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Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 19935

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Prof. Dr. Marcel Popa

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“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environment Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Iasi, Romania
Interests: polysaccharide modification; bioactive polymers; biomaterials; hydrogels; interpenetrated networks; micro- and nanoparticles (spheres and capsules); hybrid and functionalized nanoparticles for drug targeting; drug delivery; polymer–drug conjugates
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Prof. Dr. Leonard Ionut Atanase

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Faculty of Medical Dentistry, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, Romania-11, Pacurari Street, 700511 Iasi, Romania
Interests: block and graft copolymers; micelles; colloids; emulsions; drug delivery; polysaccharides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit an article to our Special Issue entitled “Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials”. Carbon is an element well-known for its allotropic states, which are determined by various structures found in diamond, graphite, graphene, etc., that have various uses. The last four decades have marked a relaunch of carbon-based materials, beginning with the discovery of new nanostructures such as fullerenes (1985, with Nobel Prize for Robert Curl, Harold Kroto, and Richard Smalley in 1996), carbon nanotubes (1991), graphenes (Nobel Prize for Andre Geim in 2004 and Konstantin Novoselov in 2010), and carbon dots. The preparation of carbon nanostructures can be achieved through several strategies, two of which stand out as the most important: pyrolysis of organic precursors under an inert atmosphere, which is applicable to large-scale production but offers limited control over the carbon nanostructure; and physical/chemical vapor deposition techniques, which offer atomic-scale precision in controlling the nanostructure but require complex equipment. Carbon nanostructures have found a wide range of applications, such as in electron transport and nanoscale electronics, advanced fillers, adsorbents, active materials in energy accumulating systems (batteries), hydrogen storage systems, supercapacitors, additives for polymers, ceramics, metals and metal alloys, glasses, textiles and composite materials, filtering media, catalysts or supports for catalysts, delivery of moisture and essential elements for plants growth, theranostic platform (drug immobilization, transport, and delivery, medical imaging, etc.)

This Special Issue aims to present the latest research regarding the preparation, characterization, and application of carbon nanostructures, and intends to serve as a platform for debating and disseminating new results in this very versatile and practical research domain.

For this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) carbon nanostructures and nanocomposites, energy storage, medical applications, and carbon dots.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Marcel Popa
Prof. Dr. Leonard Ionut Atanase
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

carbon nanostructures
graphene
fullerene
nanotube
carbon dots
carbon nanocomposites
support for catalysts
medical applications
energy storage
fuel storage (including hydrogen)

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mandarin Peels-Derived Carbon Dots: A Multifaceted Fluorescent Probe for Cu(II) Detection in Tap and Drinking Water Samples

by Marwa El-Azazy, Alaa AlReyashi, Khalid Al-Saad, Nessreen Al-Hashimi, Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti, Mohamed F. Shibl, Abdulrahman Alahzm and Ahmed S. El-Shafie

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(20), 1666; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14201666 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 846

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) derived from mandarin peel biochar (MBC) at different pyrolysis temperatures (200, 400, 600, and 800 °C) have been synthesized and characterized. This high-value transformation of waste materials into fluorescent nanoprobes for environmental monitoring represents a step forward towards a circular economy. In this itinerary, CDs produced via one-pot hydrothermal synthesis were utilized for the detection of copper (II) ions. The study looked at the spectroscopic features of biochar-derived CDs. The selectivity of CDs obtained from biochar following carbonization at 400 °C (MBC400-CDs towards various heavy metal ions resulted in considerable fluorescence quenching with copper (II) ions, showcasing their potential as selective detectors. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis validated the MBC-CDs’ consistent spherical shape, with a particle size of <3 nm. The Plackett–Burman Design (PBD) was used to study three elements that influence the F₀/F ratio, with the best ratio obtained with a pH of 10, for 10 min, and an aqueous reaction medium. Cu (II) was detected over a dynamic range of 4.9–197.5 μM and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 μM. Validation testing proved the accuracy and precision for evaluating tap and mountain waters with great selectivity and no interference from coexisting metal ions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 3593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulations of Infrared Reflectivity and Transmission Phonon Spectra for Undoped and Doped GeC/Si (001)

by Devki N. Talwar and Jason T. Haraldsen

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171439 - 3 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 750

