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Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis

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A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2024 | Viewed by 11707

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jian Qi

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: fabrication of core-shelled structure; yolk-shelled structure and hollow multi-shelled structure materials with well-defined structures as well as their application in photocatalysis; electrocatalysis and thermal catalysis field
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Hui Liu

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: fabrication of noble metal-based nanomaterials; hollow noble metal nanoparticles; rattle-type noble metal nanoparticles; electrochemical catalysis; photochemical catalysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Materials are an important material basis for human survival. The kind of materials that are used directly becomes a sign of the productivity level of human society. In recent years, we have witnessed increased interest in advanced materials for energy, environment, and catalysis. Those interdisciplinary fields have been regarded as the key enabling approach to accelerate developments in materials sciences. In recognition of the trends and frontiers of advanced materials for energy, environment and catalysis, a themed issue on “Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis” is planned for Nanomaterials. For this Special Issue, we are particularly interested in, among others, the following areas of advanced materials for energy conversion and environmental catalysis application: lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, fuel cells, catalytic combustion of volatile organic compounds and natural gas, catalytic purification of indoor air, heterogeneous catalysis in water treatment processes, catalytic conversion of greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances, environmental catalytic processes in the atmosphere, etc. The issue will contain a mixture of original (communications and full papers) and review-type (reviews and concepts) articles, and you can choose which type of article you would prefer to submit or if you would like to submit more than one.

Dr. Jian Qi
Dr. Hui Liu
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

reasonable design and controllable synthesis
micro-/nanostructured materials
energy conversion and storage
lithium-ion batteries
sodium-ion batteries
supercapacitors
solar cells
fuel cells
photocatalysis
electrocatalysis
thermal catalysis
environmental catalysis
energy catalysis
biocatalysis

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 10598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid-Mechanism Synergistic Flexible Nb₂O₅@WS₂@C Carbon Nanofiber Anode for Superior Sodium Storage

by Yang Zhao, Ziwen Feng, Yipeng Tan, Qinglin Deng and Lingmin Yao

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070631 - 5 Apr 2024

Viewed by 614

Abstract

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have demonstrated remarkable development potential and commercial prospects. However, in the current state of research, the development of high-energy-density, long-cycle-life, high-rate-performance anode materials for SIBs remains a huge challenge. Free-standing flexible electrodes, owing to their ability to achieve higher energy density without the need for current collectors, binders, and conductive additives, have garnered significant attention across various fields. In this work, we designed and fabricated a free-standing three-dimensional flexible Nb₂O₅@WS₂@C carbon nanofiber (CNF) anode based on a hybrid adsorption–intercalation–conversion mechanism of sodium storage, using electrospinning and hydrothermal synthesis processes. The hybrid structure, aided by synergistic effects, releases the advantages of all materials, demonstrating a superior rate performance (288, 248, 211, 158, 90, and 48 mA h g⁻¹ at the current density of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 A g⁻¹, respectively) and good cycling stability (160 mA h g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹). This work provides certain guiding significance for future research on hybrid and flexible anodes of SIBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis)

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12 pages, 1848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Sodium-Ion Energy Storage of Commercial Activated Carbon by Constructing Closed Pores via Ball Milling

by Xiaojie Wang, Qian Fang, Tiejun Zheng, Yanyan Xu, Rui Dai, Zhijun Qiao, Dianbo Ruan and Yuzuo Wang

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010065 - 26 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1132

Abstract

Mechanical ball milling is a prevalent technology for material preparation and also serves as a post-treatment method to modify electrode materials, thus enhancing electrochemical performances. This study explores the microstructure modification of commercial activated carbon through mechanical ball milling, proving its efficacy in increasing sodium-ion energy storage. The evolution of activated carbon’s physical and chemical properties during ball milling was systematically examined. It was observed that the quantity of closed pores and the graphitization degree in activated carbon increased with extended ball milling duration. The sodium storage mechanism in activated carbon transitions to an insertion-pore filling process, significantly elevating platform capacity. Additionally, ball-milled activated carbon demonstrates remarkable long-term cycling stability (92% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 200 mA g⁻¹) and rate performance. This research offers a novel approach to developing advanced anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis)

