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Nanomaterials
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Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications
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Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2019) | Viewed by 49041

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail

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Guest Editor
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre, School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
Interests: membrane technology; nanostructured materials; hemodialysis; reverse osmosis; fuel cell; nanofiltration; ultrafiltration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Pei Sean Goh

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre, School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
Interests: nanomaterial and nanocomposite synthesis; surface modification; polymeric nanocomposite; membranes; desalination and wastewater treatment; energy production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental and energy issues are the two major problems that our world is facing today. The establishment of sustainable and innovative solutions are needed to address the emerging problems. Functional nanocomposites are emerging materials that have become important due to their astonishing chemical and physical properties. The synergy effects rendered by a wide spectrum of nanomaterials and host materials have shown unlimited potential and advantages in many practical applications. Specifically, various nanocomposites are known to serve as sustainable solutions to curb global issues that are related to environmental pollution and energy shortage. This Special Issue of Nanomaterials, “Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications”, aims at collecting a compilation of articles, which cover research articles, reviews and communications, with topics areas focused on the development of the state-of-the-art nanocomposites to tackle environment and energy related issues.

Prof. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
Dr. Goh Pei Sean
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • nanocomposites
  • synthesis
  • functionalization
  • environment
  • energy
  • wastewater
  • desalination
  • fuel cell

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 150 KiB  
Editorial
Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications
by Pei Sean Goh and Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11020345 - 31 Jan 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2033
Abstract
Global environmental and energy issues are the two major challenges of the 21st century [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)

