Core-shell nanostructures: perspectives towards drug delivery applications

Nanosystems have shown encouraging outcomes and substantial progress in the areas of drug delivery and biomedical applications. However, the controlled and targeted delivery of drugs or genes can be limited due to their physicochemical and functional properties. In this regard, core-shell type nanoparticles are promising nanocarrier systems for controlled and targeted drug delivery applications. These functional nanoparticles are emerging as a particular class of nanosystems because of their unique advantages, including high surface area, and easy surface modification and functionalization. Such unique advantages can facilitate the use of core-shell nanoparticles for the selective mingling of two or more different functional properties in a single nanosystem to achieve the desired physicochemical properties that are essential for effective targeted drug delivery. Several types of core-shell nanoparticles, such as metallic, magnetic, silica-based, upconversion, and carbon-based core-shell nanoparticles, have been designed and developed for drug delivery applications. Keeping the scope, demand, and challenges in view, the present review explores state-of-the-art developments and advances in core-shell nanoparticle systems, the desired structure-property relationships, newly generated properties, the effects of parameter control, surface modification, and functionalization, and, last but not least, their promising applications in the fields of drug delivery, biomedical applications, and tissue engineering. This review also supports significant future research for developing multi-core and shell-based functional nanosystems to investigate nano-therapies that are needed for advanced, precise, and personalized healthcare systems.

X-ray Raman scattering for bulk chemical and structural insight into green carbon

X-ray Raman scattering (XRS) spectroscopy is an emerging inelastic scattering technique which uses hard X-rays to study the X-ray absorption edges of low-Z elements (e.g. C, N, O) in bulk. This study applies XRS spectroscopy to pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbons. These materials are thermochemically-produced carbon from renewable resources and represent a route for the sustainable production of carbon materials for many applications. Results confirm local structural differences between biomass-derived (Oak, Quercus Ilex) pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbon. In comparison with NEXAFS, XRS spectroscopy has been shown to be more resilient to experimental artefacts such as self-absorption. Density functional theory XRS calculations of potential structural sub-units confirm that hydrothermal carbon is a highly disordered carbon material formed principally of furan units linked by the α carbon atoms. Comparison of two pyrolysis temperatures (450 °C and 650 °C) shows the development of an increasingly condensed carbon structure. Based on our results, we have proposed a semi-quantitative route to pyrolysis condensation.

Highly Hierarchical Fibrillar Biogenic Silica with Mesoporous Structure Derived from the Perennial Plant Equisetum Fluviatile

A new discovery of highly hierarchical fibrillar biogenic silica with mesoporous structure derived from the perennial plant Equisetum fluviatile was made. By removing the organic compounds through chemical and heat treatment, the biogenic silica skeleton can largely retained the original highly hierarchical structure of the plant stems. Infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, and small-angle X-ray scattering, as well as nitrogen sorption analysis, were employed to characterize the crystalline phases, nanostructure, and porosity of the resulting material. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy investigation reveal that the biogenic silica are fibers with diameters of about 120-150 μm and lengths of more than a few centimeters. These fibers consist of smaller fasciculus with diameters of about 5-15 μm that are composed of three levels of particles with mass and surface fractal characteristics: primary particles on the order of 3-5 nm, secondary particles on the order of 9-12 nm, and tertiary particles on the order of 90-120 nm in size. It is also shown that the biogenic silica have mesoporous structure with an average pore size of 4-6 nm and a specific surface of 100-300 m²/g. Heat treatment at high temperature and residual K⁺ significantly affects the characteristics of the mesoporous structure of the biogenic silica, although it has little effect on the surface fractal structure of the secondary particles.

State-of-the-Art Electrode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) were investigated as recently as in the seventies. However, they have been overshadowed for decades, due to the success of lithium-ion batteries that demonstrated higher energy densities and longer cycle lives. Since then, the witness a re-emergence of the SIBs and renewed interest evidenced by an exponential increase of the publications devoted to them (about 9000 publications in 2019, more than 6000 in the first six months this year). This huge effort in research has led and is leading to an important and constant progress in the performance of the SIBs, which have conquered an industrial market and are now commercialized. This progress concerns all the elements of the batteries. We have already recently reviewed the salts and electrolytes, including solid electrolytes to build all-solid-state SIBs. The present review is then devoted to the electrode materials. For anodes, they include carbons, metal chalcogenide-based materials, intercalation-based and conversion reaction compounds (transition metal oxides and sulfides), intermetallic compounds serving as functional alloying elements. For cathodes, layered oxide materials, polyionic compounds, sulfates, pyrophosphates and Prussian blue analogs are reviewed. The electrode structuring is also discussed, as it impacts, importantly, the electrochemical performance. Attention is focused on the progress made in the last five years to report the state-of-the-art in the performance of the SIBs and justify the efforts of research.

