High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites

A special issue of C (ISSN 2311-5629). This special issue belongs to the section "Carbon Materials and Carbon Allotropes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2024 | Viewed by 17295

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
Interests: graphite blocks; diamond coatings; C/C composites; SiC/Cf composites; SiC/SiCf composites; copper/Cf composites; aluminum/SiCf composites
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

C-Journal of Carbon Research is an international multidisciplinary forum for communicating scientific advances in the field of carbon materials and reporting new, relevant, and significant findings related to the formation, structure, properties, behaviors, and technological applications of carbons. High-Performance Carbon Materials are broadly being applied in biology and medicine; electronic, optoelectronic, energy storage, and conversion systems; environmental applications and water treatment; smart materials and systems; and structural and thermal applications for nuclear reactor, the photovoltaic industry, the semiconductor industry, the aerospace industry, carbide tool, etc. These materials can be either synthetic or of natural origin, and may include, but are not limited to: carbon black, carbon fibers and filaments, carbon nanotubes, diamond and diamond-like carbon, glassy carbon, nano-pore graphite blocks, C-Cf/SiCf composites, ceramic-Cf/SiCf composites, metal-Cf/SiCf composites, and resin-Cf/SiCf composites, as well as all kinds of other carbon-based coatings and other sp2- and non-sp2-hybridized carbon systems. Carbide or carbon materials with low density, high strength performance, high thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity, excellent sealing/wear-resisting performance, etc., are all encouraged.

Dr. Jinliang Song
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • carbon
  • graphite
  • diamond
  • composites
  • coatings
  • preparation
  • high performance

