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A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2024) | Viewed by 24864

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Dr. Inmaculada Velo-Gala

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Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Science, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: photocatalytic science and technology; environmental remediation; water treatment reuse; advanced oxidation processes; carbon materials; carbocatalysis; (photo)electrocatalytic systems

Dr. Eliana Sousa Da Silva

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Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: photochemistry; solar fuels; photocatalytic science and technology; heterogeneous catalysis; environmental catalysis; photophysical processes (luminescence, laser spectroscopy); green chemistry; materials science; chemical engineering
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Dr. María de los Ángeles Fontecha Cámara

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Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Science, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: heterogeneous & homogeneous catalysis; environmental catalysis; materials science; water treatment; adsorption; advanced oxidation processes; nanomaterials; carbon materials
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Prof. Dr. Maria Victoria López Ramón

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Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Science, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: carbon materials; catalytic and photocatalytic materials; water treatment; adsorption; advanced oxidation processes; photocatalysis; UV/solar radiation; nanotechnology
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Dr. María Del Pilar Fernández-Poyatos

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Guest Editor Assistant

Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Science, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: enviromental chemistry; luminescence; analytical chemistry; fluorescence spectroscopy; analytical methods; analytical instruments; nanomaterial synthesis; nanomaterial characterization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials are attracting great attention as catalysts in a wide range of reactions for environmental remediation. The role of catalysts is making these processes more sustainable. Materials science and nanotechnology are two key issues in this strategy, providing the tools to understand and improve catalytic processes. Moreover, interdisciplinary researchers need to work together to define and share definitive standards on nanomaterial hazards.

In this regard, eco-friendly nanoscience must strive to remove environment and human health hazards through materials and processes improvement. The unique characteristics of nanocatalysts are generally attributed to the higher number of accessible atoms on the surface compared to those inside. In the case of monometallic, bimetallic, and multimetallic nanomaterials, the improvement of catalytic performance is strongly linked to their electronic states, as well as those combined with porous supports. These conditions exhibit multiple possibilities to achieve the highest catalytic activity for environmental valuable applications. At the same time, research about metal-free catalysts offer an alternative route with advantages, such as unique performance, quite economic manufacturing costs, and high selectivity and recyclability. Additionally, the utilization of nanomaterials in sensor systems can improve their sensitivity, and provide plain analytical methods for contaminant detection.

Researchers developing work within the area of design and application of nanocatalysts are cordially invited to submit their manuscripts to this Special Issue of Nanomaterials. The topics of this Special Issue will cover various aspects from the synthesis or improving nanomaterials, development of analytical methods for the contaminant detection, until their application for clean energy conversion and storage, water remediation, and environmental protection. The participation in this Special Issue is an opportunity to contribute inkey challenges and develop novel research niches in this exciting field.

Dr. Inmaculada Velo-Gala
Dr. Eliana Sousa Da Silva
Dr. María de los Ángeles Fontecha Cámara
Prof. Dr. Maria Victoria López Ramón
Guest Editors

Dr. María Del Pilar Fernández-Poyatos
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

nanocatalysts synthesis
metal-free nanomaterials
metalic nanomaterials
photocatalytic materials
electrocatalytic materials
nanomaterials in advanced oxidation processes
nanomaterials in analytical methods
contaminant detection
water splitting (for H₂ and/or O₂ generation)
CO₂ reduction

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 6853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One-Pot Synthesis of Pd Nanoparticles Supported on Carbide-Derived Carbon for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

by Madis Lüsi, Heiki Erikson, Maike Käärik, Helle-Mai Piirsoo, Jaan Aruväli, Arvo Kikas, Vambola Kisand, Jaan Leis, Kaupo Kukli and Kaido Tammeveski

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(12), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14120994 - 7 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 805

Abstract

We explored two methods for synthesizing Pd nanoparticles using three different carbide-derived carbon (CDC) support materials, one of which was nitrogen-doped. These materials were studied for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.1 M KOH solution, and the resulting CDC/Pd catalysts were characterized using TEM, XRD, and XPS. The citrate method and the polyol method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping agent were employed to elucidate the impact of the support material on the final catalyst. The N-doping of the CDC material resulted in smaller Pd nanoparticles, but only in the case of the citrate method. This suggests that the influence of support is weaker when using the polyol method. The citrate method with CDC1, which is predominantly microporous, led to a higher degree of agglomeration and formation of larger particles in comparison to supports, which possessed a higher degree of mesoporosity. We achieved smaller Pd particle sizes using citrate and NaBH₄ compared to the ethylene glycol PVP method. Pd deposited on CDC2 and CDC3 supports showed similar specific activity (SA), suggesting that the N-doping did not significantly influence the ORR process. The highest SA value was observed for CDC1/Pd_Cit, which could be attributed to the formation of larger Pd particles and agglomerates. Full article