Discovering Biomass Structural Determinants Defining the Properties of Plant-Derived Renewable Carbon Fiber

Traditional lignocellulosic feedstock research has focused on biomass characteristics essential for improving saccharification efficiency, yet the key biomass features underlying high-quality renewable lignin materials remain unknown. Nevertheless, modern biorefinery cannot achieve sustainability and cost-effectiveness unless the lignin stream can be valorized. We hereby addressed these scientific gaps by investigating biomass characteristics defining lignin-based carbon materials properties. Lignin from eight sorghum samples with diverse characteristics was fabricated into carbon fibers (CFs). Remarkably, only lignin uniformity was found to define CF mechanical performance, highlighting the new structure-property relationship. Contrarily, lignin content and composition did not impact on carbon material properties. Mechanistic study by XRD and Raman spectroscopy revealed that higher lignin uniformity enhanced CF microstructures, in particular, turbostratic carbon content. The study for the first time highlighted lignin uniformity as an important biomass structure determinant for renewable products, which opened up new avenues for feedstock design toward diverse products enabling sustainable and cost-effective bioeconomy.

A Simplified Method of Synthesis to Obtain Zwitterionic Cellulose under Mild Conditions with Active Ionic Moieties

A simplified procedure to synthesize zwitterionic cellulose by means of N-protected aspartic anhydride under mild conditions was developed. The preparation of modified cellulose samples was carried out under heterogeneous, aqueous conditions by reacting NH₄OH-activated cellulose with aspartic anhydrides N-protected with trifluoroacetyl (TFAc) and carbobenzyloxy (Cbz). Modified cellulose samples Cel-Asp-N-TFAc and Cel-Asp-N-Cbz were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and ¹³C solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The functionalization degree of each cellulose sample was determined by the ¹³C NMR signal integration values corresponding to the cellulose C1 vs. the Cα of the aspartate residue and corroborated by elemental analysis. In agreement, both analytical methods averaged a grafting degree of 20% for Cel-Asp-N-TFAc and 16% for Cel-Asp-N-Cbz. Conveniently, Cel-Asp-N-TFAc was concomitantly partially N-deprotected (65%) as determined by the ninhydrin method. The zwitterion character of this sample was confirmed by a potentiometric titration curve and the availability of these amino acid residues on the cellulose was inspected by adsorption kinetics method with a 100 mg L⁻¹ cotton blue dye solution. In addition, the synthesis reported in the present work involves environmentally related advantages over previous methodologies developed in our group concerning to zwitterionic cellulose preparation.

Graphene-based carbocatalysts for carbon-carbon bond formation

Organic transformations are usually catalyzed by metal-based catalysts. In contrast, metal-free catalysts have attracted considerable attention from the viewpoint of sustainability and safety. Among the studies in metal-free catalysis, graphene-based materials have been introduced in the reactions that are usually catalyzed by transition metal catalysts. This review covers the literature (up to the beginning of April 2020) on the use of graphene and its derivatives as carbocatalysts for C-C bond-forming reactions, which are one of the fundamental reactions in organic syntheses. Besides, mechanistic studies are included for the rational understanding of the catalysis. Graphene has significant potential in the field of metal-free catalysis because of the fine-tunable potential of the structure, high stability and durability, and no metal contamination, making it a next-generation candidate material in catalysis.

Realization of Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Encapsulated Solution-Processed Carbon-Based Solar Cells: An Emerging Candidate for Buildings' Comfort

The self-assembling characteristics allow carbon nanomaterials to be readily explored, environmentally benign, solution-processed, low-cost, and efficient solar light-harvesting materials. An effort has been made to replace the regular photovoltaic device’s electrodes by different carbon allotrope-based electrodes. Sequential fabrication of carbon solar cells (SCs) was performed under ambient conditions, where FTO/graphene/single-walled carbon nanotubes/graphene quantum dots-fullerene/carbon black paste layers were assembled with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as an encapsulating layer. The PMMA layer provides significant improvement toward the entry of water vapor, hence leading to stability up to 1000 h. The photoconversion efficiency of the PMMA-encapsulated carbon SC has been increased by ∼105% and the stability decreased by only ∼10% after 1000 h of exposure to environmental moisture. Besides, the building integrated photovoltaic window properties achieved using this carbon SC were also investigated by using the color rendering index and the correlated color temperature, which can have an impact on the buildings’ occupants’ comfort. This study leads to an extensive integration to improve carbon-based materials because of their effective and useful but less-explored characteristics suitable for potential photovoltaic applications.

