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Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering
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Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 November 2022) | Viewed by 30286

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Meiwen Cao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: peptide molecular design; self-assembly of biofunctional materials; pollutant water treatment; solution and interface aggregation behaviors of surfactant molecules; metal corrosion prevention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Scientists and engineers have emphasized the study of nanomaterials in recent decades. The superior properties of nanomaterials are helping to greatly improve and even revolutionize the development of various technology and industry sectors. Despite their many advantages, challenges present in the control and design of nanomaterials with specific properties (morphology, size, porosity, conductivity, optical property, photoelectric property, chemical activity, etc.) to meet with their functional aims. The main applications of nanomaterials in chemical engineering are in catalysts, coatings, adsorption, sensors, drug delivery etc., which all represent fascinating yet challenging research topics.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions devoted to the synthesis and application of functional nanomaterials in chemical engineering, which includes the development of novel nanomaterials and synthesis methods, experimental characterization and computational modelling studies, as well as exploitation in devices and practical applications.

Prof. Dr. Meiwen Cao
Guest Editor

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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.

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Keywords

  • chemical engineering
  • nanomaterials
  • function
  • application
  • adsorption
  • catalysts
  • coatings
  • pollutant treatment

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Published Papers (17 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 196 KiB  
Editorial
Development of Functional Nanomaterials for Applications in Chemical Engineering
by Meiwen Cao
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 609; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13030609 - 03 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1291
Abstract
Nanomaterials are materials with particle sizes of less than 100 nm in at least one of their dimensions [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 7136 KiB  
Article
Effect of Inlet Flow Strategies on the Dynamics of Pulsed Fluidized Bed of Nanopowder
by Syed Sadiq Ali, Agus Arsad, Kenneth L. Roberts and Mohammad Asif
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(2), 304; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13020304 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 958
Abstract
The use of fluidization assistance can greatly enhance the fluidization hydrodynamics of powders that exhibit poor fluidization behavior. Compared to other assistance techniques, pulsed flow assistance is a promising technique for improving conventional fluidization because of its energy efficiency and ease of process [...] Read more.
The use of fluidization assistance can greatly enhance the fluidization hydrodynamics of powders that exhibit poor fluidization behavior. Compared to other assistance techniques, pulsed flow assistance is a promising technique for improving conventional fluidization because of its energy efficiency and ease of process implementation. However, the inlet flow configuration of pulsed flow can significantly affect the bed hydrodynamics. In this study, the conventional single drainage (SD) flow strategy was modified to purge the primary flow during the non-flow period of the pulse to eliminate pressure buildup in the inlet flow line while providing a second drainage path to the residual gas. The bed dynamics for both cases, namely, single drainage (SD) and modified double drainage (MDD), were carefully monitored by recording the overall and local pressure drop transients in different bed regions at two widely different pulsation frequencies of 0.05 and 0.25 Hz. The MDD strategy led to substantially faster bed dynamics and greater frictional pressure drop in lower bed regions with significantly mitigated segregation behavior. The spectral analysis of the local and global pressure transient data in the frequency domain revealed a pronounced difference between the two flow strategies. The application of the MDD inlet flow strategy eliminated the disturbances from the pulsed fluidized bed irrespective of the pulsation frequency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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23 pages, 6432 KiB  
Article
Natural Gas Storage Filled with Peat-Derived Carbon Adsorbent: Influence of Nonisothermal Effects and Ethane Impurities on the Storage Cycle
by Andrey V. Shkolin, Evgeny M. Strizhenov, Sergey S. Chugaev, Ilya E. Men’shchikov, Viktoriia V. Gaidamavichute, Alexander E. Grinchenko and Anatoly A. Zherdev
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 4066; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12224066 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1195
Abstract
Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) is a promising solution for improving the safety and storage capacity of low-pressure gas storage systems. The structural–energetic and adsorption properties of active carbon ACPK, synthesized from cheap peat raw materials, are presented. Calculations of the methane–ethane mixture adsorption [...] Read more.
Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) is a promising solution for improving the safety and storage capacity of low-pressure gas storage systems. The structural–energetic and adsorption properties of active carbon ACPK, synthesized from cheap peat raw materials, are presented. Calculations of the methane–ethane mixture adsorption on ACPK were performed using the experimental adsorption isotherms of pure components. It is shown that the accumulation of ethane can significantly increase the energy capacity of the ANG storage. Numerical molecular modeling of the methane–ethane mixture adsorption in slit-like model micropores has been carried out. The molecular effects associated with the displacement of ethane by methane molecules and the formation of a molecule layered structure are shown. The integral molecular adsorption isotherm of the mixture according to the molecular modeling adequately corresponds to the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST). The cyclic processes of gas charging and discharging from the ANG storage based on the ACPK are simulated in three modes: adiabatic, isothermal, and thermocontrolled. The adiabatic mode leads to a loss of 27–33% of energy capacity at 3.5 MPa compared to the isothermal mode, which has a 9.4–19.5% lower energy capacity compared to the thermocontrolled mode, with more efficient desorption of both methane and ethane. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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11 pages, 3610 KiB  
Article
Role of Alkylamines in Tuning the Morphology and Optical Properties of SnS2 Nanoparticles Synthesized by via Facile Thermal Decomposition Approach
by Rama Gaur, Syed Shahabuddin, Irfan Ahmad and Nanthini Sridewi
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 3950; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12223950 - 09 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1179
Abstract
The present study reported the synthesis of SnS2 nanoparticles by using a thermal decomposition approach using tin chloride and thioacetamide in diphenyl ether at 200 °C over 60 min. SnS2 nanoparticles with novel morphologies were prepared by the use of different [...] Read more.
The present study reported the synthesis of SnS2 nanoparticles by using a thermal decomposition approach using tin chloride and thioacetamide in diphenyl ether at 200 °C over 60 min. SnS2 nanoparticles with novel morphologies were prepared by the use of different alkylamines (namely, octylamine (OCA), dodecylamine (DDA), and oleylamine (OLA)), and their role during the synthesis was explored in detail. The synthesized SnS2 nanostructures were characterized using an array of analytical techniques. The XRD results confirmed the formation of hexagonal SnS2, and the crystallite size varied from 6.1 nm to 19.0 nm and from 2.5 to 8.8 nm for (100) and (011) reflections, respectively. The functional group and thermal analysis confirmed the presence of organics on the surface of nanoparticles. The FE-SEM results revealed nanoparticles, nanoplates, and flakes assembled into flower-like morphologies when dodecylamine, octylamine, and oleylamine were used as capping agents, respectively. The analysis of optical properties showed the variation in the bandgap and the concentration of surface defects on the SnS2 nanoparticles. The role of alkylamine as a capping agent was explored and discussed in detail in this paper and the mechanism for the evolution of different morphologies of SnS2 nanoparticles was also proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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11 pages, 2625 KiB  
Article
Terahertz Modulation and Ultrafast Characteristic of Two-Dimensional Lead Halide Perovskites
by Hongyuan Liu, Xunjun He, Jie Ren, Jiuxing Jiang, Yongtao Yao and Guangjun Lu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3559; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12203559 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1428
Abstract
In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites have been widely used in solar cells and photoelectric devices due to their excellent photoelectric properties and high environmental stability. However, the terahertz (THz) and ultrafast responses of the 2D halide perovskites are seldom studied, limiting [...] Read more.
In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites have been widely used in solar cells and photoelectric devices due to their excellent photoelectric properties and high environmental stability. However, the terahertz (THz) and ultrafast responses of the 2D halide perovskites are seldom studied, limiting the developments and applications of tunable terahertz devices based on 2D perovskites. Here, 2D R-P type (PEA)2(MA)2Pb3I10 perovskite films are fabricated on quartz substrates by a one-step spin-coating process to study their THz and ultrafast characteristics. Based on our homemade ultrafast optical pump–THz probe (OPTP) system, the 2D perovskite film shows an intensity modulation depth of about 10% and an ultrafast relaxation time of about 3 ps at a pump power of 100 mW due to the quantum confinement effect. To further analyze the recombination mechanisms of the photogenerated carriers, a three-exponential function is used to fit the carrier decay processes, obtaining three different decay channels, originating from free carrier recombination, exciton recombination, and trap-assisted recombination, respectively. In addition, the photoconductor changes (∆σ) at different pump–probe delay times are also investigated using the Drude-Smith model, and a maximum difference of 600 S/m is obtained at τp = 0 ps for a pump power of 100 mW. Therefore, these results show that the 2D (PEA)2(MA)2Pb3I10 film has potential applications in high-performance tunable and ultrafast THz devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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19 pages, 1172 KiB  
Article
Maxwell Nanofluids: FEM Simulation of the Effects of Suction/Injection on the Dynamics of Rotatory Fluid Subjected to Bioconvection, Lorentz, and Coriolis Forces
by Liaqat Ali, Abdul Manan and Bagh Ali
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3453; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12193453 - 02 Oct 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 1373
Abstract
In this study, the relevance of Lorentz and Coriolis forces on the kinetics of gyratory Maxwell nanofluids flowing against a continually stretched surface is discussed. Gyrotactic microbes are incorporated to prevent the bioconvection of small particles and to improve consistency. The nanoparticles are [...] Read more.