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4153 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Tetracycline Removal from Water through Synergistic Adsorption and Photodegradation Using Lignocellulose-Derived Hydrothermal Carbonation Carbon
by Yanchi Zhou, Xingdi Ma, Zhonglin Chen, Ruihang Chen, Yingxu Gong, Lei Cui, Jing Kang, Jimin Shen, Shengxin Zhao and Chen Li
C 2024, 10(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030075 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1030
Abstract
Hydrothermal carbonation carbon (HTCC) is emerging as a promising material for the adsorption and photodegradation of environmental contaminants. However, the chemical and structural properties of HTCC derived from different lignocellulose biomass have obvious impacts on adsorption and photodegradation. This work employed three different [...] Read more.
Hydrothermal carbonation carbon (HTCC) is emerging as a promising material for the adsorption and photodegradation of environmental contaminants. However, the chemical and structural properties of HTCC derived from different lignocellulose biomass have obvious impacts on adsorption and photodegradation. This work employed three different lignocellulose components, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin to synthesize HTCC within a hydrothermal temperature range of 210~290 °C. In comparison to HTCC derived from cellulose and hemicellulose, HTCC derived from lignin (HTCC-L) demonstrated the optimal synergistic adsorption and photodegradation ability for TC degradation, achieving a 63.5% removal efficiency within 120 min. Characterization highlighted the crucial involvement of oxygenated functional groups, especially carboxyl groups, presented on the surface of HTCC-L in TC adsorption. Moreover, the photodegradation of HTCC-L was found to follow a non-radical mechanism, characterized by the charge transformation occurring between the excited unpaired electrons of HTCC-L and TC adsorbed on its surface. This work clarified the differences in HTCC derived from different lignocellulose components on the adsorption and photodegradation of organic pollutants, and provided a novel perspective on the application of HTCC in water treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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16 pages, 11322 KiB  
Article
In Situ Processing to Achieve High-Performance Epoxy Nanocomposites with Low Graphene Oxide Loading
by Miraidin Mirzapour, Mathieu Robert and Brahim Benmokrane
C 2024, 10(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020052 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1181
Abstract
Modifying the polymer matrix by nanoparticles can be a promising approach to improve the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Organic solvents are usually used for dispersing graphene oxide (GO) well in the polymer matrix. In this study, a green, facile, and efficient [...] Read more.
Modifying the polymer matrix by nanoparticles can be a promising approach to improve the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Organic solvents are usually used for dispersing graphene oxide (GO) well in the polymer matrix. In this study, a green, facile, and efficient approach was developed to prepare epoxy/GO nanocomposites. In situ polymerization is used for synthesizing nanocomposites, eliminating the need for organic solvents and surfactants. By loading just 0.6 wt% of GO into the epoxy resin, Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and toughness improved by 38%, 46%, and 143%, respectively. Fractography analysis indicates smooth fracture surfaces of pure resin that changed to highly toughened fracture surfaces in this nanocomposite. Plastic deformation, crack pinning, and deflection contributed to improving the toughness of the nanocomposites. FTIR investigations show that amide bonding was created by the reaction of the carboxylic acid groups in GO with some amine groups in the curing agent during the dispersion processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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11 pages, 3718 KiB  
Article
Effect of Hybridization of Carbon Fibers on Mechanical Properties of Cellulose Fiber–Cement Composites: A Response Surface Methodology Study
by Gabriel L. Insaurriaga, Cristian C. Gomes, Felipe V. Ribeiro, Gustavo L. Calegaro, Thamires A. Silveira, Lóren F. Cruz, Joziel A. Cruz, Sandro C. Amico and Rafael A. Delucis
C 2024, 10(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020041 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1838
Abstract
Fiber-reinforced cement composites, particularly those incorporating natural fibers like cellulose, have gained attention for their potential towards more sustainable construction. However, natural fibers present inherent deficiencies in mechanical properties and can benefit from hybridization with carbon fibers. This study focuses on the incorporation [...] Read more.
Fiber-reinforced cement composites, particularly those incorporating natural fibers like cellulose, have gained attention for their potential towards more sustainable construction. However, natural fibers present inherent deficiencies in mechanical properties and can benefit from hybridization with carbon fibers. This study focuses on the incorporation of cellulose and carbon fibers, in varying contents, into fibrocement composites, employing a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize the material characteristics. The methodology involves testing, encompassing flexural tensile, compression, and fracture toughness tests. The results indicate an increasing trend in flexural strength for higher carbon fiber content, peaking near 5%. A plateau in flexural strength is observed between 1.2% and 3.6% carbon fiber content, suggesting a range where mechanical properties stabilize. Compressive strength shows a plateau between 1.2 and 3.6% and reaches its highest value (≈33 MPa) at a carbon fiber content greater than 4.8%, and fracture toughness above 320 MPa·m1/2 is achieved with carbon fiber content above 3.6%. This study offers insights into optimizing the synergistic effects of cellulose and carbon fibers in fibrocement composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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20 pages, 5973 KiB  
Article
Date Palm Leaflet-Derived Carbon Microspheres Activated Using Phosphoric Acid for Efficient Lead (II) Adsorption
by Saeed Alhawtali, Mohanad El-Harbawi, Lahssen El Blidi, Maher M. Alrashed, Abdulrahman Alzobidi and Chun-Yang Yin
C 2024, 10(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10010026 - 12 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2142
Abstract
The removal of lead metals from wastewater was carried out with carbon microspheres (CMs) prepared from date palm leaflets using a hydrothermal carbonization process (HTC). The prepared CMs were subsequently activated with phosphoric acid using the incipient wetness impregnation method. The prepared sample [...] Read more.