Abstract

Exploring the phonon characteristics of novel group-IV binary XC (X = Si, Ge, Sn) carbides and their polymorphs has recently gained considerable scientific/technological interest as promising alternatives to Si for high-temperature, high-power, optoelectronic, gas-sensing, and photovoltaic applications. Historically, the effects of phonons on materials were considered to be a hindrance. However, modern research has confirmed that the coupling of phonons in solids initiates excitations, causing several impacts on their thermal, dielectric, and electronic properties. These studies have motivated many scientists to design low-dimensional heterostructures and investigate their lattice dynamical properties. Proper simulation/characterization of phonons in XC materials and ultrathin epilayers has been challenging. Achieving the high crystalline quality of heteroepitaxial multilayer films on different substrates with flat surfaces, intra-wafer, and wafer-to-wafer uniformity is not only inspiring but crucial for their use as functional components to boost the performance of different nano-optoelectronic devices. Despite many efforts in growing strained zinc-blende (zb) GeC/Si (001) epifilms, no IR measurements exist to monitor the effects of surface roughness on spectral interference fringes. Here, we emphasize the importance of infrared reflectivity

R (ω)

and transmission

T (ω)

spectroscopy at near normal θ_i = 0 and oblique θ_i ≠ 0 incidence (Berreman effect) for comprehending the phonon characteristics of both undoped and doped GeC/Si (001) epilayers. Methodical simulations of

R (ω)

and

T (ω)

revealing atypical fringe contrasts in ultrathin GeC/Si are linked to the conducting transition layer and/or surface roughness. This research provided strong perspectives that the Berreman effect can complement Raman scattering spectroscopy for allowing the identification of longitudinal optical

ω_{LO}

phonons, transverse optical

ω_{TO}

phonons, and LO-phonon–plasmon coupled

ω_{LPP}^{+}

modes, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 3998 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Flexible Mechanical Sensors Fabricated with Graphene Oxide-Coated Commercial Silk

by Hyun-Seok Jang, Ki Hoon Lee and Byung Hoon Kim

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(12), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14121000 - 8 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1009

Abstract

Many studies on flexible strain and pressure sensors have been reported due to growing interest in wearable devices for healthcare purposes. Here, we present flexible pressure and strain (motion) sensors prepared with only graphene oxide (GO) and commercial silk fabrics and yarns. The pressure sensors were fabricated by simply dipping the silk fabric into GO solution followed by applying a thermal treatment at 400 °C to obtain reduced GO (rGO). The pressure sensors were made from rGO-coated fabrics, which were stacked in three, five, and seven layers. A super-sensitivity of 2.58 × 10³ kPa⁻¹ at low pressure was observed in the seven-layer pressure sensor. The strain sensors were obtained from rGO-coated twisted silk yarns whose gauge factor was 0.307. Although this value is small or comparable to the values for other sensors, it is appropriate for motion sensing. The results of this study show a cost-effective and simple method for the fabrication of pressure and motion sensors with commercial silk and GO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 4537 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Photoluminescence of Argan-Waste-Derived Carbon Nanodots Embedded in Polymer Matrices

by Corneliu S. Stan, Noumane Elouakassi, Cristina Albu, Conchi O. Ania, Adina Coroaba, Laura E. Ursu, Marcel Popa, Hamid Kaddami and Abdemaji Almaggoussi

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010083 - 27 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1456

Abstract

In this work, photoluminescent (PL) carbon nano dots (CNDs) prepared from argan waste were embedded in highly optical transparent poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PSA) and cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC) matrices, which were further processed into thin films. In the first step, the luminescent CNDs were prepared through thermal processing of fine-groundargan waste, followed, in the second step, by direct dispersion in the polymer solutions, obtained by solving PSA and COC in selected solvents. These two polymer matrices were selected due to their high optical transparency, resilience to various environmental factors, and ability to be processed as quality thin films. The structural configuration of the CNDs was investigated through EDX, XPS, and FTIR, while DLS, HR-SEM, and STEM were used for their morphology investigation. The luminescence of the prepared CNDs and resulted polymer nanocomposites was thoroughly investigated through steady-state, absolute PLQY, and lifetime fluorescence. The quality of the resulted CND–polymer nanocomposite thin films was evaluated through AFM. The prepared highly luminescent thin films with a PL conversion efficiency of 30% are intended to be applied as outer photonic conversion layers on solar PV cells for increasing their conversion efficiency through valorization of the UV component of the solar radiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 1311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Density Functional Theory for Buckyballs within Symmetrized Icosahedral Basis

by Chung-Yuan Ren, Raj Kumar Paudel and Yia-Chung Chang

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(13), 1912; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13131912 - 23 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1847

Abstract

We have developed a highly efficient computation method based on density functional theory (DFT) within a set of fully symmetrized basis functions for the C₆₀ buckyball, which possesses the icosahedral (

I_{h}

) point-group symmetry with 120 symmetry operations. We demonstrate [...] Read more.

