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Carbon Functionalization: From Synthesis to Applications
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Carbon Functionalization: From Synthesis to Applications

A special issue of C (ISSN 2311-5629). This special issue belongs to the section "Carbon Materials and Carbon Allotropes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 4225

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Camélia Matei Ghimbeu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse (IS2M), CNRS UMR 7361 UHA, 15 Rue Jean Starcky, 68057 Mulhouse, France
Interests: hybrid carbon materials; confinement of metal-based NPs in carbon; carbon synthesis and modification (mesoporous carbon, activated carbon, hard carbon, graphitic carbon); hard and soft-templated carbon; biosourced derived carbon; carbon surface chemistry and reactivity modification; carbon-based materials for gas and energy storage (supercapacitors and batteries); carbon for air and water cleaning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Encarnación Raymundo-Piñero

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CNRS, CEMHTI UPR3079, Université Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France
Interests: porous carbon; carbon based composites; energy storage; supercapacitors; electrode/electrolyte interface characterisation; in situ/operando

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon material has undeniable properties that can be fine-tuned to satisfy several applications. The ability to control morphology, porous texture, structure, and surface chemistry is playing a pivotal role in improving the performance of energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors for water and air remediation, gas storage, and catalysis. In all of these applications, the carbon is in contact with either an electrolyte, a pollutant, or a gas. Its surface functionalities strongly dictate the interactions with these media and impact the performance. Inherently, the carbon’s surface is decorated with O-functional groups coming from the precursors, but other heteroatoms might naturally be found in carbon, such as N, S, or P. Functionalisation methods to enhance or modulate these functionalities are widely employed in order to improve the performance or to anchor other species (metal, metal oxides, etc.). The characterisation of these surface functionalities, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), IR spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption coupled with mass spectrometry (TPD-MS), Boehm titration, and wettability, enables one to determine their nature and amounts, as well as their impact on the performance.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to gather original contributions on innovative methods of carbon surface functionalisation, grafting, and doping of carbon materials (activated carbon, nanoporous carbon, graphene, carbon dots, hard carbon, graphite, etc.). We welcome papers describing the fine characterisation of carbon surface chemistry along with its impact on capacitance in supercapacitors, efficiency and capacity in batteries, the adsorption capacity of molecules, the conversion yield in catalysis, detection in sensors, biocompatibility, etc.

Dr. Camélia Matei Ghimbeu
Dr. Encarnación Raymundo-Piñero
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. C is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1600 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

  • surface functionalization
  • functional groups
  • heteroelement doping
  • supercapacitors
  • batteries
  • water remediation
  • gas storage
  • catalysis
  • sensors
  • medicine