In this study, the relevance of Lorentz and Coriolis forces on the kinetics of gyratory Maxwell nanofluids flowing against a continually stretched surface is discussed. Gyrotactic microbes are incorporated to prevent the bioconvection of small particles and to improve consistency. The nanoparticles are considered due to their valuable properties and ability to enhance thermal dissipation, which is important in heating systems, advanced technology, microelectronics, and other areas. The main objective of the analysis is to enhance the rate of heat transfer. An adequate similarity transformation is used to convert the primary partial differential equations into non-linear dimensionless ordinary differential equations. The resulting system of equations is solved using the finite element method (FEM). The increasing effects of the Lorentz and Coriolis forces induce the velocities to moderate, whereas the concentration and temperature profiles exhibit the contrary tendency. It is observed that the size and thickness of the fluid layers in the axial position increase as the time factor increases, while the viscidity of the momentum fluid layers in the transverse path decreases as the time factor decreases. The intensity, temperature, and velocity variances for the suction scenario are more prominent than those for the injection scenario, but there is an opposite pattern for the physical quantities. The research findings are of value in areas such as elastomers, mineral productivity, paper-making, biosensors, and biofuels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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22 pages, 7005 KiB  
Article
Functional Silane-Based Nanohybrid Materials for the Development of Hydrophobic and Water-Based Stain Resistant Cotton Fabrics Coatings
by Silvia Sfameni, Tim Lawnick, Giulia Rando, Annamaria Visco, Torsten Textor and Maria Rosaria Plutino
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3404; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12193404 - 28 Sep 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2808
Abstract
The textile-finishing industry, is one of the main sources of persistent organic pollutants in water; in this regard, it is necessary to develop and employ new sustainable approaches for fabric finishing and treatment. This research study shows the development of an efficient and [...] Read more.
The textile-finishing industry, is one of the main sources of persistent organic pollutants in water; in this regard, it is necessary to develop and employ new sustainable approaches for fabric finishing and treatment. This research study shows the development of an efficient and eco-friendly procedure to form highly hydrophobic surfaces on cotton fabrics using different modified silica sols. In particular, the formation of highly hydrophobic surfaces on cotton fabrics was studied by using a two-step treatment procedure, i.e., first applying a hybrid silica sol obtained by hydrolysis and subsequent condensation of (3-Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxy silane with different alkyl(trialkoxy)silane under acid conditions, and then applying hydrolyzed hexadecyltrimethoxysilane on the treated fabrics to further improve the fabrics’ hydrophobicity. The treated cotton fabrics showed excellent water repellency with a water contact angle above 150° under optimum treatment conditions. The cooperative action of rough surface structure due to the silica sol nanoparticles and the low surface energy caused by long-chain alkyl(trialkoxy)silane in the nanocomposite coating, combined with the expected roughness on microscale due to the fabrics and fiber structure, provided the treated cotton fabrics with excellent, almost super, hydrophobicity and water-based stain resistance in an eco-sustainable way. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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22 pages, 3851 KiB  
Article
Alternative Controlling Agent of Theobroma grandiflorum Pests: Nanoscale Surface and Fractal Analysis of Gelatin/PCL Loaded Particles Containing Lippia origanoides Essential Oil
by Ana Luisa Farias Rocha, Ronald Zico de Aguiar Nunes, Robert Saraiva Matos, Henrique Duarte da Fonseca Filho, Jaqueline de Araújo Bezerra, Alessandra Ramos Lima, Francisco Eduardo Gontijo Guimarães, Ana Maria Santa Rosa Pamplona, Cláudia Majolo, Maria Geralda de Souza, Pedro Henrique Campelo, Ştefan Ţălu, Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato, Natalia Mayumi Inada and Edgar Aparecido Sanches
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(15), 2712; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12152712 - 07 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1881
Abstract
A new systematic structural study was performed using the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) reporting statistical parameters of polymeric particles based on gelatin and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) containing essential oil from Lippia origanoides. The developed biocides are efficient alternative controlling agents of [...] Read more.