I_{h}

) point-group symmetry with 120 symmetry operations. We demonstrate that our approach is much more efficient than the conventional approach based on three-dimensional plane waves. When applied to the calculation of optical transitions, our method is more than one order of magnitude faster than the existing DFT package with a conventional plane-wave basis. This makes it very convenient for modeling optical and transport properties of quantum devices related to buckyball crystals. The method introduced here can be easily extended to other fullerene-like materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 5327 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Nanoporous Hollow Carbon Spheres Derived from Fullerene Assembly as Electrode Materials for High-Performance Supercapacitors

by Lok Kumar Shrestha, Zexuan Wei, Gokulnath Subramaniam, Rekha Goswami Shrestha, Ravi Singh, Marappan Sathish, Renzhi Ma, Jonathan P. Hill, Junji Nakamura and Katsuhiko Ariga

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050946 - 5 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5067

Abstract

The energy storage performances of supercapacitors are expected to be enhanced by the use of nanostructured hierarchically micro/mesoporous hollow carbon materials based on their ultra-high specific surface areas and rapid diffusion of electrolyte ions through the interconnected channels of their mesoporous structures. In this work, we report the electrochemical supercapacitance properties of hollow carbon spheres prepared by high-temperature carbonization of self-assembled fullerene-ethylenediamine hollow spheres (FE-HS). FE-HS, having an average external diameter of 290 nm, an internal diameter of 65 nm, and a wall thickness of 225 nm, were prepared by using the dynamic liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation (DLLIP) method at ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. High temperature carbonization (at 700, 900, and 1100 °C) of the FE-HS yielded nanoporous (micro/mesoporous) hollow carbon spheres with large surface areas (612 to 1616 m² g⁻¹) and large pore volumes (0.925 to 1.346 cm³ g⁻¹) dependent on the temperature applied. The sample obtained by carbonization of FE-HS at 900 °C (FE-HS_900) displayed optimum surface area and exhibited remarkable electrochemical electrical double-layer capacitance properties in aq. 1 M sulfuric acid due to its well-developed porosity, interconnected pore structure, and large surface area. For a three-electrode cell setup, a specific capacitance of 293 F g⁻¹ at a 1 A g⁻¹ current density, which is approximately 4 times greater than the specific capacitance of the starting material, FE-HS. The symmetric supercapacitor cell was assembled using FE-HS_900 and attained 164 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ with sustained 50% capacitance at 10 A g⁻¹ accompanied by 96% cycle life and 98% coulombic efficiency after 10,000 consecutive charge/discharge cycles. The results demonstrate the excellent potential of these fullerene assemblies in the fabrication of nanoporous carbon materials with the extensive surface areas required for high-performance energy storage supercapacitor applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 2902 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Reversible Hydrogen Storage Media by g-CN Monolayer Decorated with NLi₄: A First-Principles Study

by Xihao Chen, Wenjie Hou, Fuqiang Zhai, Jiang Cheng, Shuang Yuan, Yihan Li, Ning Wang, Liang Zhang and Jie Ren

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040647 - 7 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1869

Abstract

A two-dimensional graphene-like carbon nitride (g-CN) monolayer decorated with the superatomic cluster NLi₄ was studied for reversible hydrogen storage by first-principles calculations. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the g-CN monolayer has good thermal stability at room temperature. The NLi₄ is firmly anchored on the g-CN monolayer with a binding energy of −6.35 eV. Electronic charges are transferred from the Li atoms of NLi₄ to the g-CN monolayer, mainly due to the hybridization of Li(2s), C(2p), and N(2p) orbitals. Consequently, a spatial local electrostatic field is formed around NLi₄, leading to polarization of the adsorbed hydrogen molecules and further enhancing the electrostatic interactions between the Li atoms and hydrogen. Each NLi₄ can adsorb nine hydrogen molecules with average adsorption energies between −0.152 eV/H₂ and −0.237 eV/H₂. This range is within the reversible hydrogen storage energy window. Moreover, the highest achieved gravimetric capacity is up to 9.2 wt%, which is superior to the 5.5 wt% target set by the U.S. Department of Energy. This study shows that g-CN monolayers decorated with NLi₄ are a good candidate for reversible hydrogen storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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Review