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12 pages, 2230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Conductive Additive Morphology and Crystallinity on the Electrochemical Performance of Ni-Rich Cathodes for Sulfide All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Jae Hong Choi, Sumyeong Choi, Tom James Embleton, Kyungmok Ko, Kashif Saleem Saqib, Jahanzaib Ali, Mina Jo, Junhyeok Hwang, Sungwoo Park, Minhu Kim, Mingi Hwang, Heesoo Lim and Pilgun Oh

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(23), 3065; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13233065 - 1 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1479

Abstract

Sulfide electrolyte all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLBs) that have inherently nonflammable properties have improved greatly over the past decade. However, determining both the stable and functional electrode components to pair with these solid electrolytes requires significant investigation. Solid electrolyte comprises 20–40% of the composite cathode electrode, which improves the ionic conductivity. However, this results in thick electrolyte that blocks the electron pathways in the electrode, significantly lowering the electrochemical performance. The application of conductive carbon material is required to overcome this issue, and, hence, determining the carbon properties that result in the most stable performance in the sulfide solid electrolyte is vital. This study analyzes the effect of the cathode conductive additive’s morphology on the electrochemical performance of sulfide electrolyte-based ASSLBs. Carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which provide electron pathways at the nanoscale and sub-micron scale, and carbon nanofiber (CNF), which provides electron pathways at the tens-of-microns scale, are all tested individually as potential conductive additives. When the CNF, with its high crystallinity, is used as a conductive material, the electrochemical performance shows an excellent initial discharge capacity of 191.78 mAh/g and a 50-cycle capacity retention of 83.9%. Conversely, the CB and the CNTs, with their shorter pathways and significantly increased surface area, show a relatively low electrochemical performance. By using the CNF to provide excellent electrical conductivity to the electrode, the polarization is suppressed. Furthermore, the interfacial impedance across the charge transfer region is also reduced over 50 cycles compared with the CB and CNT composite cells. These findings stringently analyze and emphasize the importance of the morphology of the carbon conductive additives in the ASSLB cathode electrodes, with improvements in the electrochemical performance being realized through the application of long-form two-dimensional crystalline CNFs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis)

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26 pages, 5625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methane Catalytic Combustion under Lean Conditions over Pristine and Ir-Loaded La_1−xSr_xMnO₃ Perovskites: Efficiency, Hysteresis, and Time-on-Stream and Thermal Aging Stabilities

by Catherine Drosou, Ersi Nikolaraki, Theodora Georgakopoulou, Sotiris Fanourgiakis, Vassilios T. Zaspalis and Ioannis V. Yentekakis

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(15), 2271; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13152271 - 7 Aug 2023

Viewed by 973

Abstract

The increasing use of natural gas as an efficient, reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy source, compared with other fossil fuels, has brought the catalytic CH₄ complete oxidation reaction into the spotlight as a simple and economic way to control the amount of unconverted methane escaping into the atmosphere. CH₄ emissions are a major contributor to the ‘greenhouse effect’, and therefore, they need to be effectively reduced. Catalytic CH₄ oxidation is a promising method that can be used for this purpose. Detailed studies of the activity, oxidative thermal aging, and the time-on-stream (TOS) stability of pristine La_1−xSr_xMnO₃ perovskites (LS_XM; X = % substitution of La with Sr = 0, 30, 50 and 70%) and iridium-loaded Ir/La_1−xSr_xMnO₃ (Ir/LS_XM) perovskite catalysts were conducted in a temperature range of 400–970 °C to achieve complete methane oxidation under excess oxygen (lean) conditions. The effect of X on the properties of the perovskites, and thus, their catalytic performance during heating/cooling cycles, was studied using samples that were subjected to various pretreatment conditions in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the structure–activity/stability correlations. Large (up to ca. 300 °C in terms of T₅₀) inverted volcano-type differences in catalytic activity were found as a function of X, with the most active catalysts being those where X = 0%, and the least active were those where X = 50%. Inverse hysteresis phenomena (steady-state rate multiplicities) were revealed in heating/cooling cycles under reaction conditions, the occurrence of which was found to depend strongly on the employed catalyst pre-treatment (pre-reduction or pre-oxidation), while their shape and the loop amplitude were found to depend on X and the presence of Ir. All findings were consistently interpreted, which involved a two-term mechanistic model that utilized the synergy of Eley–Rideal and Mars–van Krevelen kinetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis)