Spirulina hydrothermal carbonization: Effect on hydrochar properties and sulfur transformation

The effect of hydrothermal carbonization (Htc) on the hydrochar properties and sulfur conversion for microalgae was investigated. The sulfur species and distribution in solid and aqueous products produced from different temperature (180-300 °C) were evaluated. Results suggested that varying temperature significantly influenced the elemental composition, functional groups of hydrochar, and the sulfur species in the products. With temperature increased, the hydrochar had increased aromatic structure with low H/C and O/C ratio, and more conversion of organic sulfur into liquid as SO42--S, which acquired the highest concentration (293.31 mg/L) at 300 °C. The thiophene-S, aromatic-S, and thiazole-S accounted for the main sulfur species in bio-oil, while components of thiophene-S and thiazole-S were decreased at high temperature. In addition, elevated temperature resulted in more sulfur forms (i.e. thiophene) in hydrochar and formation of more inorganic-S species like sulfate.

Pinecone-Derived Activated Carbons as an Effective Medium for Hydrogen Storage

Pinecones, a common biomass waste, has an interesting composition in terms of cellulose and lignine content that makes them excellent precursors in various activated carbon production processes. The synthesized, nanostructured, activated carbon materials show textural properties, a high specific surface area, and a large volume of micropores, which are all features that make them suitable for various applications ranging from the purification of water to energy storage. Amongst them, a very interesting application is hydrogen storage. For this purpose, activated carbon from pinecones were prepared using chemical activation with different KOH/precursor ratios, and their hydrogen adsorption capacity was evaluated at liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K) at pressures of up to 80 bar using a Sievert’s type volumetric apparatus. Regarding the comprehensive characterization of the samples’ textural properties, the measurement of the surface area was carried out using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, the chemical composition was investigated using wavelength-dispersive spectrometry, and the topography and long-range order was estimated using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The hydrogen adsorption properties of the activated carbon samples were measured and then fitted using the Langmuir/ Töth isotherm model to estimate the adsorption capacity at higher pressures. The results showed that chemical activation induced the formation of an optimal pore size distribution for hydrogen adsorption centered at about 0.5 nm and the proportion of micropore volume was higher than 50%, which resulted in an adsorption capacity of 5.5 wt% at 77 K and 80 bar; this was an increase of as much as 150% relative to the one predicted by the Chahine rule.

Recent Advancement in Bio-precursor derived graphene quantum dots: Synthesis, Characterization and Toxicological Perspective

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), impressive materials with enormous future potential, are reviewed from their inception, including different precursors. Considering the increasing burden of industrial and ecological bio-waste, there is an urgency to develop techniques which will convert biowaste into active moieties of interest. Amongst the various materials explored, we selectively highlight the use of potential carbon containing bioprecursors (e.g. plant-based, amino acids, carbohydrates), and industrial waste and its conversion into GQDs with negligible use of chemicals. This review focuses on the effects of different processing parameters that affect the properties of GQDs, including the surface functionalization, paradigmatic characterization, toxicity and biocompatibility issues of bioprecursor derived GQDs. This review also examines current challenges and s the ongoing exploration of potential bioprecursors for ecofriendly GQD synthesis for future applications. This review sheds further light on the electronic and optical properties of GQDs along with the effects of doping on the same. This review may aid in future design approaches and applications of GQDs in the biomedical and materials design fields.

Porous Organic Polymers as Fire-Resistant Additives and Precursors for Hyperporous Carbon towards Oxygen Reduction Reactions

Cyclotriphosphazene (CP) based porous organic polymers (POPs) have been designed and prepared. The introduction of CP into the porous skeleton endowed special thermal stability and outstanding flame retardancy to prepared polymers. The nonflammable level of PNK-CMP fabricated via the condensation of 2,2'-(1,4-phenylene)diacetonitrile (DAN) and hexakis(4-acetylphenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (HACTP) through Knoevenagel reaction, in vertical burning tests reached V-2 class (UL-94) and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 20.8 %. When used as additive, PNK-CMP could suppress the dissolving out of PEPA effectively, reducing environment pollution and improving the flame retardant efficiency. The POP and PEPA co-added PU (mPOP%: mPEPA%=5.0 %: 5.0 %) could not be ignited under simulated real-scale fire conditions. The nonflammable level of POP/PEPA/PU in vertical burning tests (UL-94) reached V-0 class with a LOI as high as 23.2 %. The smoke emission could also be suppressed, thus reducing the potential for flame spread and fire hazards. Furthermore, carbonization of PNK-CMP under the activation of KOH yield a hyperporous carbon (PNKA-800) with ultrahigh BET surface area (3001 m2 g-1) and ultramicropore size showing excellent ORR activity in alkaline conditions.