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

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19 pages, 33775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Activation of Peroxymonosulfate for Tetracycline Degradation Using CoNi-Based Electrodeposited Films

by Elvira Gómez, Arnau Fons, Roberto Cestaro and Albert Serrà

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050790 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1972

Abstract

Synthesizing efficient heterogeneous catalysts with multiple active sites able to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of persistent organic pollutants continues to be a challenge for societies worldwide. In response, cost-effective, eco-friendly oxidized Ni-rich and Co-rich CoNi micro-nanostructured films were fabricated following a two-step process based on simple electrodeposition using green deep eutectic solvent as an electrochemical media and thermal annealing. The CoNi-based catalysts demonstrated exceptional efficiency in the heterogeneous catalyzed activation of PMS for tetracycline degradation and mineralization. The effects of the catalysts’ chemical nature and morphology, the pH, the concentration of PMS, irradiation with visible light, and the duration of contact with the catalysts on the degradation and mineralization of tetracycline were also studied. In dark conditions, oxidized Co-rich CoNi degraded more than 99% of tetracyclines in only 30 min and mineralized more than 99% of them in only 60 min. Moreover, the degradation kinetics doubled from 0.173 min⁻¹ in dark conditions to 0.388 min⁻¹ under visible light irradiation. In addition, the material demonstrated excellent reusability and can be easily recovered with simple heat treatment. Given those findings, our work provides new strategies for constructing high-efficiency and cost-effective PMS catalysts and elucidating the effects of operational parameters and primary reactive species formed by the catalyst–PMS system on water treatment technologies. Full article

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

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17 pages, 5514 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Synthesis of 3D Porous Cu Nanostructures on Ag Thin Film Using Dynamic Hydrogen Bubble Template for Electrochemical Conversion of CO₂ to Ethanol

by Farnood Rahmati, Negar Sabouhanian, Jacek Lipkowski and Aicheng Chen

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040778 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2242

Abstract

Cu-based nanomaterials have been widely considered to be promising electrocatalysts for the direct conversion of CO₂ to high-value hydrocarbons. However, poor selectivity and slow kinetics have hindered the use of Cu-based catalysts for large-scale industrial applications. In this work, we report on a tunable Cu-based synthesis strategy using a dynamic hydrogen bubble template (DHBT) coupled with a sputtered Ag thin film for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to ethanol. Remarkably, the introduction of Ag into the base of the three-dimensional (3D) Cu nanostructure induced changes in the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO2RR) pathway, which resulted in the generation of ethanol with high Faradaic Efficiency (FE). This observation was further investigated through Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analyses. The rational design of the electrocatalyst was shown to promote the spillover of formed CO intermediates from the Ag sites to the 3D porous Cu nanostructure for further reduction to C₂ products. Finally, challenges toward the development of multi-metallic electrocatalysts for the direct catalysis of CO₂ to hydrocarbons were elucidated, and future perspectives were highlighted. Full article

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

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18 pages, 3487 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Role of Crystalline Si and SiC Species in the Performance of Reduced Hybrid C/Si Gels as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Samantha L. Flores-López, Belén Lobato, Natalia Rey-Raap, Ignacio Cameán, Ana B. García and Ana Arenillas

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030458 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2790

Abstract

In recent years, the research on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) to improve their lifetime, efficiency and energy density has led to the use of silicon-based materials as a promising anode alternative to graphite. Specifically, crystalline silicon (cSi) and silicon carbide (SiC) obtained from deposition or reduction processes (e.g., magnesiothermal reduction) stand out for their electrochemical properties. However, the synthesis routes proposed until now have limitations that make them difficult to afford or operate on a large scale. For this reason, in this work, carbon-silicon (C-Si) hybrid materials synthesized through an efficient route are evaluated as the potential precursor for the obtention of both cSi and SiC species in a single material. The feasibility and influence of the magnesiothermal reduction process were evaluated, and materials with 10 wt.% of reduced Si and 10–26 wt.% of SiC were obtained. Both species play a role in the improvement of the performance of silicon-based materials as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. In comparison with materials obtained by the reduction of silica gels and composites, the reduced C-Si hybrid gels stand out thanks to the homogeneous distribution and stability of the species developed. Full article