Research

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13 pages, 5358 KiB  
Article
Engineering the Dimensional Interface of BiVO4-2D Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) Nanocomposite for Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Performance
by Jing Sun, Chunxiao Wang, Tingting Shen, Hongchen Song, Danqi Li, Rusong Zhao and Xikui Wang
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(6), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9060907 - 21 Jun 2019
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4426
Abstract
Graphene as a two-dimensional (2D) nanoplatform is beneficial for assembling a 2D heterojunction photocatalytic system to promote electron transfer in semiconductor composites. Here a BiVO4 nanosheets/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) based 2D-2D heterojunction photocatalytic system as well as 0D-2D BiVO4 nanoparticles/RGO and [...] Read more.
Graphene as a two-dimensional (2D) nanoplatform is beneficial for assembling a 2D heterojunction photocatalytic system to promote electron transfer in semiconductor composites. Here a BiVO4 nanosheets/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) based 2D-2D heterojunction photocatalytic system as well as 0D-2D BiVO4 nanoparticles/RGO and 1D-2D BiVO4 nanotubes/RGO nanocomposites are fabricated by a feasible solvothermal process. During the synthesis; the growth of BiVO4 and the intimate interfacial contact between BiVO4 and RGO occur simultaneously. Compared to 0D-2D and 1D-2D heterojunctions, the resulting 2D-2D BiVO4 nanosheets/RGO composites yield superior chemical coupling; leading to exhibit higher photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of acetaminophen under visible light irradiation. Photoluminescence (PL) and photocurrent experiments revealed that the apparent electron transfer rate in 2D-2D BiVO4 nanosheets/RGO composites is faster than that in 0D-2D BiVO4 nanoparticles/RGO composites. The experimental findings presented here clearly demonstrate that the 2D-2D heterojunction interface can highlight the optoelectronic coupling between nanomaterials and promote the electron–hole separation. This study will motivate new developments in dimensionality factors on designing the heterojunction photocatalysts and promote their photodegradation photocatalytic application in environmental issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)
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14 pages, 3156 KiB  
Article
Cu-Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Heavy Metal-Contaminated Sewage Sludge for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
by Zhouliang Tan, Feng Yu, Liu Liu, Xin Jia, Yin Lv, Long Chen, Yisheng Xu, Yulin Shi and Xuhong Guo
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(6), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9060892 - 17 Jun 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3987
Abstract
In this paper, we report a complete solution for enhanced sludge treatment involving the removal of toxic metal (Cu(II)) from waste waters, subsequent pyrolytic conversion of these sludge to Cu-doped porous carbon, and their application in energy storage systems. The morphology, composition, and [...] Read more.
In this paper, we report a complete solution for enhanced sludge treatment involving the removal of toxic metal (Cu(II)) from waste waters, subsequent pyrolytic conversion of these sludge to Cu-doped porous carbon, and their application in energy storage systems. The morphology, composition, and pore structure of the resultant Cu-doped porous carbon could be readily modulated by varying the flocculation capacity of Cu(II). The results demonstrated that it exhibited outstanding performance for supercapacitor electrode applications. The Cu(II) removal efficiency has been evaluated and compared to the possible energy benefits. The flocculant dosage up to 200 mg·L−1 was an equilibrium point existing between environmental impact and energy, at which more than 99% Cu(II) removal efficiency was achieved, while the resulting annealed product showed a high specific capacity (389.9·F·g−1 at 1·A·g−1) and good cycling stability (4% loss after 2500 cycles) as an electrode material for supercapacitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)
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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2288 KiB  
Article
Mesopore-Rich Activated Carbons for Electrical Double-Layer Capacitors by Optimal Activation Condition
by Hye-Min Lee, Kay-Hyeok An, Soo-Jin Park and Byung-Joo Kim
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9040608 - 12 Apr 2019
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3603
Abstract
In this study, activated polymer-based hard carbon using steam activation (APHS) with mesopore-rich pore structures were prepared for application as electrodes in electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLC). The surface morphologies and structural characteristics of APHS were observed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction [...] Read more.
In this study, activated polymer-based hard carbon using steam activation (APHS) with mesopore-rich pore structures were prepared for application as electrodes in electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLC). The surface morphologies and structural characteristics of APHS were observed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The textural properties were described using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda equations with N2/77 K adsorption isotherms. APHS were prepared under various steam activation conditions to find optimal ones, which were then applied as electrode materials for the EDLC. The observed specific surface areas and total pore volumes of the APHS were in the range 1170–2410 m2/g and 0.48–1.22 cm3/g, respectively. It was observed that pore size distribution mainly depended on the activation time and temperature, and that the volume of pores with size of 1.5–2.5 nm was found to be a key factor determining the electrochemical capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)
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12 pages, 3847 KiB  
Article
Large Scale Process for Low Crystalline MoO3-Carbon Composite Microspheres Prepared by One-Step Spray Pyrolysis for Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Jung Sang Cho
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9040539 - 3 Apr 2019
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5771
Abstract