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19 pages, 2944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochars from Olive Stones as Carbonaceous Support in Pt/TiO₂-Carbon Photocatalysts and Application in Hydrogen Production from Aqueous Glycerol Photoreforming

by Juan Carlos Escamilla-Mejía, Jesús Hidalgo-Carrillo, Juan Martín-Gómez, Francisco J. López-Tenllado, Rafael Estévez, Alberto Marinas and Francisco J. Urbano

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13091511 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1108

Abstract

Several biochars were synthesized from olive stones and used as supports for TiO₂, as an active semiconductor, and Pt as a co-catalyst (Pt/TiO₂-PyCF and Pt/TiO₂-AC). A third carbon-supported photocatalyst was prepared from commercial mesoporous carbon (Pt/TiO₂-MCF). Moreover, a Pt/TiO₂ solid based on Evonik P25 was used as a reference. The biochars used as supports transferred, to a large extent, their physical and chemical properties to the final photocatalysts. The synthesized catalysts were tested for hydrogen production from aqueous glycerol photoreforming. The results indicated that a mesoporous nature and small particle size of the photocatalyst lead to better H₂ production. The analysis of the operational reaction conditions revealed that the H₂ evolution rate was not proportional to the mass of the photocatalyst used, since, at high photocatalyst loading, the hydrogen production decreased because of the light scattering and reflection phenomena that caused a reduction in the light penetration depth. When expressed per gram of TiO₂, the activity of Pt/TiO₂-PyCF is almost 4-times higher than that of Pt/TiO₂ (1079 and 273 mmol H₂/g_TiO2, respectively), which points to the positive effect of an adequate dispersion of a TiO₂ phase on a carbonaceous support, forming a highly dispersed and homogeneously distributed titanium dioxide phase. Throughout a 12 h reaction period, the H₂ production rate progressively decreases, while the CO₂ production rate increases continuously. This behavior is compatible with an initial period when glycerol dehydrogenation to glyceraldehyde and/or dihydroxyacetone and hydrogen predominates, followed by a period in which comparatively slower C-C cleavage reactions begin to occur, thus generating both H₂ and CO₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis)

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13 pages, 2783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MoS₂/NiSe₂/rGO Multiple-Interfaced Sandwich-like Nanostructures as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting

by Xiaoyan Bai, Tianqi Cao, Tianyu Xia, Chenxiao Wu, Menglin Feng, Xinru Li, Ziqing Mei, Han Gao, Dongyu Huo, Xiaoyan Ren, Shunfang Li, Haizhong Guo and Rongming Wang

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040752 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2094

Abstract

Constructing a heterogeneous interface using different components is one of the effective measures to achieve the bifunctionality of nanocatalysts, while synergistic interactions between multiple interfaces can further optimize the performance of single-interface nanocatalysts. The non-precious metal nanocatalysts MoS₂/NiSe₂/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) bilayer sandwich-like nanostructure with multiple well-defined interfaces is prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. MoS₂ and rGO are layered nanostructures with clear boundaries, and the NiSe₂ nanoparticles with uniform size are sandwiched between both layered nanostructures. This multiple-interfaced sandwich-like nanostructure is prominent in catalytic water splitting with low overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and almost no degradation in performance after a 20 h long-term reaction. In order to simulate the actual overall water splitting process, the prepared nanostructures are assembled into MoS₂/NiSe₂/rGO||MoS₂/NiSe₂/rGO modified two-electrode system, whose overpotential is only 1.52 mV, even exceeded that of noble metal nanocatalyst (Pt/C||RuO₂~1.63 mV). This work provides a feasible idea for constructing multi-interface bifunctional electrocatalysts using nanoparticle-doped bilayer-like nanostructures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis)