Carbon-Based Sorbent Coatings for the Determination of Pharmaceutical Compounds by Bar Adsorptive Microextraction

Thirteen carbon materials comprising commercial activated carbons and lab-made materials (activated carbons, hydrochars, and low-T and high-T activated hydrochars) were assayed as sorbent coatings in bar adsorptive microextration (BAμE) to monitor trace levels of ten common pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) in environmental water matrices including surface water, seawater, tap water, and wastewater. Polar and nonpolar pharmaceuticals were selected, sulfamethoxazole, triclosan, carbamazepine, diclofenac, mefenamic acid, 17-α-ethinylestradiol, 17-β-estradiol, estrone, gemfibrozil, and clofibric acid, as model compounds to cover distinct therapeutic classes. Despite having a less-developed porosity, data showed that "in-house" prepared low-T activated hydrochars, obtained from carbohydrates and an eutectic salt mixture at low temperature (i.e., 180 °C) and autogenerated pressure, compete with the best commercial activated carbons for this particular application. The combination of a micro and mesopore network with a rich oxygen-based surface chemistry yielding an acidic nature allowed these low-T activated hydrochars to present the best overall recoveries (between 20.9 and 82.4%) for the simultaneous determination of the ten target PhCs with very distinct chemical properties using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD).

Ultrafast microwave synthesis of rambutan-like CMK-3/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites for high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials

Ordered mesoporous carbon materials show great potential for electric double-layer supercapacitors because of their high specific surface area, designable pore structure, and tunable morphology. However, low graphitic crystallinity nature and poor contact between particles lead to their high inherent resistance, which limits the supercapacitance performance. Herein, we report on a hierarchically rambutan-morphological design of carbon composites with ordered mesoporous carbon as the core and carbon nanotubes as the shell, which significantly improve the electric contact between mesoporous carbon particles and promote the electrochemical performance. By an ultrafast microwave process in a household microwave heater under ambient condition, carbon nanotubes grow out from the pores of ordered mesoporous carbon and are dispersed on its surface like the whiskers of rambutan. As-synthesized ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites show significantly enhanced specific capacitance (315.6 F·g^-1 at 1 A·g^-1, as compared with 172.1 F·g^-1 of CMK-3), high rate capability (214.6 F·g^-1 at 50 A·g^-1), and cycling durability (10,000 cycles, 99.32%). The structural design and microwave synthesis enable a facile preparation of the hybrid ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites, and show potential for easy and low-cost production of high performance electric double-layer supercapacitors materials.

Covalent organic frameworks for separation applications

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging class of crystalline porous polymers with highly tuneable structures and functionalities. COFs have been proposed as ideal materials for applications in the energy-intensive field of molecular separation due to their notable intrinsic features such as low density, exceptional stability, high surface area, and readily adjustable pore size and chemical environment. This review attempts to highlight the key advancements made in the synthesis of COFs for diverse separation applications such as water treatment or the separation of gas mixtures and organic molecules, including chiral and isomeric compounds. Methods proposed for the fabrication of COF-based columns and continuous membranes for practical applications are also discussed in detail. Finally, a perspective regarding the remaining challenges and future directions for COF research in the field of separation has also been presented.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Co-doped Porous Carbon for High-Performance Supercapacitors

As one of the most promising fast energy storage devices, supercapacitor has been attracting intense attention for many emerging applications. However, how to enhance the electrochemical performance of electrode materials is still the main issue among various researches. In this paper, hierarchical porous carbons derived from Eleocharis dulcis has been prepared by chemical activation process with the aid of KOH at elevated temperature. Results show that the N, P co-doped porous carbon exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, it owns a specific capacitance of 340.2 F/g at 1 A/g, and obtains outstanding cycling stability of 96.9% of capacitance retention at 10 A/g after 5,000 cycles in a three-electrode system. Moreover, in the two-electrode system, the product still maintains a high specific capacitance of 227.2 F/g at 1 A/g, and achieves good electrochemical cycle stability (94.2% of capacitance retention at 10 A/g after 10,000 cycles); besides, its power/energy density are 3694.084 and 26.289 Wh/kg, respectively. Therefore, the combination of facile synthesis strategy and excellent electrochemical performance makes Eleocharis dulcis-based porous carbon as a promising electrode material for supercapacitor.

