Effect of a mesoporous NiCo2O4 urchin-like structure catalyzed with a surface oxidized LiBH4 system for reversible hydrogen storage applications

A mesoporous NiCo2O4 urchin-like structure was synthesized by applying a facile hydrothermal method. Different concentrations of NiCo2O4 urchin-like structures were mixed with a surface oxidized LiBH4 system using a wet-impregnation method, followed by heat treatment. The hydrogen storage capacity of LiBH4 + 25% NiCo2O4, LiBH4 + 50% NiCo2O4 and LiBH4 + 75% NiCo2O4 systems was investigated. Typically, hydrogenated LiBH4 + 25% NiCo2O4, LiBH4 + 50% NiCo2O4 and LiBH4 + 75% NiCo2O4 systems desorbed 2.85 wt%, 3.78 wt% and 3.91 wt% of hydrogen, respectively, at the dehydrogenation temperature ranging from room temperature (RT) to 275 °C. Further, the LiBH4 + 75% NiCo2O4 system exhibited better kinetics than other systems and released ∼5.8 wt% of hydrogen at a isothermal dehydrogenation temperature of 250 °C in 60 minutes. Hydrogen binding energies were calculated as 0.28 eV, 0.27 eV and 0.26 eV for LiBH4 + 25% NiCo2O4, LiBH4 + 50% NiCo2O4 and LiBH4 + 75% NiCo2O4 systems, respectively. Moreover, the calculated activation energies of LiBH4 + 25% NiCo2O4, LiBH4 + 50% NiCo2O4 and LiBH4 + 75% NiCo2O4 systems are 17.99 kJ mol-1, 17.03 kJ mol-1 and 16.92 kJ mol-1, respectively. The calculated BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area of NiCo2O4 and LiBH4 + 75% NiCo2O4 systems is 124.05 and 136.62 m2 g-1, respectively. These results showed that hydrogen sorption and desorption properties are significantly increased by the influence of mesoporous structure, lower binding energy and activation energy of LiBH4 + 75% NiCo2O4 system.

Characteristics and performance of layered two-dimensional materials under doping engineering

In recent years, doping engineering, which is widely studied in theoretical and experimental research, is an effective means to regulate the crystal structure and physical properties of two-dimensional materials and expand their application potential. Based on different types of element dopings, different 2D materials show different properties and applications. In this paper, the characteristics and performance of rich layered 2D materials under different types of doped elements are comprehensively reviewed. Firstly, 2D materials are classified according to their crystal structures. Secondly, conventional experimental methods of charge doping and heterogeneous atom substitution doping are summarized. Finally, on the basis of various theoretical research results, the properties of several typical 2D material representatives under charge doping and different kinds of atom substitution doping as well as the inspiration and expansion of doping systems for the development of related fields are discussed. Through this review, researchers can fully understand and grasp the regulation rules of different doping engineering on the properties of layered 2D materials with different crystal structures. It provides theoretical guidance for further improving and optimizing the physical properties of 2D materials, improving and enriching the relevant experimental research and device application development.

Phosphorous- and Boron-Doped Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Energy-Related Applications

Doping is a great strategy for tuning the characteristics of graphene-based nanomaterials. Phosphorous has a higher electronegativity as compared to carbon, whereas boron can induce p-type conductivity in graphene. This review provides insight into the different synthesis routes of phosphorous- and boron-doped graphene along with their applications in supercapacitors, lithium- ions batteries, and cells such as solar and fuel cells. The two major approaches for the synthesis, viz. direct and post-treatment methods, are discussed in detail. The former synthetic strategies include ball milling and chemical vapor discharge approaches, whereas self-assembly, thermal annealing, arc-discharge, wet chemical, and electrochemical erosion are representative post-treatment methods. The latter techniques keep the original graphene structure via more surface doping than substitutional doping. As a result, it is possible to preserve the features of the graphene while offering a straightforward handling technique that is more stable and controllable than direct techniques. This review also explains the latest progress in the prospective uses of graphene doped with phosphorous and boron for electronic devices, i.e., fuel and solar cells, supercapacitors, and batteries. Their novel energy-related applications will continue to be a promising area of study.