This paper introduces a large-scale and facile method for synthesizing low crystalline MoO3/carbon composite microspheres, in which MoO3 nanocrystals are distributed homogeneously in the amorphous carbon matrix, directly by a one-step spray pyrolysis. The MoO3/carbon composite microspheres with [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a large-scale and facile method for synthesizing low crystalline MoO3/carbon composite microspheres, in which MoO3 nanocrystals are distributed homogeneously in the amorphous carbon matrix, directly by a one-step spray pyrolysis. The MoO3/carbon composite microspheres with mean diameters of 0.7 µm were directly formed from one droplet by a series of drying, decomposition, and crystalizing inside the hot-wall reactor within six seconds. The MoO3/carbon composite microspheres had high specific discharge capacities of 811 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles, even at a high current density of 1.0 A g−1 when applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The MoO3/carbon composite microspheres had final discharge capacities of 999, 875, 716, and 467 mA h g−1 at current densities of 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, and 5.0 A g−1, respectively. MoO3/carbon composite microspheres provide better Li-ion storage than do bare MoO3 powders because of their high structural stability and electrical conductivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)
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13 pages, 3995 KiB  
Article
Compact Integration of TiO2 Nanoparticles into the Cross-Points of 3D Vertically Stacked Ag Nanowires for Plasmon-Enhanced Photocatalysis
by Vo Thi Nhat Linh, Xiaofei Xiao, Ho Sang Jung, Vincenzo Giannini, Stefan A. Maier, Dong-Ho Kim, Yong-Ill Lee and Sung-Gyu Park
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(3), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9030468 - 20 Mar 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5041
Abstract
The compact integration of semiconductor TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) into the 3D crossed region of stacked plasmonic Ag nanowires (NWs) enhanced the photocatalytic activities through synergistic effects between the strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation at the 3D cross-points of the Ag [...] Read more.
The compact integration of semiconductor TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) into the 3D crossed region of stacked plasmonic Ag nanowires (NWs) enhanced the photocatalytic activities through synergistic effects between the strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation at the 3D cross-points of the Ag NWs and the efficient hot electron transfer at the interface between the Ag NWs and the TiO2 NPs. This paper explored new hybrid nanostructures based on the selective assembly of TiO2 NPs onto 3D cross-points of vertically stacked Ag NWs. The assembled TiO2 NPs directly contacted the 3D Ag NWs; therefore, charge separation occurred efficiently at the interface between the Ag NWs and the TiO2 NPs. The composite nanomaterials exhibited high extinction across the ultraviolet-visible range, rendering the nanomaterials high-performance photocatalysts across the full (ultraviolet-visible) and the visible spectral regions. Theoretical simulations clearly revealed that the local plasmonic field was highly enhanced at the 3D crossed regions of the vertically stacked Ag NWs. A Raman spectroscopic analysis of probe dye molecules under photodegradation conditions clearly revealed that the nanogap in the 3D crossed region was crucial for facilitating plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis and plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)
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20 pages, 4467 KiB  
Article
Efficient Copper Removal from an Aqueous Anvironment using a Novel and Hybrid Nanoadsorbent Based on Derived-Polyethyleneimine Linked to Silica Magnetic Nanocomposites
by Olivija Plohl, Matjaž Finšgar, Sašo Gyergyek, Urban Ajdnik, Irena Ban and Lidija Fras Zemljič
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9020209 - 6 Feb 2019
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3988
Abstract
Due to the extreme rise of sludge pollution with heavy metals (e.g. copper), the options for its disposal or treatment are decreasing. On the contrary, properly heavy metal-cleaned sludge can be used as an alternative sustainable energy and agriculture source. The aim of [...] Read more.
Due to the extreme rise of sludge pollution with heavy metals (e.g. copper), the options for its disposal or treatment are decreasing. On the contrary, properly heavy metal-cleaned sludge can be used as an alternative sustainable energy and agriculture source. The aim of this study was to develop a novel nanoadsorbent, based on irreversibly linked amino-rich polymer onto previously silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that can be applied efficiently for metal removal. MNPs were coated uniformly by 3 nm thick silica layer (core-shell structure), and were additionally modified with systematic covalent attachment of derived branched polyethyleneimine (bPEI). The formed structure of synthesized MNPs composite was confirmed with several analytical techniques. Importantly, nanoadsorbents exhibit high density of chelating amino groups and large magnetic force for easier separation. The importance of introduced bPEI, effect of pH, initial heavy metal concentration onto copper uptake efficiency and, further, nanoadsorbent regeneration, were studied and explained in detail. The adsorption isotherm was well fitted with Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacity was shown to be 143 mg·g−1 for Cu2+. The reusability and superior properties of silica-coated MNPs functionalized with derived-bPEI for copper adsorption underlie its potential for the removal application from heavy metals contaminated sludge Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)
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15 pages, 3954 KiB  
Article
Efficient Removal of Lead, Copper and Cadmium Ions from Water by a Porous Calcium Alginate/Graphene Oxide Composite Aerogel
by Linhai Pan, Zhuqing Wang, Qi Yang and Rongyi Huang
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(11), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8110957 - 20 Nov 2018
Cited by 113 | Viewed by 6290
Abstract
In this study, we fabricated a porous calcium alginate/graphene oxide composite aerogel by using polystyrene colloidal particles as sacrificial template and graphene oxide as a reinforcing filler. Owing to the excellent metal chelation ability of calcium alginate and controlled nanosized pore structure, the [...] Read more.
In this study, we fabricated a porous calcium alginate/graphene oxide composite aerogel by using polystyrene colloidal particles as sacrificial template and graphene oxide as a reinforcing filler. Owing to the excellent metal chelation ability of calcium alginate and controlled nanosized pore structure, the as-prepared calcium alginate/graphene oxide composite aerogel (mp-CA/GO) can reach the adsorption equilibrium in 40 min, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Pb2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ is 368.2, 98.1 and 183.6 mg/g, respectively. This is higher than most of the reported heavy metal ion sorbents. Moreover, the mp-CA/GO can be regenerated through simple acid-washing and be used repeatedly with little loss in performance. The adsorption mechanism analysis indicates that the mp-CA/GO adsorb the heavy metal ions mainly through the ion exchange and chemical coordination effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)
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Review