Fast degradation, large capacity, and high electron efficiency of chloramphenicol removal by different carbon-supported nanoscale zerovalent iron

It remains unclear that which kind of carbon support is better for improving the reactivity of nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) without the adsorption effects of carbon. Finding appropriate contaminants that could be degraded by nZVI with high capacity and electron utilization is crucial for exploring the applications of nZVI. High degradation rate (up to 3.70 min^-1) and high capacity (up to 3000 mg g^-1) of antibiotic chloramphenicol (C₁₁H₁₂Cl₂N₂O₅, CAP) removal with high electron utilization (>97%) was achieved by different carbon supported nZVI in this study. Carbon powder (CP) was found to be the best support, possessing good distribution and reactivity of nZVI. 99% of CAP was removed by CP-nZVI after 3 min, without the electron consumption via the side reaction between nZVI and water, suggesting that CAP could outcompete with water for the electrons from nZVI. The entire pathway of CAP removal was elucidated based on UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Partial degradation of CAP (denitration and dechlorination) was enough to take away the antimicrobial properties. These results suggest a promising application scenario of carbon supported nZVI for the remediation of CAP-contaminated water to reduce the antibiotic selection pressure of the environment.

Carbocatalytic Acetylene Cyclotrimerization: A Key Role of Unpaired Electron Delocalization

Development of sustainable catalysts for synthetic transformations is one of the most challenging and demanding goals. The high prices of precious metals and the unavoidable leaching of toxic metal species leading to environmental contamination make the transition metal-free catalytic systems especially important. Here we demonstrate that carbene active centers localized on carbon atoms at the zigzag edge of graphene represent an alternative platform for efficient catalytic carbon-carbon bond formation in the synthesis of benzene. The studied acetylene trimerization reaction is an efficient atom-economic route to build an aromatic ring-a step ubiquitously important in organic synthesis and industrial applications. Computational modeling of the reaction mechanism reveals a principal role of the reversible spin density oscillations that govern the overall catalytic cycle, facilitate the product formation, and regenerate the catalytically active centers. Dynamic π-electron interactions in 2D carbon systems open new opportunities in the field of carbocatalysis, unachievable by means of transition metal-catalyzed transformations. The theoretical findings are confirmed experimentally by generating key moieties of the carbon catalyst and performing the acetylene conversion to benzene.

Eco-Friendly Sustainable Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions in Aqueous Environment

The materials and substances required for sustainable water treatment by adsorption technique, are still being researched widely by distinguished classes of researchers. Thus, the need to synthesize substances that can effectively clean up pollutants from the environment cannot be overemphasized. So far, materials in bulk forms that are rich in carbon, such as biochar and varieties of activated carbon have been used for various adsorptive purposes. The use of bulk materials for such purposes are not efficient due to minimal surface areas available for adsorption. This study explores the adsorption task at nano dimension using carbon dots (CDs) from tapioca. The properties of carbon structure and its influence on the adsorptive efficacy of carbon nanoparticles were investigated by energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HrTEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results implied carbon present in CDs are good adsorbents for effective adsorption of heavy metal ions (lead) with removal efficiency of 80.6% in aqueous environment. The adsorption process as explored by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms have proven favorability of the adsorption process. Langmuir form two and three have correlation coefficients R2 at 0.9922 and 0.9912, respectively. The Freundlich isotherm confirms CDs as having defined surface heterogeneity and the exponential distribution of active sites. The adsorption of lead unto CDs obeyed the second order kinetic model with coefficient of determination, R2 of 0.9668 and 0.9996 at an initial lead concentration of 20 mg/L and 100 mg/L, respectively. The findings validated the efficiency of CDs derived from tapioca as an excellent material for further utilization in the environmental fields of wastewater pollution detection and clean up, bio-imaging, and chemical sensing applications.

Biorefinery Byproducts and Epoxy Biorenewable Monomers: A Structural Elucidation of Humins and Triglycidyl Ether of Phloroglucinol Cross-Linking

The need for thermosets from renewable resources is continuously increasing to find eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-derived materials. Products obtained from biomass have shown to play an important role in this challenge. Here, we present the structural characterization of new biobased thermosets made of humins, a byproduct of lignocellulosic biorefinery, and glycidylated phloroglucinol coming from the biomass phenolic fraction. By employing attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared and NMR spectroscopies, we elucidated the connections between these two systems, contributing to clarify their molecular structures and their reactivities. We demonstrated that the resin curing takes place through ether bond formation between humin hydroxyl functions and phloroglucinol epoxides. Besides cross-linking, humins show a complex rearrangement of their furanic structure through different concomitant chemical pathways depending on the reaction conditions.