N-doped graphene for electrocatalytic O2 and CO2 reduction

The electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are important approaches to realize energy conversion and sustainable development. However, sluggish reaction kinetics severely hinders the practical application of devices related to these reactions. N-doped graphene (NG) with unique properties exhibits great potential in catalyzing the CO₂RR and ORR, which is attributed to the electron redistribution. In this review, we start from the fundamental properties of NG, especially emphasizing the changes caused by N doping. Then the synthetic methods are summarized by classifying them into top-down strategies and bottom-up strategies. Subsequently, the applications of NG in the ORR and CO₂RR are discussed and the effects of electronic structure on the electrocatalytic activity are highlighted. Finally, we give our own perspective on the future research direction of NG in the applications of the ORR and CO₂RR.

Solid Base Assisted Dual-Promoted Heterogeneous Conversion of PVC to Metal-Free Porous Carbon Catalyst

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used in daily life, but its waste has become a serious environmental problem. A solid base assisted low-temperature solvothermal dehalogenation was developed in this work to sustainably and efficiently transform PVC into high-value dimethylamine hydrochloride (DMACl) chemical and N,O co-doped carbon monolith with hierarchically porous structure. The synergistic promotion of solid-base catalyst and solvent decomposition with the removal of HCl can shift forward the chemical equilibrium to promote the dechlorination of PVC and increase the carbon yield. Meanwhile, the solid-base catalyst can also act as a pore-forming additive to fabricate the carbon monolith with hierarchical pores. Induced by the high specific surface area, hierarchical pores and N,O co-doped structure, the generated carbon monolith exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance towards H₂ evolution. These discoveries shed light on the design of synergistically coupled solvent and solid catalyst to promote the heterogeneous conversion of waste chlorinated plastics into high-value chemicals for a sustainable future.

Structural and Chemical Peculiarities of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Grown Using Direct Microwave Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is an attractive technique which allows graphene with simultaneous heteroatom doping to be synthesized. In most cases, graphene is grown on a catalyst, followed by the subsequent transfer process. The latter is responsible for the degradation of the carrier mobility and conductivity of graphene due to the presence of the absorbants and transfer-related defects. Here, we report the catalyst-less and transfer-less synthesis of graphene with simultaneous nitrogen doping in a single step at a reduced temperature (700 °C) via the use of direct microwave plasma-enhanced CVD. By varying nitrogen flow rate, we explored the resultant structural and chemical properties of nitrogen-doped graphene. Atomic force microscopy revealed a more distorted growth process of graphene structure with the introduction of nitrogen gas—the root mean square roughness increased from 0.49 ± 0.2 nm to 2.32 ± 0.2 nm. Raman spectroscopy indicated that nitrogen-doped, multilayer graphene structures were produced using this method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the incorporation of pure pyridinic N dopants into the graphene structure with a nitrogen concentration up to 2.08 at.%.

Boron-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-doped graphene for environmental applications

The control of environmental pollutants is a global concern. Recently, heteroatom-doped graphene has drawn increasing attention due to their widespread applications in removing and detecting environmental pollutants. Owing to the introduction of heteroatoms into pristine graphene, the properties of heteroatom-doped graphene have been significantly enhanced in physic, chemistry, and biology. This review focuses on the approaches for synthesis and characterization of boron-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-doped graphene and their applications in the fields of adsorption, catalysis, and detection for environmental pollutants. The mechanisms of environmental applications, including π-π interactions, complexation, hydrophobic interactions, electronic conductivity, and active sites and reactive radicals, are elaborated. Furthermore, the challenges associated with the use of heteroatom-doped graphene materials and their prospective applications are also proposed.