The removal of lead metals from wastewater was carried out with carbon microspheres (CMs) prepared from date palm leaflets using a hydrothermal carbonization process (HTC). The prepared CMs were subsequently activated with phosphoric acid using the incipient wetness impregnation method. The prepared sample had a low Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface area of 2.21 m2·g−1, which increased substantially to 808 m2·g−1 after the activation process. Various characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, BET analysis, Fourier transform infrared, and elemental analysis (CHNS), were used to evaluate the morphological structure and physico-chemical properties of the CMs before and after activation. The increase in surface area is an indicator of the activation process, which enhances the absorption properties of the material. The results demonstrated that the activated CMs had a notable adsorption capacity, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 136 mg·g−1 for lead (II) ions. This finding suggests that the activated CMs are highly effective in removing lead pollutants from water. This research underscores the promise of utilizing activated carbon materials extracted from palm leaflets as an eco-friendly method with high potential for water purification, specifically in eliminating heavy metal pollutants, particularly lead (II), contributing to sustainability through biomass reuse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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17 pages, 6325 KiB  
Article
Manufacturing Carbon Fiber Using Alberta Oilsands Asphaltene with Microwave Plasma Assistance
by Lin Ge, Sharath Chandra, Talha Zafar and Simon S. Park
C 2024, 10(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10010001 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2100
Abstract
The considerable expenses associated with carbon fiber (CF) production have imposed limitations on its widespread application across diverse industries, primarily due to the costs of precursor materials and energy−intensive post−treatment procedures. This research explores the potential utilization of Alberta oilsands asphaltenes (AOAs), a [...] Read more.
The considerable expenses associated with carbon fiber (CF) production have imposed limitations on its widespread application across diverse industries, primarily due to the costs of precursor materials and energy−intensive post−treatment procedures. This research explores the potential utilization of Alberta oilsands asphaltenes (AOAs), a carbon−rich by−product derived from oilsands extraction, as a more cost−effective precursor for CF production. Polystyrene and poly(styrene–butadiene–styrene) were also used as polymer additives. In addition to conventional thermal post−treatment, microwave plasma was employed for the carbonization process. The CFs generated through this approach were subjected to a comprehensive analysis involving SEM, FTIR, TGA, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The best tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the AOA carbon fibers when using conventional thermal post−treatment were 600 MPa and 70 GPa, respectively. The microwave plasma process indicates the higher temperature and promise of eliminating heteroatoms of AOA carbon fibers. The temperature for microwave plasma modelling was set using COMSOLTM, with the modelling temperature and detection temperature being established at 1600 K and 1568 K, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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11 pages, 19089 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Carbon Nanotubes Derived from Waste Tire Pyrolytic Carbon and Their Application in the Dehydrogenation of Methylcyclohexane to Produce Hydrogen
by Hongli Ye, Shuangxi Liu, Dongmei Huang, Chaojun Jiang, Rui Yuan and Cui Zhang
C 2023, 9(4), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/c9040121 - 16 Dec 2023
Viewed by 2027
Abstract
The accumulation of waste tires has resulted in very urgent environmental problems. Pyrolysis has been regarded as a green eco-friendly technology to deal with waste tires, and it is vital to make use of the pyrolysis carbon. Herein, we propose a new way [...] Read more.
The accumulation of waste tires has resulted in very urgent environmental problems. Pyrolysis has been regarded as a green eco-friendly technology to deal with waste tires, and it is vital to make use of the pyrolysis carbon. Herein, we propose a new way to utilize pyrolysis carbon, to prepare carbon nanotubes with the help of ferrocene. The optimal preparation processes were determined by optimizing the parameters including the solvent, temperature, time, etc. The results of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy evidenced the successful formation of carbon nanotubes. Meanwhile, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and N2-adsorption showed that the yielded carbon nanotubes featured a large surface area and abundant pore structure in comparison with the pyrolytic carbon. Finally, the as-prepared carbon nanotubes were applied as the supports for Pt-based catalysts for the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane to produce hydrogen. The results showed that the Pt/carbon-nanotubes catalyst exhibited the highest conversion of methylcyclohexane (28.6%), stability, and hydrogen evolution rate (336.9 mmol/gPt/min) compared to the resulting Pt/commercial-activated-carbon (13.6% and 160.2 mmol/gPt/min) and Pt/pyrolytic-carbon catalysts (0.19% and 2.23 mmol/gPt/min). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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13 pages, 5253 KiB  
Article
Measurement of the Diffusion Coefficient of Xenon in Self-Sintered Nanopore Graphite for Molten Salt Reactor
by Pengda Li, Qiantao Lei, Heyao Zhang, Mingbo Qi, Jinliang Song, Pengfei Lian, Jinxing Cheng, Qingbo Wang, Zhongfeng Tang and Zhanjun Liu
C 2023, 9(4), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/c9040113 - 22 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2008
Abstract
The economics and safety of reactors can be affected by the diffusion of fission products into graphite. Xenon (Xe) fission products diffusing into graphite is the most critical neutron absorber and poison that can slow down or stop the chain reaction. The transport [...] Read more.
The economics and safety of reactors can be affected by the diffusion of fission products into graphite. Xenon (Xe) fission products diffusing into graphite is the most critical neutron absorber and poison that can slow down or stop the chain reaction. The transport parameters for inhibiting the xenon diffusion in graphite are therefore an important scientific problem. Self-sintered nanopore-isotropic (~40 nm) graphite (SSNG) derived from green pitch coke can decrease Xe diffusion into graphite. In this study, the surface morphology and microstructural evolution in graphite before and after irradiation, as well as after annealing, were studied with different characterization methods. A method for the measurement of diffusion coefficients of fission products’ diffusion in graphite using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) was also reported. The SSNG substrates were implanted with Xe at a dose of 4.8 × 1015 ions/cm2 and energy of 7 MeV. The RT-implanted samples were annealed in a vacuum at 650 °C for 9 h. The implanted and annealed samples were characterized using RBS. The diffusion coefficient D (Xe, 650 °C) was 6.49 × 10−20 m2/s. The results indicate SSNG’s excellent ability to inhibit Xe diffusion and are significant for designing and evaluating the safety of nuclear reactors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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Review