Top-Down Extraction of Silk Protein Nanofibers by Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents and Application in Dispersion of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Wearable Sensing

With typical nanofibrous structure, silks spun by silkworms and spiders are the representative fibrous proteins that embody excellent mechanical properties and biological functions. However, it is still a challenge to directly extract silk nanofibers (SNFs) from natural silk fibers, to retain their nanostructures and properties, by a human- and environment-friendly approach for practical applications. Here, an all-natural strategy for simple, green, and scalable extraction of silkworm and spider silk protein nanofibers in natural deep eutectic solvents has been developed. The liquid-exfoliated SNFs have adjustable diameters from 20 nm (at the single SNF scale) to 100 nm and could be dispersed in water and organic solvents, enabling the production of useful macroscopic biomaterials. The free-standing SNF membranes made from silkworm silk nanofibers (SSNFs) exhibited cytocompatibility, flexibility, and excellent mechanical performance, providing the ability to fabricate sustainable materials for tissue engineering and green electronics. Moreover, the SSNF could be used as a green and efficient dispersant of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and the SSNFs/MWCNTs nanocomposite membranes could be used in wearable devices to monitor human activities.

Directing nitrogen-doped carbon support chemistry for improved aqueous phase hydrogenation catalysis

Influencing stability and performance through directing nitrogen-doping in carbon support materials.

CoMoO4/bamboo charcoal hybrid material for high-energy-density and high cycling stability supercapacitors

Here we report a supercapacitor with high energy density and high cycling stability using low-cost and environmentally friendly CoMoO4/bamboo charcoal (BC) hybrid materials as the cathode. The hybrid materials were fabricated via a one-pot solvothermal reaction followed by an annealing process. The optimized CoMoO4/BC hybrid material has a specific surface area of 74.4 m2 g-1, being 1.7-fold higher than that of the CoMoO4 precursor. The hybrid electrode shows a high specific capacitance of 422.3 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and 304.8 F g-1 at 50 A g-1. The as-assembled CoMoO4/BC||activated carbon supercapacitor exhibits a high energy density of 56.7 W h kg-1 and 18.3 W h kg-1 at a power density of 785 W kg-1 and 40 000 W kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, it also shows excellent long-term cycling stability. Subjected to 40 000 cycles of charge-discharge test at a current density of 50 A g-1, there is only about 10% capacitance loss (occurring only during the first 5000 cycles). This excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to the covalent C-Mo and C-O bonds formed between CoMoO4 and BC as well as the porous feature of the hybrid material, which provide highways for electron transfer and ion transportation within the electrodes and at the electrode-electrolyte interface.

Functionalising hydrothermal carbons for catalysis – investigating solid acids in esterification reactions

Through a simple and controllable synthesis, the properties of acid functionalised carbon-based catalysts can be directed, demonstrating activity reflective of carbon support preparation conditions.

Construction of a thermo-responsive copolymer-stabilized Fe3O4@CD@PdNP hybrid and its application in catalytic reduction

A thermo-responsive copolymer stabilized Fe₃O₄@CDs@PdNP hybrid was fabricated as a nanocatalyst for catalytic reduction reaction with excellent recyclability and controllable thermo-responsive catalytic property.

Magnetic chitosan-copper nanocomposite: A plant assembled catalyst for the synthesis of amino- and N-sulfonyl tetrazoles in eco-friendly media

A greener, cost efficient and simple method is described to prepare copper nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized on the magnetic chitosan (one of the more versatile polysaccharides) using Euphorbia falcata leaf extract as reducing/stabilizing agent. The prepared catalyst (Cu NPs@Fe₃O₄-chitosan) was authenticated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and elemental mapping. TEM analysis indicates that Cu NPs with average sizes in 5-10 nm range is formed on magnetic chitosan with the spherical morphology. The Cu NPs@Fe₃O₄-chitosan was employed as a new catalyst for the synthesis of different tetrazoles by the reaction of various secondary or tertiary cyanamides with sodium azide in water under reflux conditions. Easy separation by external magnetic field, mild reaction conditions, low cost and the reusability are some of the beneficial features of this catalyst.