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32 pages, 2961 KiB  
Review
The Roles of Nanomaterials in Conventional and Emerging Technologies for Heavy Metal Removal: A State-of-the-Art Review
by Mahesan Naidu Subramaniam, Pei Sean Goh, Woei Jye Lau and Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9040625 - 17 Apr 2019
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 6727
Abstract
Heavy metal (HM) pollution in waterways is a serious threat towards global water security, as high dosages of HM poisoning can significantly harm all living organisms. Researchers have developed promising methods to isolate, separate, or reduce these HMs from water bodies to overcome [...] Read more.
Heavy metal (HM) pollution in waterways is a serious threat towards global water security, as high dosages of HM poisoning can significantly harm all living organisms. Researchers have developed promising methods to isolate, separate, or reduce these HMs from water bodies to overcome this. This includes techniques, such as adsorption, photocatalysis, and membrane removal. Nanomaterials play an integral role in all of these remediation techniques. Nanomaterials of different shapes have been atomically designed via various synthesis techniques, such as hydrothermal, wet chemical synthesis, and so on to develop unique nanomaterials with exceptional properties, including high surface area and porosity, modified surface charge, increment in active sites, enhanced photocatalytic efficiency, and improved HM removal selectivity. In this work, a comprehensive review on the role that nanomaterials play in removing HM from waterways. The unique characteristics of the nanomaterials, synthesis technique, and removal principles are presented. A detailed visualisation of HM removal performances and the mechanisms behind this improvement is also detailed. Finally, the future directions for the development of nanomaterials are highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)
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12 pages, 1523 KiB  
Review
In-Situ Synthesized Si@C Materials for the Lithium Ion Battery: A Mini Review
by Wenmao Tu, Ziyu Bai, Zhao Deng, Haining Zhang and Haolin Tang
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(3), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9030432 - 14 Mar 2019
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5570
Abstract
As an important component, the anode determines the property and development of lithium ion batteries. The synthetic method and the structure design of the negative electrode materials play decisive roles in improving the property of the thus-assembled batteries. Si@C compound materials have been [...] Read more.
As an important component, the anode determines the property and development of lithium ion batteries. The synthetic method and the structure design of the negative electrode materials play decisive roles in improving the property of the thus-assembled batteries. Si@C compound materials have been widely used based on their excellent lithium ion intercalation capacity and cyclic stability, in which the in-situ synthetic method can make full use of the structural advantages of the monomer itself, thus improving the electrochemical performance of the anode material. In this paper, the different preparation technologies and composite structures of Si@C compound materials by in-situ synthesis are introduced. The research progress of Si@C compound materials by in-situ synthesis is reviewed, and the prospect of future development of Si@C compound materials has been tentatively commented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications)
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