A new systematic structural study was performed using the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) reporting statistical parameters of polymeric particles based on gelatin and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) containing essential oil from Lippia origanoides. The developed biocides are efficient alternative controlling agents of Conotrachelus humeropictus and Moniliophtora perniciosa, the main pests of Theobroma grandiflorum. Our results showed that the particles morphology can be successfully controlled by advanced stereometric parameters, pointing to an appropriate concentration of encapsulated essential oil according to the particle surface characteristics. For this reason, the absolute concentration of 1000 µg·mL−1 (P1000 system) was encapsulated, resulting in the most suitable surface microtexture, allowing a faster and more efficient essential oil release. Loaded particles presented zeta potential around (–54.3 ± 2.3) mV at pH = 8, and particle size distribution ranging from 113 to 442 nm. The hydrodynamic diameter of 90% of the particle population was found to be up to (405 ± 31) nm in the P1000 system. The essential oil release was evaluated up to 80 h, with maximum release concentrations of 63% and 95% for P500 and P1000, respectively. The best fit for the release profiles was obtained using the Korsmeyer–Peppas mathematical model. Loaded particles resulted in 100% mortality of C. humeropictus up to 48 h. The antifungal tests against M. perniciosa resulted in a minimum inhibitory concentration of 250 µg·mL−1, and the P1000 system produced growth inhibition up to 7 days. The developed system has potential as alternative controlling agent, due to its physical stability, particle surface microtexture, as well as pronounced bioactivity of the encapsulated essential oil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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18 pages, 4962 KiB  
Article
Zirconia-Doped Methylated Silica Membranes via Sol-Gel Process: Microstructure and Hydrogen Permselectivity
by Lintao Wang and Jing Yang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2159; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12132159 - 23 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1545
Abstract
In order to obtain a steam-stable hydrogen permselectivity membrane, with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as the silicon source, zirconium nitrate pentahydrate (Zr(NO3)4·5H2O) as the zirconium source, and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) as the hydrophobic modifier, the methyl-modified ZrO2-SiO2 [...] Read more.
In order to obtain a steam-stable hydrogen permselectivity membrane, with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as the silicon source, zirconium nitrate pentahydrate (Zr(NO3)4·5H2O) as the zirconium source, and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) as the hydrophobic modifier, the methyl-modified ZrO2-SiO2 (ZrO2-MSiO2) membranes were prepared via the sol-gel method. The microstructure and gas permeance of the ZrO2-MSiO2 membranes were studied. The physical-chemical properties of the membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. The hydrogen permselectivity of ZrO2-MSiO2 membranes was evaluated with Zr content, temperature, pressure difference, drying control chemical additive (glycerol) content, and hydrothermal stability as the inferred factors. XRD and pore structure analysis revealed that, as nZr increased, the MSiO2 peak gradually shifted to a higher 2θ value, and the intensity gradually decreased. The study found that the permeation mechanism of H2 and other gases is mainly based on the activation–diffusion mechanism. The separation of H2 is facilitated by an increase in temperature. The ZrO2-MSiO2 membrane with nZr = 0.15 has a better pore structure and a suitable ratio of micropores to mesopores, which improved the gas permselectivities. At 200 °C, the H2 permeance of MSiO2 and ZrO2-MSiO2 membranes was 3.66 × 10−6 and 6.46 × 10−6 mol·m−2·s−1·Pa−1, respectively. Compared with the MSiO2 membrane, the H2/CO2 and H2/N2 permselectivities of the ZrO2-MSiO2 membrane were improved by 79.18% and 26.75%, respectively. The added amount of glycerol as the drying control chemical additive increased from 20% to 30%, the permeance of H2 decreased by 11.55%, and the permselectivities of H2/CO2 and H2/N2 rose by 2.14% and 0.28%, respectively. The final results demonstrate that the ZrO2-MSiO2 membrane possesses excellent hydrothermal stability and regeneration capability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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17 pages, 5226 KiB  
Article
Tuning Particle Sizes and Active Sites of Ni/CeO2 Catalysts and Their Influence on Maleic Anhydride Hydrogenation
by Qiuming Zhang, Xin Liao, Shaobo Liu, Hao Wang, Yin Zhang and Yongxiang Zhao
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2156; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12132156 - 23 Jun 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1689
Abstract
Supported metal catalysts are widely used in industrial processes, and the particle size of the active metal plays a key role in determining the catalytic activity. Herein, CeO2-supported Ni catalysts with different Ni loading and particle size were prepared by the [...] Read more.