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24 pages, 2708 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Structure to Sensing: Molecular Mechanistic Insights into Plant-Derived Carbon Dots for Heavy Metal Ion Detection

by Himanshi Soni, Vicky Jain, Suhas Ballal, Indang Ariati Ariffin, Mamata Chahar, Suman Saini, Monika Bhattu, Harbinder Singh, Mikhael Bechelany and Jagpreet Singh

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(21), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14211766 - 3 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1050

Abstract

Plant-derived carbon dots (P-CDs) are gaining attention in environmental remediation due to their cost-effectiveness, availability, and lower toxicity compared with chemically synthesized carbon dots. This review comprehensively examines the recent advancements in the synthesis and application of P-CDs, with a particular emphasis on their efficacy in the sensing of heavy metals, which are among the most pervasive environmental contaminants. A detailed comparative analysis is presented by evaluating the performance of P-CDs against their chemically synthesized counterparts based on key parameters, such as optimal operating conditions and detection limits. Furthermore, sensing the potential of P-CDs towards every heavy metal ion has been discussed with in-depth mechanistic insights. Additionally, this review explores the industrial applications and future directions of P-CDs. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of -P-CDs for heavy metal sensing, aiming to enhance their sensitivity and selectivity toward heavy metal ions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 2408 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Carbon Dots in Photodynamic/Photothermal Antimicrobial Therapy

by Siqi Wang, Colin P. McCoy, Peifeng Li, Yining Li, Yinghan Zhao, Gavin P. Andrews, Matthew P. Wylie and Yi Ge

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(15), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151250 - 25 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2014

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents an escalating global challenge as conventional antibiotic treatments become less effective. In response, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have emerged as promising alternatives. While rooted in ancient practices, these methods have evolved with modern innovations, particularly through the integration of lasers, refining their efficacy. PDT harnesses photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are detrimental to microbial cells, whereas PTT relies on heat to induce cellular damage. The key to their effectiveness lies in the utilization of photosensitizers, especially when integrated into nano- or micron-scale supports, which amplify ROS production and enhance antimicrobial activity. Over the last decade, carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as a highly promising nanomaterial, attracting increasing attention owing to their distinctive properties and versatile applications, including PDT and PTT. They can not only function as photosensitizers, but also synergistically combine with other photosensitizers to enhance overall efficacy. This review explores the recent advancements in CDs, underscoring their significance and potential in reshaping advanced antimicrobial therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 18302 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cytotoxicity of Carbon Nanotubes, Graphene, Fullerenes, and Dots

by Marianna V. Kharlamova and Christian Kramberger

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13091458 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2452

Abstract

The cytotoxicity of carbon nanomaterials is a very important issue for microorganisms, animals, and humans. Here, we discuss the issues of cytotoxicity of carbon nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerene, and dots. Cytotoxicity issues, such as cell viability and drug release, are considered. The main part of the review is dedicated to important cell viability issues. They are presented for A549 human melanoma, E. coli, osteosarcoma, U2-OS, SAOS-2, MG63, U87, and U118 cell lines. Then, important drug release issues are discussed. Bioimaging results are shown here to illustrate the use of carbon derivatives as markers in any type of imaging used in vivo/in vitro. Finally, perspectives of the field are presented. The important issue is single-cell viability. It can allow a correlation of the functionality of organelles of single cells with the development of cancer. Such organelles are mitochondria, nuclei, vacuoles, and reticulum. It allows for finding biochemical evidence of cancer prevention in single cells. The development of investigation methods for single-cell level detection of viability stimulates the cytotoxicity investigative field. The development of single-cell microscopy is needed to improve the resolution and accuracy of investigations. The importance of cytotoxicity is drug release. It is important to control the amount of drug that is released. This is performed with pH, temperature, and electric stimulation. Further development of drug loading and bioimaging is important to decrease the cytotoxicity of carbon nanomaterials. We hope that this review is useful for researchers from all disciplines across the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)

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