Ornamental morphology of ionic liquid functionalized ternary doped N, P, F and N, B, F-reduced graphene oxide and their prevention activities of bacterial biofilm-associated with orthopedic implantation

The multifunctional biological active material design for bone tissue engineering is essential to induce osteoblast cell proliferation and attachment. Adhesion of bacteria on biomaterials to produce biofilms can be major contributors to the pathogenesis of implant material associated infections. This research work focuses on NPF& NBF elemental doping and functionalization of reduced graphene oxide using an imidazolium-based ionic liquid such as BMIM PF₆ and BMIM BF₄ by hydrothermal method. The resulting tri doped reduced graphene oxide (NPF-rGO and NBF-rGO) composite was further used as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering and anti-biofilm activities. The observation of the effect of NPF-rGO and NBF-rGO on the morphology, adhesion and cell proliferation of HOS cell was investigated. Moreover, the tri doped composite tested its antibiofilm properties against B. subtilis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa pathogenic bacteria. In-vitro studies clearly show the effectiveness of N, P, B, and F doping promoting the rGO mineralization, biocompatibility, and destruction of bacterial biofilm formation. The result of this study suggests that NPF-rGO and NBF-rGO hybrid material will be a promising scaffold for bone reaeration and implantation with a minimal bacterial infection.

Catalysis with Two-Dimensional Materials Confining Single Atoms: Concept, Design, and Applications

Two-dimensional materials and single-atom catalysts are two frontier research fields in catalysis. A new category of catalysts with the integration of both aspects has been rapidly developed in recent years, and significant advantages were established to make it an independent research field. In this Review, we will focus on the concept of two-dimensional materials confining single atoms for catalysis. The new electronic states via the integration lead to their mutual benefits in activity, that is, two-dimensional materials with unique geometric and electronic structures can modulate the catalytic performance of the confined single atoms, and in other cases the confined single atoms can in turn affect the intrinsic activity of two-dimensional materials. Three typical two-dimensional materials are mainly involved here, i.e., graphene, g-C₃N₄, and MoS₂, and the confined single atoms include both metal and nonmetal atoms. First, we systematically introduce and discuss the classic synthesis methods, advanced characterization techniques, and various catalytic applications toward two-dimensional materials confining single-atom catalysts. Finally, the opportunities and challenges in this emerging field are featured on the basis of its current development.

Modulating the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene

Graphene, an sp²hybridized single sheet of carbon atoms organized in a honeycomb lattice, is a zero band gap semiconductor or semimetal.

Conductive Boron-Doped Graphene as an Ideal Material for Electrocatalytically Switchable and High-Capacity Hydrogen Storage

Electrocatalytic, switchable hydrogen storage promises both tunable kinetics and facile reversibility without the need for specific catalysts. The feasibility of this approach relies on having materials that are easy to synthesize, possessing good electrical conductivities. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₄N₃) has been predicted to display charge-responsive binding with molecular hydrogen-the only such conductive sorbent material that has been discovered to date. As yet, however, this conductive variant of graphitic carbon nitride is not readily synthesized by scalable methods. Here, we examine the possibility of conductive and easily synthesized boron-doped graphene nanosheets (B-doped graphene) as sorbent materials for practical applications of electrocatalytically switchable hydrogen storage. Using first-principle calculations, we find that the adsorption energy of H₂ molecules on B-doped graphene can be dramatically enhanced by removing electrons from and thereby positively charging the adsorbent. Thus, by controlling charge injected or depleted from the adsorbent, one can effectively tune the storage/release processes which occur spontaneously without any energy barriers. At full hydrogen coverage, the positively charged BC₅ achieves high storage capacities up to 5.3 wt %. Importantly, B-doped graphene, such as BC₄₉, BC₇, and BC₅, have good electrical conductivity and can be easily synthesized by scalable methods, which positions this class of material as a very good candidate for charge injection/release. These predictions pave the route for practical implementation of electrocatalytic systems with switchable storage/release capacities that offer high capacity for hydrogen storage.

Boron-doped nanographene: Lewis acidity, redox properties, and battery electrode performance

The impact of boron doping on the nature of nanographene was investigated at the molecular level in terms of chemical adsorption with various Lewis bases, spin multiplicity of the two electron-reduced species, and performance as a battery electrode.