Supported metal catalysts are widely used in industrial processes, and the particle size of the active metal plays a key role in determining the catalytic activity. Herein, CeO2-supported Ni catalysts with different Ni loading and particle size were prepared by the impregnation method, and the hydrogenation performance of maleic anhydride (MA) over the Ni/CeO2 catalysts was investigated deeply. It was found that changes in Ni loading causes changes in metal particle size and active sites, which significantly affected the conversion and selectivity of MAH reaction. The conversion of MA reached the maximum at about 17.5 Ni loading compared with other contents of Ni loading because of its proper particle size and active sites. In addition, the effects of Ni grain size, surface oxygen vacancy, and Ni–CeO2 interaction on MAH were investigated in detail, and the possible mechanism for MAH over Ni/CeO2 catalysts was deduced. This work greatly deepens the fundamental understanding of Ni loading and size regimes over Ni/CeO2 catalysts for the hydrogenation of MA and provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the preparation of high-activity catalysts for MAH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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16 pages, 4433 KiB  
Article
Transesterification of Glycerol to Glycerol Carbonate over Mg-Zr Composite Oxide Prepared by Hydrothermal Process
by Yihao Li, Hepan Zhao, Wei Xue, Fang Li and Zhimiao Wang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(12), 1972; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12121972 - 08 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1488
Abstract
A series of Mg-Zr composite oxide catalysts prepared by the hydrothermal process were used for the transesterification of glycerol (GL) with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to produce glycerol carbonate (GC). The effects of the preparation method (co-precipitation, hydrothermal process) and Mg/Zr ratio on the [...] Read more.
A series of Mg-Zr composite oxide catalysts prepared by the hydrothermal process were used for the transesterification of glycerol (GL) with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to produce glycerol carbonate (GC). The effects of the preparation method (co-precipitation, hydrothermal process) and Mg/Zr ratio on the catalytic performance were systematically investigated, and the deactivation of the catalyst was also explored. The Mg-Zr composite oxide catalysts were characterized by XRD, TEM, TPD, N2 adsorption-desorption, and XPS. The characterization results showed that compared with the co-precipitation process, the catalyst prepared by the hydrothermal process has a larger specific surface area, smaller grain size, and higher dispersion. Mg1Zr2-HT catalyst calcined at 600 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere exhibited the best catalytic performance. Under the conditions of reaction time of 90 min, reaction temperature of 90 °C, catalyst dosage of 3 wt% of GL, and GL/DMC molar ratio of 1/5, the GL conversion was 99% with 96.1% GC selectivity, and the yield of GC was 74.5% when it was reused for the fourth time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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11 pages, 5593 KiB  
Article
Influence of Temperature Parameters on Morphological Characteristics of Plasma Deposited Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
by Tatyana Sergeevna Sazanova, Leonid Alexandrovich Mochalov, Alexander Alexandrovich Logunov, Mikhail Alexandrovich Kudryashov, Diana Georgievna Fukina, Maksim Anatolevich Vshivtsev, Igor Olegovich Prokhorov, Pavel Andreevich Yunin, Kirill Alexandrovich Smorodin, Artem Anatolevich Atlaskin and Andrey Vladimirovich Vorotyntsev
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(11), 1838; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12111838 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1596
Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles were obtained by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) under optical emission spectrometry control from elemental high-purity zinc in a zinc–oxygen–hydrogen plasma-forming gas mixture with varying deposition parameters: a zinc source temperature, and a reactor temperature in a deposition zone. The [...] Read more.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles were obtained by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) under optical emission spectrometry control from elemental high-purity zinc in a zinc–oxygen–hydrogen plasma-forming gas mixture with varying deposition parameters: a zinc source temperature, and a reactor temperature in a deposition zone. The size and morphological parameters of the zinc oxide nanopowders, structural properties, and homogeneity were studied. The study was carried out with use of methods such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray structural analysis, and Raman spectroscopy, as well as statistical methods for processing and analyzing experimental data. It was established that to obtain zinc oxide nanoparticles with a given size and morphological characteristics using PECVD, it is necessary (1) to increase the zinc source temperature to synthesize more elongated structures in one direction (and vice versa), and (2) to decrease the reactor temperature in the deposition zone to reduce the transverse size of the deposited structures (and vice versa), taking into account that at relatively low temperatures instead of powder structures, films can form. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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9 pages, 1914 KiB  
Article
Strengthened Optical Nonlinearity of V2C Hybrids Inlaid with Silver Nanoparticles
by Yabin Shao, Qing He, Lingling Xiang, Zibin Xu, Xiaoou Cai and Chen Chen
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(10), 1647; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12101647 - 12 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1406
Abstract
The investigation of nonlinear optical characteristics resulting from the light–matter interactions of two-dimensional (2D) nano materials has contributed to the extensive use of photonics. In this study, we synthesize a 2D MXene (V2C) monolayer nanosheet by the selective etching of Al [...] Read more.
