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J. Compos. Sci.
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Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications
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Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2021) | Viewed by 25151

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Kumud Malika Tripathi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Bio-nanotechnology, Gachon University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
2. Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Visakhapatnam, India
Interests: green nano-carbons; water splitting; photocatalysis; supercapacitors; quantum resistive sensors; self-recharge power units

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rising population and technological advancements are continuously increasing concerns for energy demands and associated environmental concerns. Thus, there is a critical need to develop advanced materials and technologies to address energy and environmental issues. Worldwide efforts to attempt to synthesize nanocomposites are regarded as an appreciative approach to fostering their application in diverse fields, including energy storage devices, energy harvesting devices, photocatalysis, environmental monitoring, and environmental remediation. Environmentally benign synthesis and utilization of waste materials/pollutants and soot/organic biomass with mass production offer multifunctional composite nanostructures with extraordinary properties towards industrial utilization. This Special Issue on “Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications” covers the synthesis, characterization, and applications of various composite nanostructures in energy and environment fields. This Special Issue has been conceptualized to highlights some of the advances in the field. We invite authors to contribute their original high-quality research papers as well as review articles for this Special Issue.

Dr. Kumud Malika Tripathi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Composites Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Nanocomposites
  • Nanocomposites for energy storage applications
  • Nanocomposites for environment monitoring
  • Nanocomposites for environment remediation
  • Nanocomposites in agriculture
  • Nanocomposites for energy harvesting
  • Nanocomposites for water splitting
  • Nanocomposites in water purification
  • Nanocomposite-based photocatalysis

