloth Electrodes Functionalized with Copper Nanoparticles for Conversion of CO2 to CH4
by Sofia Georgiou, Loukas Koutsokeras, Marios Constantinou, Rafał Majzer, Justyna Markiewicz, Marcin Siedlecki, Ioannis Vyrides and Georgios Constantinides
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2472; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12142472 - 19 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2154
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) can sustainably convert CO2 to products and significant research is currently being conducted towards this end, mainly in laboratory-scale studies. The high-cost ion exchange membrane, however, is one of the main reasons hindering the industrialization of MES. This study [...] Read more.
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) can sustainably convert CO2 to products and significant research is currently being conducted towards this end, mainly in laboratory-scale studies. The high-cost ion exchange membrane, however, is one of the main reasons hindering the industrialization of MES. This study investigates the conversion of CO2 (as a sole external carbon source) to CH4 using membraneless MES inoculated with anaerobic granular sludge. Three types of electrodes were tested: carbon cloth (CC) and CC functionalized with Cu NPs, where Cu NPs were deposited for 15 and 45 min, respectively. During the MES experiment, which lasted for 144 days (six cycles), methane was consistently higher in the serum bottles with CC electrodes and applied voltage. The highest CH4 (around 46%) was found in the second cycle after 16 days. The system’s performance declined during the following cycles; nevertheless, the CH4 composition was twice as high compared to the serum bottles without voltage. The MES with Cu NPs functionalized CC electrodes had a higher performance than the MES with plain CC electrodes. Microbial profile analysis showed that the Methanobacterium was the most dominant genus in all samples and it was found in higher abundance on the cathodes, followed by the anodes, and then in the suspended biomass. The genus Geobacter was identified only on the anodes regarding relative bacterial abundance at around 6–10%. Desulfovibrio was the most dominant genus in the cathodes; however, its relative abundance was significantly higher for the cathodes with Cu NPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications)
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17 pages, 55035 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning Approach for Application-Tailored Nanolubricants’ Design
by Jarosław Kałużny, Aleksandra Świetlicka, Łukasz Wojciechowski, Sławomir Boncel, Grzegorz Kinal, Tomasz Runka, Marek Nowicki, Oleksandr Stepanenko, Bartosz Gapiński, Joanna Leśniewicz, Paulina Błaszkiewicz and Krzysztof Kempa
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(10), 1765; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12101765 - 22 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2199
Abstract
The fascinating tribological phenomenon of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) observed at the nanoscale was confirmed in our numerous macroscale experiments. We designed and employed CNT-containing nanolubricants strictly for polymer lubrication. In this paper, we present the experiment characterising how the CNT structure determines its [...] Read more.
The fascinating tribological phenomenon of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) observed at the nanoscale was confirmed in our numerous macroscale experiments. We designed and employed CNT-containing nanolubricants strictly for polymer lubrication. In this paper, we present the experiment characterising how the CNT structure determines its lubricity on various types of polymers. There is a complex correlation between the microscopic and spectral properties of CNTs and the tribological parameters of the resulting lubricants. This confirms indirectly that the nature of the tribological mechanisms driven by the variety of CNT–polymer interactions might be far more complex than ever described before. We propose plasmonic interactions as an extension for existing models describing the tribological roles of nanomaterials. In the absence of quantitative microscopic calculations of tribological parameters, phenomenological strategies must be employed. One of the most powerful emerging numerical methods is machine learning (ML). Here, we propose to use this technique, in combination with molecular and supramolecular recognition, to understand the morphology and macro-assembly processing strategies for the targeted design of superlubricants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications)
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Review

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30 pages, 4937 KiB  
Review
New Insights into N-Doped Porous Carbons as Both Heterogeneous Catalysts and Catalyst Supports: Opportunities for the Catalytic Synthesis of Valuable Compounds
by Elena Pérez Mayoral, Marina Godino Ojer, Márcia Ventura and Ines Matos
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(13), 2013; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13132013 - 05 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
Among the vast class of porous carbon materials, N-doped porous carbons have emerged as promising materials in catalysis due to their unique properties. The introduction of nitrogen into the carbonaceous matrix can lead to the creation of new sites on the carbon [...] Read more.
Among the vast class of porous carbon materials, N-doped porous carbons have emerged as promising materials in catalysis due to their unique properties. The introduction of nitrogen into the carbonaceous matrix can lead to the creation of new sites on the carbon surface, often associated with pyridinic or pyrrolic nitrogen functionalities, which can facilitate various catalytic reactions with increased selectivity. Furthermore, the presence of N dopants exerts a significant influence on the properties of the supported metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, including the metal dispersion, interactions between the metal and support, and stability of the metal nanoparticles. These effects play a crucial role in enhancing the catalytic performance of the N-doped carbon-supported catalysts. Thus, N-doped carbons and metals supported on N-doped carbons have been revealed to be interesting heterogeneous catalysts for relevant synthesis processes of valuable compounds. This review presents a concise overview of various methods employed to produce N-doped porous carbons with distinct structures, starting from diverse precursors, and showcases their potential in various catalytic processes, particularly in fine chemical synthesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications)
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23 pages, 2093 KiB  
Review
Flexible and Stretchable Carbon-Based Sensors and Actuators for Soft Robots
by Xinyi Zhou and Wenhan Cao
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(2), 316; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13020316 - 12 Jan 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3850
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of low-dimensional carbon-based materials, such as carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, together with the advances in materials science, have greatly enriched the variety of flexible and stretchable electronic devices. Compared with conventional rigid devices, these soft robotic [...] Read more.
In recent years, the emergence of low-dimensional carbon-based materials, such as carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, together with the advances in materials science, have greatly enriched the variety of flexible and stretchable electronic devices. Compared with conventional rigid devices, these soft robotic sensors and actuators exhibit remarkable advantages in terms of their biocompatibility, portability, power efficiency, and wearability, thus creating myriad possibilities of novel wearable and implantable tactile sensors, as well as micro-/nano-soft actuation systems. Interestingly, not only are carbon-based materials ideal constituents for photodetectors, gas, thermal, triboelectric sensors due to their geometry and extraordinary sensitivity to various external stimuli, but they also provide significantly more precise manipulation of the actuators than conventional centimeter-scale pneumatic and hydraulic robotic actuators, at a molecular level. In this review, we summarize recent progress on state-of-the-art flexible and stretchable carbon-based sensors and actuators that have creatively added to the development of biomedicine, nanoscience, materials science, as well as soft robotics. In the end, we propose the future potential of carbon-based materials for biomedical and soft robotic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanocomposite and Applications)
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