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36 pages, 2740 KiB  
Review
Harnessing Activated Hydrochars: A Novel Approach for Pharmaceutical Contaminant Removal
by Manish Kumar Gautam, Tamal Mondal, Rupashri Nath, Bidhan Mahajon, Mukesh Chincholikar, Anirbandeep Bose, Dibya Das, Rakesh Das and Sandip Mondal
C 2024, 10(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10010008 - 8 Jan 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3120
Abstract
Water contamination is a pervasive global crisis, affecting over 2 billion people worldwide, with pharmaceutical contaminants emerging as a significant concern due to their persistence and mobility in aquatic ecosystems. This review explores the potential of activated hydrochars, sustainable materials produced through biomass [...] Read more.
Water contamination is a pervasive global crisis, affecting over 2 billion people worldwide, with pharmaceutical contaminants emerging as a significant concern due to their persistence and mobility in aquatic ecosystems. This review explores the potential of activated hydrochars, sustainable materials produced through biomass pyrolysis, to revolutionize the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from water sources. These materials possess high surface area, porous structure, and exceptional adsorption capabilities, making them a promising solution. The impact of pharmaceutical contaminants on aquatic ecosystems and human health is far-reaching, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and public health. To address this complex issue, a diverse range of techniques, including adsorption, biodegradation, and advanced oxidation processes, are employed in the pharmaceutical industry. Activated hydrochars offer substantial adsorption capacity, sustainable feedstock origins, and a minimal carbon footprint. This review highlights their potential in pharmaceutical contaminant removal and their broader applications in improving soil and air quality, resource recovery, and sustainable waste management. Interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of intelligent treatment systems are essential to fully unlock the potential of activated hydrochars. Regulatory support and policy frameworks will facilitate their responsible and widespread application, promising a cleaner and more sustainable future. This paper aims to inform scientists, environmental experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders about the promising role of activated hydrochars in addressing pharmaceutical contaminant challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Carbon Materials and Their Composites)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Diamond Betavoltaic Batteries for Nanoelectronic Devices
Author: Zulkharnay
Highlights: - The MiP structure was fabricated in order to maximise the number of secondary electrons generated within the device; - Ni-63 was chosen as the beta source as this is a pure beta-emitter with long half life; - Two-differently constructed devices were able to be electrically tested as a standalone battery.

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