Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.7	4.5	2011	16.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	5.5	2008	16.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Materials materials	3.4	5.2	2008	13.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Nanoenergy Advances nanoenergyadv	-	-	2021	31 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	5.3	7.4	2010	13.6 Days	CHF 2900	Submit

10 pages, 2262 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

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://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app14093592 - 24 Apr 2024

Viewed by 195

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 6362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app14072977 - 01 Apr 2024

Viewed by 458

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en17061313 - 08 Mar 2024

Viewed by 614

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 6612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app14010146 - 23 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1054

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 K_F. 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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 8283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app131910591 - 22 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1003

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 E_g 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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 24813 KiB

Open AccessReview

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://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13179548 - 23 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1077

Abstract

This concise review delves into the realm of superparamagnetic nanoparticles, specifically focusing on Fe₂O₃, Mg_1+xFe_2−2xTi_xO₄, Ni_1−xCu_x, and Cr_xNi_1−x, along with their synthesis methods [...] Read more.

This concise review delves into the realm of superparamagnetic nanoparticles, specifically focusing on Fe₂O₃, Mg_1+xFe_2−2xTi_xO₄, Ni_1−xCu_x, and Cr_xNi_1−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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 6194 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

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://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13111795 - 02 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2510

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1313 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Nanotechnology in Extinguishing Agents

by Anna Rabajczyk, Maria Zielecka and Justyna Gniazdowska

Materials 2022, 15(24), 8876; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15248876 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2390

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 6846 KiB

Open AccessReview

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://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12223954 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1644

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)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 4957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15217736 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1665

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Topic Menu

Topic Editors

Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications

Topic Information

Keywords

Participating Journals

Published Papers (10 papers)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI