Correction: A butterfly shaped organic heterojunction photocatalyst for effective photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Correction for ‘A butterfly shaped organic heterojunction photocatalyst for effective photocatalytic CO2 reduction’ by Asif Hayat et al., CrystEngComm, 2021, 23, 4963–4974, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE00405K.

Impact of Hybrid Fillers on the Properties of High Density Polyethylene Based Composites

The main objective of this work is to develop a variety of hybrid high-density polyethylene (HDPE) micro- and nanocomposites and to investigate their thermal, mechanical, and morphological characteristics as a function of number of fillers and their contents percentage. In this study, 21 formulations of the composites were prepared using fillers with different sizes including micro fillers such as talc, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), as well as nano-filler (fumed silica (FS)) though the melt blending technique. The morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composite samples were evaluated. The morphological study revealed negligible filler agglomerates, good matrix–filler interfacial bonding in case of combined both CaCO₃ and FS into the composites. Sequentially, improvements in tensile, flexural and Izod impact strengths as a function of fillers loading in the HDPE matrix have been reported. The maximum enhancement (%) of tensile, flexural and impact strengths were 127%, 86% and 16.6%, respectively, for composites containing 25% CaCO₃ and 1% FS without any inclusion of talc filler; this indicates that the types/nature, size, quantity and dispersion status of fillers are playing a major role in the mechanical properties of the prepared composites more than the number of the used fillers.

Recent Advancement of the Current Aspects of g-C3 N4 for its Photocatalytic Applications in Sustainable Energy System

Being one of the foremost enticing and intriguing innovations, heterogeneous photocatalysis has also been used to effectively gather, transform, and conserve sustainable sun's radiation for the production of efficient and clean fossil energy as well as a wide range of ecological implications. The generation of solar fuel-based water splitting and CO₂ photoreduction is excellent for generating alternative resources and reducing global warming. Developing an inexpensive photocatalyst can effectively split water into hydrogen (H₂ ), oxygen (O₂ ) sources, and carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) into fuel sources, which is a crucial problem in photocatalysis. The metal-free g-C₃ N₄ photocatalyst has a high solar fuel generation potential. This review covers the most recent advancements in g-C₃ N₄ preparation, including innovative design concepts and new synthesis methods, and novel ideas for expanding the light absorption of pure g-C₃ N₄ for photocatalytic application. Similarly, the main issue concerning research and prospects in photocatalysts based g-C₃ N₄ was also discussed. The current dissertation provides an overview of comprehensive understanding of the exploitation of the extraordinary systemic and characteristics, as well as the fabrication processes and uses of g-C₃ N₄ .

Enhancing the Performance of a Metal-Free Self-Supported Carbon Felt-Based Supercapacitor with Facile Two-Step Electrochemical Activation

Carbon felt (CF) is an inexpensive carbon-based material that is highly conductive and features extraordinary inherent surface area. Using such a metal-free, low-cost material for energy storage applications can benefit their practical implementation; however, only limited success has been achieved using metal-free CF for supercapacitor electrodes. This work thoroughly studies a cost-effective and simple method for activating metal-free self-supported carbon felt. As-received CF samples were first chemically modified with an acidic mixture, then put through a time optimization two-step electrochemical treatment in inorganic salts. The initial oxidative exfoliation process enhances the fiber's surface area and ultimately introduced oxygen functional groups to the surface, whereas the subsequent reduction process substantially improved the conductivity. We achieved a 205-fold enhancement of capacitance over the as-received CF, with a maximum specific capacitance of 205 Fg-1, while using a charging current density of 23 mAg-1. Additionally, we obtained a remarkable capacitance retention of 78% upon increasing the charging current from 0.4 to 1 Ag-1. Finally, the cyclic stability reached 87% capacitance retention after 2500 cycles. These results demonstrate the potential utility of electrochemically activated CF electrodes in supercapacitor devices.

Stable and reusable Ni-based nanoparticles for general and selective hydrogenation of nitriles to amines

Silica supported ultrasmall Ni-nanoparticles allow for general and selective hydrogenation of all kinds of nitriles to primary amines under mild conditions. By calcination of a template material generated from Ni(ii)nitrate and colloidal silica under air and subsequent reduction in the presence of molecular hydrogen the optimal catalyst is prepared. The prepared supported nanoparticles are stable, can be conveniently used and easily recycled. The applicability of the optimal catalyst material is shown by hydrogenation of >110 diverse aliphatic and aromatic nitriles including functionalized and industrially relevant substrates. Challenging heterocyclic nitriles, specifically cyanopyridines, provided the corresponding primary amines in good to excellent yields. The resulting amines serve as important precursors and intermediates for the preparation of numerous life science products and polymers.

Silica supported ultrasmall Ni-nanoparticles allow for general and selective hydrogenations of all kinds of nitriles to primary amines under mild conditions.

Comprehensive Review of the Properties and Modifications of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers are considered a promising composite for many industrial applications including in the automation, renewable energy, and aerospace industries. They exhibit exceptional properties such as a high strength-to-weight ratio and high wear resistance and stiffness, which give them an advantage over other conventional materials such as metals. Various polymers can be used as matrices such as thermosetting, thermoplastic, and elastomers polymers. This comprehensive review focuses on carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymers due to the advantages of thermoplastic compared to thermosetting and elastomer polymers. These advantages include recyclability, ease of processability, flexibility, and shorter production time. The related properties such as strength, modulus, thermal conductivity, and stability, as well as electrical conductivity, are discussed in depth. Additionally, the modification techniques of the surface of carbon fiber, including the chemical and physical methods, are thoroughly explored. Overall, this review represents and summarizes the future prospective and research developments carried out on carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymers.

A butterfly shaped organic heterojunction photocatalyst for effective photocatalytic CO2 reduction

The modification of carbon nitride (CN) for visible light photocatalytic CO₂ reduction is an important issue to explore in the context of energy and environmental challenges.