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

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18 pages, 2186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Preparation of Graphene Quantum Dots for Metal Ion Sensing Application

by Asif Saud, Haleema Saleem, Nazmin Munira, Arqam Azad Shahab, Hammadur Rahman Siddiqui and Syed Javaid Zaidi

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13010148 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2671

Abstract

Over the past several years, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been extensively studied in water treatment and sensing applications because of their exceptional structure-related properties, intrinsic inert carbon property, eco-friendly nature, etc. This work reported on the preparation of GQDs from the ethanolic extracts of eucalyptus tree leaves by a hydrothermal treatment technique. Different heat treatment times and temperatures were used during the hydrothermal treatment technique. The optical, morphological, and compositional analyses of the green-synthesized GQDs were carried out. It can be noted that the product yield of GQDs showed the maximum yield at a reaction temperature of 300 °C. Further, it was noted that at a treatment period of 480 min, the greatest product yield of about 44.34% was attained. The quantum yields of prepared GQDs obtained after 480 min of treatment at 300 °C (named as GQD/300) were noted to be 0.069. Moreover, the D/G ratio of GQD/300 was noted to be 0.532 and this suggested that the GQD/300 developed has a nano-crystalline graphite structure. The TEM images demonstrated the development of GQD/300 with sizes between 2.0 to 5.0 nm. Furthermore, it was noted that the GQD/300 can detect Fe³⁺ in a very selective manner, and hence the developed GQD/300 was successfully used for the metal ion sensing application. Full article

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

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20 pages, 5052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulating Direct Growth of Copper Cobaltite Nanostructure on Copper Mesh as a Hierarchical Catalyst of Oxone Activation for Efficient Elimination of Azo Toxicant

by Po-Hsin Mao, Eilhann Kwon, Hou-Chien Chang, Ha Manh Bui, Songkeart Phattarapattamawong, Yu-Chih Tsai, Kun-Yi Andrew Lin, Afshin Ebrahimi, Yeoh Fei Yee and Min-Hao Yuan

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4396; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244396 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1695

Abstract

As cobalt (Co) has been the most useful element for activating Oxone to generate SO₄^•−, this study aims to develop a hierarchical catalyst with nanoscale functionality and macroscale convenience by decorating nanoscale Co-based oxides on macroscale supports. Specifically, a facile protocol is proposed by utilizing Cu mesh itself as a Cu source for fabricating CuCo₂O₄ on Cu mesh. By changing the dosages of the Co precursor and carbamide, various nanostructures of CuCo₂O₄ grown on a Cu mesh can be afforded, including nanoscale needles, flowers, and sheets. Even though the Cu mesh itself can be also transformed to a Cu-Oxide mesh, the growth of CuCo₂O₄ on the Cu mesh significantly improves its physical, chemical, and electrochemical properties, making these CuCo₂O₄@Cu meshes much more superior catalysts for activating Oxone to degrade the Azo toxicant, Acid Red 27. More interestingly, the flower-like CuCo₂O₄@Cu mesh exhibits a higher specific surface area and more superior electrochemical performance, enabling the flower-like CuCo₂O₄@Cu mesh to show the highest catalytic activity for Oxone activation to degrade Acid Red 27. The flower-like CuCo₂O₄@Cu mesh also exhibits a much lower E_a of Acid Red 27 degradation than the reported catalysts. These results demonstrate that CuCo₂O₄@Cu meshes are advantageous heterogeneous catalysts for Oxone activation, and especially, the flower-like CuCo₂O₄@Cu mesh appears as the most effective CuCo₂O₄@Cu mesh to eliminate the toxic Acid Red 27. Full article

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

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16 pages, 4100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Brief Assessment on Recent Developments in Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction with 2D Non-Metallic Nanomaterials

by Muhammad Shahid, Hafiz Muhammad Asif Javed, Muhammad Irfan Ahmad, Akbar Ali Qureshi, Muhammad Ijaz Khan, Maha Abdallah Alnuwaiser, Arslan Ahmed, Muhammad Azhar Khan, El Sayed Mohamed Tag-ElDin, Arslan Shahid and Aiman Rafique

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3413; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193413 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 101 | Viewed by 3968