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 8177 KiB  
Article
In Situ Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Efficacy of Silver-Enhanced MXene and Graphene Nanocomposites
by Kishore Chand, M. Mustafa Azeem, Muhammad Nazim Lakhan, Mukhtiar Ahmed, Muhammad Jehanzaib Aslam and Ahmer Hussain Shah
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(7), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8070243 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1441
Abstract
The emergence of 2D materials has significantly expanded the wide range of nanomaterials with diverse applications. Notably, their high conductivity, catalytic efficiency, and hydrophobicity have fueled heightened research interests for water treatment applications. This research aimed to investigate the synthesis and characterization of [...] Read more.
The emergence of 2D materials has significantly expanded the wide range of nanomaterials with diverse applications. Notably, their high conductivity, catalytic efficiency, and hydrophobicity have fueled heightened research interests for water treatment applications. This research aimed to investigate the synthesis and characterization of MXene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites with silver nanoparticles (Ag) for enhanced catalytic activity in the decomposition of Direct Blue-24 dye. In this study, we employed well-established methods, previously documented in the literature, to prepare two distinct nanocomposites. Novel nanocomposites, namely reduced graphene oxide–silver nanoparticles (rGO–Ag) and MXene–silver nanoparticles (MXene–Ag), were synthesized using the hydrothermal and direct reduction method with an ammoniacal solution (aqueous solution). Comprehensive characterization using advanced tools revealed that the introduced Ag particles integrated seamlessly onto the parent nanofilms of the Carbon derivatives, forming a secondary phase with enhanced catalytic functionality. These nanocomposites demonstrated significant improvements in the catalytic decomposition reactions in simulated wastewater. Verification involved the reduction reaction of Direct Blue-24 dye at known nanocomposite concentrations. The results indicated that MXene–Ag exhibited a superior catalytic activity of 98% in 10 min compared to the rGO–Ag nanocomposite films, which achieved 96% in 35 min. The results indicated that MXene–Ag nanocomposites exhibited a 20–25% increase in catalytic efficiency compared to the rGO–Ag nanocomposites. The outcomes of this research hold promise for practical applications in textile wastewater management and various industrial sectors dealing with mutagenic and carcinogenic chemicals containing azo and/or phthalocyanine products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications)
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11 pages, 2076 KiB  
Article
Conductive Oxides for Formulating Mitigated-Sensitivity Energetic Composite Materials
by Pierre Gibot, Estelle Puel, Bastien Lallemand and Franck Oudot
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(6), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6060174 - 14 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1599
Abstract
Composite energetic nanomaterials, otherwise known as nanothermites, consist of physical mixtures of fuel and oxidizer nanoparticles. When a combustion reaction takes place between both components, extremely impressive conditions are created, such as high temperatures (>1000 °C), intense heat releases (>kJ/cm3), and [...] Read more.
Composite energetic nanomaterials, otherwise known as nanothermites, consist of physical mixtures of fuel and oxidizer nanoparticles. When a combustion reaction takes place between both components, extremely impressive conditions are created, such as high temperatures (>1000 °C), intense heat releases (>kJ/cm3), and sometimes gas generation. These conditions can be adjusted by modifying the chemical nature of both reactants. However, these energetic composites are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge. This may lead to accidental ignitions during handling and transportation operations. This study examines the use of a n-type semiconductor ITO material as an alternative oxidizer combined with aluminum fuel. Indium tin oxide (ITO) ceramic is widely used in the elaboration of conducting coatings for antistatic applications because of its ability to conduct electrical charges (n-type semiconductor). The energetic performance of the Al/ITO thermite was determined, i.e., the sensitivity threshold regarding mechanical (impact and friction) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) stresses, as well as the reactive behavior (heat of reaction, combustion front velocity). The results demonstrate insensitivity toward mechanical stresses regardless of the ITO granulometry. As regards the spark sensitivity, using ITO microparticles considerably raises the sensitivity threshold value (<0.21 mJ vs. 13.70 mJ). A combustion velocity of nearly 650 m/s was also determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications)
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11 pages, 4017 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Optimization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes–Ferrihydrite Hybrid Composite
by Thien Tran, Daniel M. Deocampo and Nadine Kabengi
J. Compos. Sci. 2021, 5(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs5010005 - 26 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3052
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are a family of carbon nanomaterials that have uses in many technological and medical applications due to their unique properties. However, compared to other nanomaterials, CNT have a significantly lower specific surface areas (SSA), which is a critical limitation for [...] Read more.
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are a family of carbon nanomaterials that have uses in many technological and medical applications due to their unique properties. However, compared to other nanomaterials, CNT have a significantly lower specific surface areas (SSA), which is a critical limitation for applications. To overcome this limitation, here, we report a new protocol to synthesize a hybrid material composed of varying ratios of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and ferrihydrite (FHY). Furthermore, through a series of physical and electrochemical characterization tests, we determined that 36% FHY and 64% MWCNT is the optimum ratio for a composite that maximizes both SSA and specific capacitance. The calculated SSA of the composite was 190 m2·g−1, 2.9 times higher than that of MWCNT alone. Moreover, the composite retained valuable electrochemical properties of CNT with an estimated specific capacitance of 100 F·g−1. This composite is a promising multifunctional nanomaterial for environmental and technological applications requiring electrochemical reactivity and high specific areas such as environmental biosensors, and capacitive deionization for wastewater remediation, and water softening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications)
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22 pages, 4915 KiB  
Article
Polarization Parameters and Scaling Matter—How Processing Environment and Shape Factor Influence Electroactive Nanocomposite Characteristics
by S. Banerjee and K. A. Cook-Chennault
J. Compos. Sci. 2020, 4(3), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs4030141 - 19 Sep 2020
Viewed by 2804
Abstract
Polymeric-ceramic smart nanocomposite piezoelectric and dielectric materials are of interest due to their superior mechanical flexibility and ability to leverage characteristics of constituent materials. A great deal of work has centered on development of processes for manufacturing 0–3 continuity composite piezoelectric materials that [...] Read more.
Polymeric-ceramic smart nanocomposite piezoelectric and dielectric materials are of interest due to their superior mechanical flexibility and ability to leverage characteristics of constituent materials. A great deal of work has centered on development of processes for manufacturing 0–3 continuity composite piezoelectric materials that vary in scale ranging from bulk, thick and thin film to nanostructured films. Less is known about how material scaling effects the effectiveness of polarization and electromechanical properties. This study elucidates how polarization parameters: contact versus corona, temperature and electrical voltage field influence the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of samples as a function of their shape factor, i.e., bulk versus thick film. Bulk and thick film samples were prepared via sol gel/cast-mold and sol gel/spin coat deposition, for fabrication of bulk and thick films, respectively. It was found that corona polarization was more effective for both bulk and thick film processes and that polarization temperature produced higher normalized changes in samples. Although higher electric field voltages could be achieved with thicker samples, film samples responded the most to coupled increases in temperature and electrical voltage than bulk samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications)
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12 pages, 3150 KiB  
Article
Carbon Nano Onions–Polystyrene Composite for Sensing S-Containing Amino Acids
by Dipak Gorakh Babar, Nidhi Rani Gupta, Goutam Nandi and Sabyasachi Sarkar
J. Compos. Sci. 2020, 4(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs4030090 - 10 Jul 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2492
Abstract
A carbon nano-onions (CNOs)–polystyrene (PS) composite-based Pt electrode was used for the voltammetric detection of cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met). The electrochemical behaviors of Cys and Met were analyzed with Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Differential Pulse (DP) Voltammetry at different pHs. The modified [...] Read more.
A carbon nano-onions (CNOs)–polystyrene (PS) composite-based Pt electrode was used for the voltammetric detection of cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met). The electrochemical behaviors of Cys and Met were analyzed with Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Differential Pulse (DP) Voltammetry at different pHs. The modified CNOs–PS/Pt electrode shows an oxidation peak at +0.4V for Cys and +0.8V for Met, respectively. Admirable sensitivity, easy fabrication, and reproducible performance make the proposed electrode well functional and useful for the qualitative and quantitative detection of sulphur-containing amino acids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications)
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10 pages, 2841 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of N-Doped ZnO Nanocomposites for Sunlight Photocatalytic Degradation of Textile Dye Pollutants
by Rowshon Kabir, Md. Abu Khalid Saifullah, Abrar Zadeed Ahmed, Shah Md. Masum and Md. Ashraful Islam Molla
J. Compos. Sci. 2020, 4(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs4020049 - 8 May 2020
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 5732
Abstract
Undoped and N-doped ZnO nanocomposites are produced by a simple and low-cost mechanochemical method. The characterizations of all nanocomposites are examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The XRD measurements show that the crystal sizes [...] Read more.
Undoped and N-doped ZnO nanocomposites are produced by a simple and low-cost mechanochemical method. The characterizations of all nanocomposites are examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The XRD measurements show that the crystal sizes of undoped and N-doped ZnO nanocomposites are ~29 and ~28 nm, respectively. The UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy results illustrate that the transmittance of the 7 wt% N/ZnO in the visible and infrared region is a bit higher than the undoped ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of undoped and N-doped ZnO nanocomposites is investigated for the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution with direct sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation percentages with 7 wt% N/ZnO for 5 and 10 mg/L MB dye solution are found to be 93.70% and 98.11%, respectively, whereas 78.40% and 89.15% degradation percentages are found with undoped ZnO, after 3 h sunlight irradiation. Under the same conditions, the photocatalytic degradation value of RhB dye (10 mg/L) solution is measured to be 86.21% for 7 wt% N/ZnO and 64.75% for undoped ZnO. The N-doped ZnO nanocomposites are found to exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance for both dyes’ degradation under sunlight irradiation in comparison with the undoped ZnO. Therefore, the photocatalytic degradation treatment of wastewater including dye pollutants with sunlight is an easy and simple technique, and cost-effective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications)
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14 pages, 7735 KiB  
Article
Highly Crystalline Ordered Cu-dopedTiO2Nanostructure by Paper Templated Method: Hydrogen Production and Dye Degradation under Natural Sunlight
by Gajanan Kale, Sudhir Arbuj, Ujjwala Chothe, Supriya Khore, Latesh Nikam and Bharat Kale
J. Compos. Sci. 2020, 4(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs4020048 - 4 May 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2492
Abstract
A highly crystalline ordered Cu-TiO2 nanostructure was synthesized using a simple paper template method using cupric nitrate and titanium isopropoxide as precursors. The structural study by XRD confirmed the formation of highly crystalline anatase phase of Cu-TiO2. The broad diffraction [...] Read more.
A highly crystalline ordered Cu-TiO2 nanostructure was synthesized using a simple paper template method using cupric nitrate and titanium isopropoxide as precursors. The structural study by XRD confirmed the formation of highly crystalline anatase phase of Cu-TiO2. The broad diffraction peaks of Cu-TiO2 exhibit the nanocrystalline nature of the product. The optical study by UV-DRS indicated the red shift in absorption wavelength with an increase in Cu doping, i.e., towards the visible region. The FE-SEM and FE-TEM study validated the formation of spherical shaped nanoparticles of Cu-TiO2 having sizes in the range of 20–30 nm. Considering the absorption in the visible region, the photocatalytic study was performed for water splitting and rhodamine-B (RhB) dye degradation under natural sunlight. The 2% Cu-doped TiO2 showed the highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, i.e., 1400 µmol·g−1·h−1 from water, among the prepared compositions. The photocatalytic performance of Cu-TiO2 conferred complete degradation of RhB dye within 40 min. The higher activity in both cases was attributed to the formation of highly crystalline ordered nanostructure of Cu-doped TiO2. This synthesis approach has potential to prepare other highly crystalline ordered nanostructured semiconductors for different applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications)
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Review