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11 pages, 4859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon-Supported PdCu Alloy as Extraordinary Electrocatalysts for Methanol Electrooxidation in Alkaline Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

by Guixian Li, Shoudeng Wang, Hongwei Li, Peng Guo, Yanru Li, Dong Ji and Xinhong Zhao

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4210; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234210 - 26 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1496

Abstract

Palladium (Pd) nanostructures are highly active non-platinum anodic electrocatalysts in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), and their electrocatalytic performance relies highly on their morphology and composition. This study reports the preparation, characterizations, and electrocatalytic properties of palladium-copper alloys loaded on the carbon support. XC-72 was used as a support, and hydrazine hydrate served as a reducing agent. Pd_xCu_y/XC-72 nanoalloy catalysts were prepared in a one-step chemical reduction process with different ratios of Pd and Cu. A range of analytical techniques was used to characterize the microstructure and electronic properties of the catalysts, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Benefiting from excellent electronic structure, Pd₃Cu₂/XC-72 achieves higher mass activity enhancement and improves durability for MOR. Considering the simple synthesis, excellent activity, and long-term stability, Pd_xCu_y/XC-72 anodic electrocatalysts will be highly promising in alkaline DMFCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis)

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Review

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17 pages, 23851 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metal–Organic Framework Nanomaterials as a Medicine for Catalytic Tumor Therapy: Recent Advances

by Jiaojiao Zhang, Meiyu Li, Maosong Liu, Qian Yu, Dengfeng Ge and Jianming Zhang

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090797 - 3 May 2024

Viewed by 381

Abstract

Nanomaterials, with unique physical, chemical, and biocompatible properties, have attracted significant attention as an emerging active platform in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Amongst them, metal–organic framework (MOF) nanostructures are particularly promising as a nanomedicine due to their exceptional surface functionalities, adsorption properties, and organo-inorganic hybrid characteristics. Furthermore, when bioactive substances are integrated into the structure of MOFs, these materials can be used as anti-tumor agents with superior performance compared to traditional nanomaterials. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in MOFs-based materials for tumor therapy, including their application in cancer treatment and the underlying mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis)

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32 pages, 15127 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Co₃O₄-Based Composites: Synthesis and Application in Combustion of Methane

by Xinfang Wei, Jiawei Kang, Lin Gan, Wei Wang, Lin Yang, Dijia Wang, Ruixia Zhong and Jian Qi

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(13), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13131917 - 23 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1393

Abstract

In recent years, it has been found that adjusting the organizational structure of Co₃O₄ through solid solution and other methods can effectively improve its catalytic performance for the oxidation of low concentration methane. Its catalytic activity is close to that of metal Pd, which is expected to replace costly noble metal catalysts. Therefore, the in-depth research on the mechanism and methods of Co₃O₄ microstructure regulation has very important academic value and economic benefits. In this paper, we reviewed the catalytic oxidation mechanism, microstructure regulation mechanism, and methods of nano-Co₃O₄ on methane gas, which provides reference for the development of high-activity Co₃O₄-based methane combustion catalysts. Through literature investigation, it is found that the surface energy state of nano-Co₃O₄ can be adjusted by loading of noble metals, resulting in the reduction of Co–O bond strength, thus accelerating the formation of reactive oxygen species chemical bonds, and improving its catalytic effect. Secondly, the use of metal oxides and non-metallic oxide carriers helps to disperse and stabilize cobalt ions, improve the structural elasticity of Co₃O₄, and ultimately improve its catalytic performance. In addition, the performance of the catalyst can be improved by adjusting the microstructure of the composite catalyst and optimizing the preparation process. In this review, we summarize the catalytic mechanism and microstructure regulation of nano-Co₃O₄ and its composite catalysts (embedded with noble metals or combined with metallic and nonmetallic oxides) for methane combustion. Notably, this review delves into the substance of measures that can be used to improve the catalytic performance of Co₃O₄, highlighting the constructive role of components in composite catalysts that can improve the catalytic capacity of Co₃O₄. Firstly, the research status of Co₃O₄ composite catalyst is reviewed in this paper. It is hoped that relevant researchers can get inspiration from this paper and develop high-activity Co₃O₄-based methane combustion catalyst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis)

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