Abstract

In recent years, the synthesis of ammonia (NH₃) has been developed by electrocatalytic technology that is a potential way to effectively replace the Haber–Bosch process, which is an industrial synthesis of NH₃. Industrial ammonia has caused a series of problems for the population and environment. In the face of sustainable green synthesis methods, the advantages of electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction for synthesis of NH₃ in aqueous media have attracted a great amount of attention from researchers. This review summarizes the recent progress on the highly efficient electrocatalysts based on 2D non-metallic nanomaterial and provides a brief overview of the synthesis principle of electrocatalysis and the performance measurement indicators of electrocatalysts. Moreover, the current development of N₂ reduction reaction (NRR) electrocatalyst is discussed and prospected. Full article

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

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27 pages, 24240 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Development of a TiO₂/Sepiolite Photocatalyst for the Degradation of a Persistent Organic Pollutant in Aqueous Solution

by Amina Bakhtiar, Zohra Bouberka, Pascal Roussel, Christophe Volkringer, Ahmed Addad, Baghdad Ouddane, Christel Pierlot and Ulrich Maschke

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3313; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193313 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2403

Abstract

A clay-based TiO₂ nanocomposite material was synthesized by a facile method, to investigate its structure and photocatalytic efficiency. The supported TiO₂ nanoparticles were generated using a sol-gel method, and subsequently, mixed with a suspension of sepiolite. The material was recovered in powder form (Mc-80) and then calcined to properly arrange the crystal lattice of the TiO₂ particles for use in heterogeneous photocatalysis (Mc-80-500). A powder X-ray diffractogram of Mc-80-500 revealed a dispersion of anatase and rutile phase TiO₂ particles on the clay surface, exhibiting a size in the order of 4–8 nm. TEM images of Mc-80-500 confirmed the presence of isolated TiO₂ beads on the surface of the fibrous sepiolite. The specific surface area of Mc-80-500 was larger than that of raw sepiolite and that of free TiO₂ nanoparticles. Mc-80-500 was found to be more efficient in heterogeneous photocatalysis compared to other TiO₂ materials based on sepiolite. Total depollution of a reactive dye (Orange G) was achieved after 1 h irradiation time, which is relatively quick compared to previous reports. The photocatalyst material can be washed with distilled water without chemical additives or calcination, and can be reused several times for photocatalysis, without loss of efficiency. Full article

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

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18 pages, 6810 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Pyridine vs. Imidazole Axial Ligation on Cobaloxime Grafted Graphene: Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Insights

by Ioanna K. Sideri, Georgios Charalambidis, Athanassios G. Coutsolelos, Raul Arenal and Nikos Tagmatarchis

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(17), 3077; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12173077 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2061

Abstract

While cobaloximes have been protagonists in the molecular (photo)catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction field, researchers originally shed light on the catalytically active metallic center. However, the specific chemical environment of cobalt, including equatorial and axial ligation, has also a strong impact on the catalytic reaction. In this article, we aim to demonstrate how pyridine vs. imidazole axial ligation of a cobaloxime complex covalently grafted on graphene affects the hydrogen evolution reaction performance in realistic acidic conditions. While pyridine axial ligation mirrors a drastically superior electrocatalytic performance, imidazole exhibits a remarkable long-term stability. Full article

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

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Review

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20 pages, 3374 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Cellulase Immobilization on Nanostructured Supports for Biomass Waste Processing

by Aleksandrina M. Sulman, Valentina G. Matveeva and Lyudmila M. Bronstein

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3796; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213796 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2991

Abstract

Nanobiocatalysts, i.e., enzymes immobilized on nanostructured supports, received considerable attention because they are potential remedies to overcome shortcomings of traditional biocatalysts, such as low efficiency of mass transfer, instability during catalytic reactions, and possible deactivation. In this short review, we will analyze major aspects of immobilization of cellulase—an enzyme for cellulosic biomass waste processing—on nanostructured supports. Such supports provide high surface areas, increased enzyme loading, and a beneficial environment to enhance cellulase performance and its stability, leading to nanobiocatalysts for obtaining biofuels and value-added chemicals. Here, we will discuss such nanostructured supports as carbon nanotubes, polymer nanoparticles (NPs), nanohydrogels, nanofibers, silica NPs, hierarchical porous materials, magnetic NPs and their nanohybrids, based on publications of the last five years. The use of magnetic NPs is especially favorable due to easy separation and the nanobiocatalyst recovery for a repeated use. This review will discuss methods for cellulase immobilization, morphology of nanostructured supports, multienzyme systems as well as factors influencing the enzyme activity to achieve the highest conversion of cellulosic biowaste into fermentable sugars. We believe this review will allow for an enhanced understanding of such nanobiocatalysts and processes, allowing for the best solutions to major problems of sustainable biorefinery. Full article

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

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