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18 pages, 3194 KiB  
Review
Cyanobacterial Extracellular Polymeric Substances for Heavy Metal Removal: A Mini Review
by Ajit Pratap Singh Yadav, Vinay Dwivedi, Satyendra Kumar, Anamika Kushwaha, Lalit Goswami and Bezawada Sridhar Reddy
J. Compos. Sci. 2021, 5(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs5010001 - 23 Dec 2020
Cited by 79 | Viewed by 4621
Abstract
Heavy metals from various natural and anthropogenic sources are becoming a chief threat to the aquatic system owing to their toxic and lethal effect. The treatment of such contaminated wastewater is one of the prime concerns in this field. For decades, a huge [...] Read more.
Heavy metals from various natural and anthropogenic sources are becoming a chief threat to the aquatic system owing to their toxic and lethal effect. The treatment of such contaminated wastewater is one of the prime concerns in this field. For decades, a huge array of innovative biosorbents is used for heavy metal removal. Though extensive microbes and their biomolecules have been experimented and have showed great potential but most of them have failed to have the substantial breakthrough for the practical application. The present review emphasis on the potential utilization of the cyanobacteria for the heavy metal removal along with the toxic effect imposed by the pollutant. Furthermore, the effect of significant parameters, plausible mechanistic insights of the heavy metal toxicity imposed onto the cyanobacteria is also discussed in detail. The role of extrapolymeric substances and metallothionein secreted by the microbes are also elaborated. The review was evident that the cyanobacterial species have a huge potential towards the heavy metal removal from the aqueous system ranging from very low to very high concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environment Applications)
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