The investigation of nonlinear optical characteristics resulting from the light–matter interactions of two-dimensional (2D) nano materials has contributed to the extensive use of photonics. In this study, we synthesize a 2D MXene (V2C) monolayer nanosheet by the selective etching of Al from V2AlC at room temperature and use the nanosecond Z-scan technique with 532 nm to determine the nonlinear optical characters of the Ag@V2C hybrid. The z-scan experiment reveals that Ag@V2C hybrids usually exhibits saturable absorption owing to the bleaching of the ground state plasma, and the switch from saturable absorption to reverse saturable absorption takes place. The findings demonstrate that Ag@V2C has optical nonlinear characters. The quantitative data of the nonlinear absorption of Ag@V2C varies with the wavelength and the reverse saturable absorption results from the two-photon absorption, which proves that Ag@V2C hybrids have great potential for future ultrathin optoelectronic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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15 pages, 3644 KiB  
Article
Crystal-Plane and Shape Influences of Nanoscale CeO2 on the Activity of Ni/CeO2 Catalysts for Maleic Anhydride Hydrogenation
by Shaobo Liu, Xin Liao, Qiuming Zhang, Yin Zhang, Hao Wang and Yongxiang Zhao
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(5), 762; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12050762 - 24 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2026
Abstract
Through use of the hydrothermal technique, various shaped CeO2 supports, such as nanocubes (CeO2-C), nanorods (CeO2-R), and nanoparticles (CeO2-P), were synthesized and employed for supporting Ni species as catalysts for a maleic anhydride hydrogenation (MAH) reaction. [...] Read more.
Through use of the hydrothermal technique, various shaped CeO2 supports, such as nanocubes (CeO2-C), nanorods (CeO2-R), and nanoparticles (CeO2-P), were synthesized and employed for supporting Ni species as catalysts for a maleic anhydride hydrogenation (MAH) reaction. The achievements of this characterization illustrate that Ni atoms are capable of being incorporated into crystal lattices and can occupy the vacant sites on the CeO2 surface, which leads to an enhancement of oxygen vacancies. The results of the MAH reaction show that the morphology and shape of CeO2 play an important role in the catalytic performance of the MAH reaction. The catalyst for the rod-like CeO2-R obtains a higher catalytic activity than the other two catalysts. It can be concluded that the higher catalytic performances of rod-like CeO2-R sample should be attributed to the higher dispersion of Ni particles, stronger support-metal interaction, more oxygen vacancies, and the lattice oxygen mobility. The research on the performances of morphology-dependent Ni/CeO2 catalysts as well as the relative reaction strategy of MAH will be remarkably advantageous for developing novel catalysts for MA hydrogenation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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18 pages, 4052 KiB  
Article
Extended Line Defect Graphene Modified by the Adsorption of Mn Atoms and Its Properties of Adsorbing CH4
by Chenxiaoyu Zhang, Shaobin Yang, Xu Zhang, Yingkai Xia and Jiarui Li
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(4), 697; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12040697 - 19 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1807
Abstract
Extended line defect (ELD) graphene is a two-dimensional (2D) topologically defective graphene with alternate octagonal and quadrilateral carbon rings as basic defective units. This paper reports on the CH4 adsorption properties of ELD graphene according to the first principles of density functional [...] Read more.
Extended line defect (ELD) graphene is a two-dimensional (2D) topologically defective graphene with alternate octagonal and quadrilateral carbon rings as basic defective units. This paper reports on the CH4 adsorption properties of ELD graphene according to the first principles of density functional theory (DFT). The effects on the CH4 adsorption of ELD graphene when modified by a single Mn atom or two Mn atoms were investigated, respectively. An ELD-42C graphene configuration consisting of 42 C atoms was first constructed. Then, the ELD-42C graphene configuration was used as a substrate, and a Mn-ELD-42C graphene configuration was obtained by modifying it with a single Mn atom. The results showed that the most stable adsorption site for Mn atoms was above the quadrilateral carbon ring. This Mn-ELD-42C graphene configuration could only stably adsorb up to 30 CH4 molecules on each side, with an average adsorption energy of −0.867 eV/CH4 and an adsorption capacity of 46.25 wt%. Three 2Mn-ELD-42C graphene configurations were then obtained by modifying the ELD-42C graphene substrate with two Mn atoms. When the two Mn atoms were located on either side of a 2Mn-ELD-42C graphene configuration and above the two octagonal carbon rings adjacent to the same quadrilateral carbon ring, it was able to adsorb up to 40 CH4 molecules on each side, with an average adsorption energy of −0.862 eV/CH4 and a CH4 adsorption capacity of 51.09 wt%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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Review

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22 pages, 4191 KiB  
Review
Application of Peptides in Construction of Nonviral Vectors for Gene Delivery
by Yujie Yang, Zhen Liu, Hongchao Ma and Meiwen Cao
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 4076; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12224076 - 19 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1654
Abstract
Gene therapy, which aims to cure diseases by knocking out, editing, correcting or compensating abnormal genes, provides new strategies for the treatment of tumors, genetic diseases and other diseases that are closely related to human gene abnormalities. In order to deliver genes efficiently [...] Read more.
Gene therapy, which aims to cure diseases by knocking out, editing, correcting or compensating abnormal genes, provides new strategies for the treatment of tumors, genetic diseases and other diseases that are closely related to human gene abnormalities. In order to deliver genes efficiently to abnormal sites in vivo to achieve therapeutic effects, a variety of gene vectors have been designed. Among them, peptide-based vectors show superior advantages because of their ease of design, perfect biocompatibility and safety. Rationally designed peptides can carry nucleic acids into cells to perform therapeutic effects by overcoming a series of biological barriers including cellular uptake, endosomal escape, nuclear entrance and so on. Moreover, peptides can also be incorporated into other delivery systems as functional segments. In this review, we referred to the biological barriers for gene delivery in vivo and discussed several kinds of peptide-based nonviral gene vectors developed for overcoming these barriers. These vectors can deliver different types of genetic materials into targeted cells/tissues individually or in combination by having specific structure–function relationships. Based on the general review of peptide-based gene delivery systems, the current challenges and future perspectives in development of peptidic nonviral vectors for clinical applications were also put forward, with the aim of providing guidance towards the rational design and development of such systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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29 pages, 8012 KiB  
Review
Comprehensive Review on Zeolite-Based Nanocomposites for Treatment of Effluents from Wastewater
by Veena Sodha, Syed Shahabuddin, Rama Gaur, Irfan Ahmad, Rajib Bandyopadhyay and Nanthini Sridewi
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(18), 3199; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12183199 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3385
Abstract
All humans and animals need access to clean water in their daily lives. Unfortunately, we are facing water scarcity in several places around the world, and, intentionally or unintentionally, we are contaminating the water in a number of ways. The rise in population, [...] Read more.
All humans and animals need access to clean water in their daily lives. Unfortunately, we are facing water scarcity in several places around the world, and, intentionally or unintentionally, we are contaminating the water in a number of ways. The rise in population, globalization, and industrialization has simultaneously given rise to the generation of wastewater. The pollutants in wastewater, such as organic contaminants, heavy metals, agrochemicals, radioactive pollutants, etc., can cause various ailments as well as environmental damage. In addition to the existing pollutants, a number of new pollutants are now being produced by developing industries. To address this issue, we require some emerging tools and materials to remove effluents from wastewater. Zeolites are the porous aluminosilicates that have been used for the effective pollutant removal for a long time owing to their extraordinary adsorption and ion-exchange properties, which make them available for the removal of a variety of contaminants. However, zeolite alone shows much less photocatalytic efficiency, therefore, different photoactive materials are being doped with zeolites to enhance their photocatalytic efficiency. The fabrication of zeolite-based composites is emerging due to their powerful results as adsorbents, ion-exchangers, and additional benefits as good photocatalysts. This review highlights the types, synthesis and removal mechanisms of zeolite-based materials for wastewater treatment with the basic knowledge about zeolites and wastewater along with the research gaps, which gives a quality background of worldwide research on this topic for future developments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering)
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