Gas sorption and supercapacitive properties of hierarchical porous graphitic carbons prepared from the hard-templating of mesoporous ZnO/Zn(OH)2 composite spheres

Three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous carbon materials (PCMs) with graphitic carbon walls are facilely prepared through the hard-templating of acid-labile mesoporous ZnO/Zn(OH)₂ spheres. Furfuryl alcohol or phloroglucinol is employed as a carbon precursor for two hierarchical porous carbon materials (PCM-F and PCM-P). The basic surfaces of ZnO/Zn(OH)₂ are highly suited to the polymerization of the carbon precursors without extra catalysts. After carbonization followed by mild acid etching, hierarchical PCMs are obtained. These PCMs consist of interconnected turbostratic carbon wall structures. Gas sorption analysis indicates the surface areas of PCM-F and PCM-P are 1013 and 1075 m² g^-1, respectively. The corresponding pore volumes are very large, 3.39 and 3.01 cm³ g^-1, respectively. The uptake abilities for carbon dioxide and hydrogen are investigated at 196 and 77 K, respectively. The PCM-P reveals higher uptake of H₂ (1.19 wt%) and CO₂ (282.0 cm³ g^-1) than for PCM-F. In contrast, PCM-F shows a high gravimetric specific capacitance of 329.5 F g^-1 based on galvanostatic charge/discharge curves at a current density of 0.1 A g^-1. The PCM-F exhibits stable capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g^-1.

Porous Graphene-like Carbon from Fast Catalytic Decomposition of Biomass for Energy Storage Applications

A novel carbon material made of porous graphene-like nanosheets was synthesized from biomass resources by a simple catalytic graphitization process using nickel as a catalyst for applications in electrodes for energy storage devices. A recycled fiberboard precursor was impregnated with saturated nickel nitrate followed by high-temperature pyrolysis. The highly exothermic combustion of in situ formed nitrocellulose produces the expansion of the cellulose fibers and the reorganization of the carbon structure into a three-dimensional (3D) porous assembly of thin carbon nanosheets. After acid washing, nickel particles are fully removed, leaving nanosized holes in the wrinkled graphene-like sheets. These nanoholes confer the resulting carbon material with ≈75% capacitance retention, when applied as a supercapacitor electrode in aqueous media at a specific current of 100 A·g^-1 compared to the capacitance reached at 20 mA·g^-1, and ≈35% capacity retention, when applied as a negative electrode for lithium-ion battery cells at a specific current of 3720 mA·g^-1 compared to the specific capacity at 37.2 mA·g^-1. These findings suggest a novel way for synthesizing 3D nanocarbon networks from a cellulosic precursor requiring low temperatures and being amenable to large-scale production while using a sustainable starting precursor such as recycled fiberwood.

The Role of Functionalization in the Applications of Carbon Materials: An Overview

The carbon-based materials (CbMs) refer to a class of substances in which the carbon atoms can assume different hybridization states (sp1, sp2, sp3) leading to different allotropic structures -. In these substances, the carbon atoms can form robust covalent bonds with other carbon atoms or with a vast class of metallic and non-metallic elements, giving rise to an enormous number of compounds from small molecules to long chains to solids. This is one of the reasons why the carbon chemistry is at the basis of the organic chemistry and the biochemistry from which life on earth was born. In this context, the surface chemistry assumes a substantial role dictating the physical and chemical properties of the carbon-based materials. Different functionalities are obtained by bonding carbon atoms with heteroatoms (mainly oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur) determining a certain reactivity of the compound which otherwise is rather weak. This holds for classic materials such as the diamond, the graphite, the carbon black and the porous carbon but functionalization is widely applied also to the carbon nanostructures which came at play mainly in the last two decades. As a matter of fact, nowadays, in addition to fabrication of nano and porous structures, the functionalization of CbMs is at the basis of a number of applications as catalysis, energy conversion, sensing, biomedicine, adsorption etc. This work is dedicated to the modification of the surface chemistry reviewing the different approaches also considering the different macro and nano allotropic forms of carbon.

Synthesis of flowerlike carbon nanosheets from hydrothermally carbonized glucose: an in situ self-generating template strategy

A reliable in situ self-generating template strategy has been developed for the synthesis of flowerlike carbon nanosheets by hydrothermal carbonization in the presence of both silica and zinc acetate using glucose as the carbon source. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen sorption isotherm measurement (BET) and element analysis revealed the morphology, crystal phase structure, porosity and chemical composition. The formation of the zinc silicate nanosheet template was due to the hydrolysis of amorphous silica and self-assembly under hydrothermal conditions. The resulting flowerlike carbon nanosheets proved to be an excellent palladium catalyst support.