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3667 KiB  
Article
Intercalation of Large Flake Graphite with Fuming Nitric Acid
by Vladimir A. Shulyak, Nikolai S. Morozov, Vera S. Makhina, Kristina E. Klyukova, Alexandra V. Gracheva, Sergei N. Chebotarev and Viktor V. Avdeev
C 2024, 10(4), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10040108 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 571
Abstract
In this work, the possibilities of introducing nitric acid molecules with a solution concentration of 75–98% into graphite matrices in the form of synthetic quasi-monocrystal graphite and natural graphite of four different farcical compositions were determined in order to identify factors of the [...] Read more.
In this work, the possibilities of introducing nitric acid molecules with a solution concentration of 75–98% into graphite matrices in the form of synthetic quasi-monocrystal graphite and natural graphite of four different farcical compositions were determined in order to identify factors of the acid concentration and graphite size on the production process and properties of graphite foil. The actual stage of graphite intercalation in the resulting compound was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The differences in the temporal patterns of the intercalation process for different intercalation stages (from 2 to 5) are demonstrated. The obtained acid solutions were used in the manufacturing of flexible graphite foil from natural graphite of four different particle size distributions. The mass characteristics of the intermediate and final products were determined as the graphite was treated with these solutions. The actual difference in the characteristics of the raw materials and intermediate synthetic products was recorded by measuring the electrical conductivity of the final material, graphite foil. Analysis of the results has shown that a decrease in the acid concentration of a solution leads to an increase in the intercalation stage. Weight gains due to the formation of oxygen-containing groups and the introduction of water and acid were reduced by this effect, whereas the yield of the final product (thermally expanded graphite) increased. Foil made of thermally expanded graphite obtained from intercalated compounds of high stages had greater electrical conductivity. An improvement in the conductive properties of the material implies that there should be fewer defects in its structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Functionalization: From Synthesis to Applications)
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16 pages, 3446 KiB  
Article
Surface Functionalization of Activated Carbon: Coupling of 3-(Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane and (3-Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane
by Lucija Pustahija, Christine Bandl, Sayed Ali Ahmad Alem and Wolfgang Kern
C 2024, 10(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10040104 - 12 Dec 2024
Viewed by 915
Abstract
This study aimed to functionalize the surface of activated carbon, and thus render the surface more hydrophilic and reactive. To attain this goal, sequential surface functionalization was carried out using (i) oxidation (pre-activation) and (ii) secondary functionalization. The carbon surface was pre-activated in [...] Read more.
This study aimed to functionalize the surface of activated carbon, and thus render the surface more hydrophilic and reactive. To attain this goal, sequential surface functionalization was carried out using (i) oxidation (pre-activation) and (ii) secondary functionalization. The carbon surface was pre-activated in an autoclave via solvothermal oxidation (i.e., wet oxidation) with nitric acid. Alternatively, plasma-assisted oxidation with a mixture of argon and oxygen (i.e., dry oxidation) was employed. A subsequent step included the reduction in formed carbonyl groups with LiAlH4. Following that, secondary functionalization was performed with 3-(aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) or (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), respectively. Changes in the surface composition of carbon after functionalization and morphology were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Oxidized carbon samples were successfully modified at their surfaces with APMTS and GPTMS, yielding Si content of 3.2 at. % and 1.9 at. % for wet-oxidized carbon and 5.1 at. % and 2.8 at. % for dry-oxidized carbon, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Functionalization: From Synthesis to Applications)
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20 pages, 5317 KiB  
Article
Cocoa Pod Husk Carbon Family for Biogas Upgrading: Preliminary Assessment Using the Approximate Adsorption Performance Indicator
by Khaled Abou Alfa, Diana C. Meza-Sepulveda, Cyril Vaulot, Jean-Marc Le Meins, Camelia Matei Ghimbeu, Louise Tonini, Janneth A. Cubillos, Laurent Moynault, Vincent Platel, Diego Paredes and Cecile Hort
C 2024, 10(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10040100 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 988
Abstract
The preliminary selection of adsorbents for the separation of a gas mixture based on pure gas adsorption remains a critical challenge; thus, an approximate adsorption performance indicator (AAPI) was proposed for the initial evaluation of the adsorbents to separate the biogas main constituents [...] Read more.
The preliminary selection of adsorbents for the separation of a gas mixture based on pure gas adsorption remains a critical challenge; thus, an approximate adsorption performance indicator (AAPI) was proposed for the initial evaluation of the adsorbents to separate the biogas main constituents (carbon dioxide/methane (CO2/CH4)) by studying their pure gas adsorption. Three samples derived from cocoa pod husk (CPH), namely Cabosse-500 (pyrolyzed at 500 °C), Cabosse-700 (pyrolyzed at 700 °C), and Cabosse-A-700 (activated with CO2 at 700 °C), were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for the pure gases adsorption. This study presents an AAPI evaluation, which takes into account adsorption capacity, approximate selectivity, and heat of adsorption. Adsorption isotherms indicate the ability of the CPH family to selectively capture CO2 over CH4, as they have a high approximate selectivity (>1) thanks to their physical properties. Changing the pyrolysis temperature, activation methods, and varying the pressure can significantly change the choice of the most effective adsorbent; Cabosse-A-700 showed better performance than the other two in the low and high pressure range owing to its presence of micropores and mesopores, which enhances the CO2 adsorption and therefore the AAPI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Functionalization: From Synthesis to Applications)
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12 pages, 2385 KiB  
Article
Effect of Synthesis Conditions on the Structure and Electrochemical Properties of Vertically Aligned Graphene/Carbon Nanofiber Hybrids
by Mahnoosh Khosravifar, Kinshuk Dasgupta and Vesselin Shanov
C 2024, 10(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10040097 - 24 Nov 2024
Viewed by 520
Abstract
In recent years, significant efforts have been dedicated to understanding the growth mechanisms behind the synthesis of vertically aligned nanocarbon structures using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). This study explores how varying synthesis conditions, specifically hydrocarbon flow rate, hydrocarbon type, and plasma power,—affect [...] Read more.
In recent years, significant efforts have been dedicated to understanding the growth mechanisms behind the synthesis of vertically aligned nanocarbon structures using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). This study explores how varying synthesis conditions, specifically hydrocarbon flow rate, hydrocarbon type, and plasma power,—affect the microstructure, properties, and electrochemical performance of nitrogen-doped vertically aligned graphene (NVG) and nitrogen-doped vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (NVCNFs) hybrids. It was observed that adjustments in these synthesis parameters led to noticeable changes in the microstructure, with particularly significant alterations when changing the hydrocarbon precursor from acetylene to methane. The electrochemical investigation revealed that the sample synthesized at higher plasma power exhibited enhanced electron transfer kinetics, likely due to the higher density of open edges and nitrogen doping level. This study contributes to better understanding the PECVD process for fabricating nanocarbon materials, particularly for sensor applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Functionalization: From Synthesis to Applications)
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Review

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28 pages, 2500 KiB  
Review
The Advanced Role of Carbon Quantum Dots in Nano-Food Science: Applications, Bibliographic Analysis, Safety Concerns, and Perspectives
by Abdul Majid, Khurshid Ahmad, Liju Tan, Waqas Niaz, Wang Na, Li Huiru and Jiangtao Wang
C 2025, 11(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/c11010001 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are innovative carbon-based nanomaterials that can be synthesized from organic and inorganic sources using two approaches: “top-down” (laser ablation, arc discharge, electrochemical, and acidic oxidation) and “bottom-up” (hydrothermal, ultrasound-assisted, microwave, and thermal decomposition). Among these, hydrothermal synthesis stands out [...] Read more.
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are innovative carbon-based nanomaterials that can be synthesized from organic and inorganic sources using two approaches: “top-down” (laser ablation, arc discharge, electrochemical, and acidic oxidation) and “bottom-up” (hydrothermal, ultrasound-assisted, microwave, and thermal decomposition). Among these, hydrothermal synthesis stands out as the best option as it is affordable and eco-friendly and can produce a high quantum yield. Due to their exceptional physical and chemical properties, CQDs are highly promising materials for diverse applications, i.e., medicine, bioimaging, and especially in food safety, which is one of the thriving fields of recent research worldwide. As an innovative sensing tool, CQDs with different surface functional groups enable them to detect food contaminants, i.e., food additives in processed food, drug residues in honey, and mycotoxins in beer and flour, based on different sensing mechanisms (IFE, PET, and FRET). This article discussed the sources, fabrication methods, advantages, and limitations of CQDs as a sensing for the detection of food contaminants. In addition, the cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, high quantum yield, safety concerns, and future research perspectives to enhance food quality and security were briefly highlighted. This review also explored recent advancements in CQD applications in food safety, supported by a bibliometric analysis (2014–2024) using the PubMed database. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Functionalization: From Synthesis to Applications)
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