The preparation of boron-doped nanocarbon scaffolds with well-defined structures is important for the understanding of the impact of boron doping on their properties and behavior at the molecular level. We recently succeeded in the synthesis of a structurally well-defined nanographene molecule, bearing two boron atoms at the central positions. In this study, the characteristic properties and functions of this boron-doped nanographene were investigated in terms of (1) Lewis acidity, (2) redox properties, and (3) electrode performance in a battery. This boron-doped nanographene was susceptible to chemical adsorption with various Lewis bases, resulting in significant changes in the absorption and fluorescence properties, as well as in the conformation of the honeycomb framework. The two-electron reduction of this boron-doped nanographene produced a dianionic species that showed a substantial biradical character with a triplet ground state. A Li battery electrode, composed of a boron-doped nanographene with small peripheral substituents, displayed a stable performance in the 1.5–4.0 V range with a first discharge capacity of 160 mA h g^–1. These results provide important insights into the effect of boron doping on nanocarbon compounds.

Solvothermally synthesized graphene nanosheets supporting spinel NiFe2O4 nanoparticles as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

Solvothermally synthesized graphene nanosheets supporting spinel NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles was prepared under hydrothermal treatment, exhibiting both excellent activity for oxygen reduction and superior long-term durability to commercial Pt/C.

A low temperature bottom-up approach for the synthesis of few layered graphene nanosheets via C–C bond formation using a modified Ullmann reaction

A low temperature, single-pot, bottom-up approach for the synthesis of few layered graphene sheets using the modified Ullmann reaction is reported.

Heteroatom substituted and decorated graphene: preparation and applications

The electronic structure and surface chemistry of graphene can be tuned subtly by doping with heteroatoms, which induces unique applications.

25th anniversary article: Chemically modified/doped carbon nanotubes & graphene for optimized nanostructures & nanodevices

Outstanding pristine properties of carbon nanotubes and graphene have limited the scope for real-life applications without precise controllability of the material structures and properties. This invited article to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Advanced Materials reviews the current research status in the chemical modification/doping of carbon nanotubes and graphene and their relevant applications with optimized structures and properties. A broad aspect of specific correlations between chemical modification/doping schemes of the graphitic carbons with their novel tunable material properties is summarized. An overview of the practical benefits from chemical modification/doping, including the controllability of electronic energy level, charge carrier density, surface energy and surface reactivity for diverse advanced applications is presented, namely flexible electronics/optoelectronics, energy conversion/storage, nanocomposites, and environmental remediation, with a particular emphasis on their optimized interfacial structures and properties. Future research direction is also proposed to surpass existing technological bottlenecks and realize idealized graphitic carbon applications.

Heteroatom-doped graphene materials: syntheses, properties and applications

Heteroatom doping endows graphene with new or improved properties and greatly enhances its potential for various applications.

Effects of silicon dioxide surface roughness on Raman characteristics and mechanical properties of graphene

The effects of the surface roughness of a silicon dioxide substrate on the mechanical properties and Raman scattering of graphene prepared by chemical vapor deposition were investigated.

Generation of B-doped graphene nanoplatelets using a solution process and their supercapacitor applications

Chemically modified graphene (CMG) nanoplatelets have shown great promise in various applications due to their electrical properties and high surface area. Chemical doping is one of the most effective methods to tune the electronic properties of graphene materials. In this work, novel B-doped nanoplatelets (borane-reduced graphene oxide, B-rG-O) were produced on a large scale via the reduction of graphene oxide by a borane-tetrahydrofuran adduct under reflux, and their use for supercapacitor electrodes was studied. This is the first report on the production of B-doped graphene nanoplatelets from a solution process and on the use of B-doped graphene materials in supercapacitors. The B-rG-O had a high specific surface area of 466 m(2)/g and showed excellent supercapacitor performance including a high specific capacitance of 200 F/g in aqueous electrolyte as well as superior surface area-normalized capacitance to typical carbon-based supercapacitor materials and good stability after 4500 cycles. Two- and three-electrode cell measurements showed that energy storage in the B-rG-O supercapacitors was contributed by ion adsorption on the surface of the nanoplatelets in addition to electrochemical redox reactions.