Nitrogen-Doped Hierarchical Meso/Microporous Carbon from Bamboo Fungus for Symmetric Supercapacitor Applications

We report the synthesis of nitrogen-doped hierarchical meso/microporous carbon using renewable biomass bamboo fungus as precursor via two-step pyrolysis processes. It is found that the developed porous carbon (NHPC-800) features honeycomb-like cellular framework with well-developed porosity, huge specific surface area (1708 m² g⁻¹), appropriate nitrogen-doping level (3.2 at.%) and high mesopore percentage (25.5%), which are responsible for its remarkable supercapacitive performances. Electrochemical tests suggest that the NHPC-800 electrode offers the largest specific capacitance of 228 F g⁻¹, asplendid rate capability and stable electrochemical behaviors in a traditional three-electrode system. Additionally, asymmetric supercapacitor device is built based on this product as well. An individual as-assembled supercapacitor of NHPC-800//NHPC-800 delivers the maximum energy density of 4.3 Wh kg⁻¹; retains the majority of capacitanceat large current densities; and shows terrific cycling durability with negligible capacitance drop after long-term charge/discharge for beyond 10,000 cycles even at a high current density of 10 A g⁻¹. These excellent supercapacitive properties of NHPC-800 in both three- and two-electrode setups outperform those of lots of biomass-derived porous carbons and thus make it a perspective candidate for producing cost-effective and high-performance supercapacitors

Carbon black-induced detrimental effect on osteoblasts at low concentrations: Remarkably compromised differentiation without significant cytotoxicity

Due to similar aerodynamic and micro-nano sized properties between airborne particles and synthetic nanoparticles, a large number of studies have been conducted using carbon-based particles, such as carbon black (CB), carbon nanotubes and graphite, in order to achieve deeper understandings of their adverse effects on human health. It has been reported that particulate matters can aggravate morbidity of patients suffering from bone and joint diseases, e.g. arthritis. However, the molecular mechanism is still elusive thus far. Under this context, we employed two cell lines of osteoblasts, MC3T3-E1 and MG-63, upon exposure to 4 different CB samples with differential physicochemical properties in research of mechanistic insights. Our results indicated that the carbon/oxygen ratio differed in these 4 CB materials showing the order: SB4A < Printex U < C1864 < C824455. In stark contrast, their cytotoxicity and capacity to trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MC3T3-E1 and MG-63 cells closely correlated to oxygen content, revealing the reverse order: SB4A < Printex U < C1864 < C824455. It would be reasonable to speculate that ROS production was a predominant cause of CB cytotoxicity, which strongly relied on the oxygen content of CB. Our study further manifested that all CB samples even at low concentrations significantly inhibited osteoblast differentiation, as reflected by remarkably reduced activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and compromised expression of the differentiation-related genes. And the inhibition on osteoblast differentiation also closely correlated to oxygen content of CB samples. Taken together, our combined data recognized oxygen-associated toxicity towards osteoblasts for CBs. More importantly, we uncovered a new adverse effect of CB exposure: suppression on osteoblast differentiation, which has been overlooked in the past.

Dynamics of [Pyr13][Tf2N] ionic liquid confined to carbon black

The intrinsic ionic nature of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) bears the potential to replace classical aqueous electrolytes in electrochemical applications, for example in metal-air batteries. For a systematic adjustment of RTIL properties in porous cathodes, the ionic arrangement under confinement is of prime importance. Using spectrally resolved pulsed gradient stimulated echo nuclear magnetic resonance (PGSTE-NMR) and spin-lattice NMR relaxation time (T₁) distributions, the dynamics of 1-methyl-1-propylpyrrolidiniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Pyr₁₃][Tf₂N]) confined to carbon black were investigated. A considerable dependence of the [PYR₁₃] mobility on the loading fraction of the carbon black pore space was found. There is evidence for a preferential layering of the RTIL adjacent to the carbon surface and a dependence of the ionic configuration on the local structure of the carbon surface. The inversion efficiency of inversion-recovery T₁ data indicates a quasi-stationary layer at the carbon surface with solid-like properties, where the bulk-like properties of the RTIL are adopted as the distance to the surface increases. From the NMR diffusion data an intermediate layer between the quasi-stationary and the bulk-like RTIL is evident. This layer shows a particularly strong pore space loading dependence. While it has an anisotropic, two-dimensional mobility with reduced diffusion perpendicular to the surface at any loading, when it interfaces a gas phase at low loading its mobility is higher than bulk diffusion by up to an order of magnitude and chemical exchange with other layers is low. This layer appears to be of particular importance for the ion exchange between RTIL environments with different spacing from the carbon surface and hence crucial for the overall dynamics of RTILs in the investigated porous environment.