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Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Carbon Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2023) | Viewed by 26894

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Hyungwoo Kim

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School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
Interests: polymer synthesis; functional polymers; hydrogels; imaging agents
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Doojin Lee

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School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
Interests: smart composites; nanocomposites; polymer processing and rheology

Prof. Dr. Won Seok Chi

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Guest Editor

School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
Interests: functional polymers; metal-organic frameworks; mixed-matrix membranes; transport; gas separations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With an increasing interest in functional carbon-based nanomaterials and their applications, there has been a growing demand for the design and fabrication of more advanced functional nanocomposites. Considerable progress has been made over the past decade in the development of highly functional carbon-based nanocomposites owing to their unique and excellent features, which have opened a venue for the application of new nanomaterials into diverse areas such as biomimetics, catalysis, sensing, electronics, energy storage, and mass transport.

Carbon-based nanomaterials have numerous merits, including a large specific surface area, low density, high mechanical strength, and characteristic 3D structure, and can be widely functionalized through various chemical routes, which makes them a key component for the development of novel functional nanocomposites. The composites are now of considerable significance to explore advanced applications, which requires not only a fundamental study about the materials but also in-depth understanding of the structure–property relationship.

This Special Issue covers general topics on functional carbon-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites. The scope of this issue can be expanded from the synthesis and design of functional carbon-based nanomaterials to the fabrication and application of nanocomposites, which would benefit academia and industry as well. Interdisciplinary approaches are also much welcomed. The issue will publish full research papers, communications, and reviews.

We anticipate that this Special Issue could serve as a certain guiding role for the study of functional carbon-based nanomaterials or nanocomposites and stimulate a broader range of studies as well, leading to significant progress in this area.

Prof. Hyungwoo Kim
Prof. Doojin Lee
Prof. Dr. Won Seok Chi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Nanomaterials
Nanocomposites
Carbon
High-performance composites
Functional materials

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 11953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integration of Carbon Nanotubes in an HFCVD Diamond Synthesis Process in a Methane-Rich H₂/CH₄ Gas Mixture

by Alexander Mitulinsky, Alexander Gaydaychuk, Sergei Zenkin, Stanislav Meisner, Vlada Bulakh and Stepan Linnik

Materials 2023, 16(20), 6755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16206755 - 19 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1121

Abstract

In this work, we present experimental data on carbon nanotubes integration during diamond synthesis. Carbon nanotubes layers were preliminarily deposited on silicon and diamond substrates, after which the substrates were loaded into the HFCVD reactor for further growth of the diamond phase. The CVD process was held in an argon-free H₂/CH₄ working gas mixture without the use of a catalyst for carbon nanotubes growth. It is shown that in a wide range of studied working gas composition (CH₄ concentration up to 28.6 vol.%) nanotubes etched from the substrate surface before the diamond growth process began. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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13 pages, 54091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Sorption Layer on the Protection Time Provided by Anti-Smog Half-Masks

by Agnieszka Brochocka, Oliwia Owczarek and Mateusz Wojtkiewicz

Materials 2023, 16(3), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031230 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1277

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study examining the protection time of half-masks containing different types and quantities of carbon sorbents. The protection time afforded by the half-masks was determined by analyzing the adsorption of three substances harmful to human health at their maximum allowable concentrations. Two of the tested half-masks showed comprehensive protection against pollutants contained in smog. Among the tested half-masks, the one with the best protective properties was identified. The longest protection time (over 8 h) was recorded for toluene, followed by over 7 h for sulfur dioxide, and only 2 h for cyclohexane. The morphological structure of nonwovens incorporating the carbon sorbents was examined under a microscope. The study showed that protection time depends on the size of activated carbon particles incorporated in the nonwoven structure as well as on their distribution. Based on these results, we identified the most effective morphological structure of the sorbent in the nonwovens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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15 pages, 4869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Copper-Decorated Activated Carbon Derived from Platamus occidentalis Tree Fiber for Antimicrobial Applications

by Thembisile Mahlangu, Iviwe Arunachellan, Suprakas Sinha Ray, Maurice Onyango and Arjun Maity

Materials 2022, 15(17), 5939; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15175939 - 27 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1754

Abstract

This study focuses on a greener approach to synthesizing activated carbon by carbonizing Platamus occidentalis tree fibers (TFSA) with 98% H₂SO₄ at 100 °C. The resulted TFSA was employed as an effective adsorbent for copper ions in aqueous media, yielding copper decorated TFSA (Cu@TFSA). The successful adsorption of copper onto the TFSA was proven through extensive characterization techniques. Herein, the TEM and XPS showed that copper nanoparticles were formed in situ on the TFSA surface, without the use of additional reducing and stabilizing agents nor thermal treatment. The surface areas of TFSA and Cu@TFSA were 0.0150 m²/g and 0.3109 m²/g, respectively. Applying the Cu@TFSA as an antimicrobial agent against Escherica coli ( E. coli) and Salmonella resulted in the potential mitigation of complex secondary pollutants from water and wastewater. The Cu@TFSA exhibited outstanding antimicrobial activity against E. coli and Salmonella in both synthetic and raw water samples. This demonstrated a complete growth inhibition observed within 120 min of exposure. The bacteria inactivation took place through the destruction of the bacteria cell wall and was confirmed by the AFM analysis technique. Cu@TFSA has the potential to be used in the water and wastewater treatment sector as antimicrobial agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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15 pages, 33477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Transformation Induced by High Energy Excimer Treatment

by Nikola Slepičková Kasálková, Klaudia Hurtuková, Dominik Fajstavr, Ladislav Lapčák, Petr Sajdl, Zdeňka Kolská, Václav Švorčík and Petr Slepička

Materials 2022, 15(13), 4614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15134614 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1413

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to describe the treatment of carbon sheet with a high-energy excimer laser. The excimer modification changed the surface chemistry and morphology of carbon. The appearance of specific carbon forms and modifications have been detected due to exposure to laser beam fluencies up to 8 J cm⁻². High fluence optics was used for dramatic changes in the carbon layer with the possibility of Q-carbon formation; a specific amorphous carbon phase was detected with Raman spectroscopy. The changes in morphology were determined with atomic force microscopy and confirmed with scanning electron microscopy, where the partial formation of the Q-carbon phase was detected. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was applied for a detailed study of surface chemistry. The particular shift of functional groups induced on laser-treated areas was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For the first time, high-dose laser exposure successfully induced a specific amorphous carbon phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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10 pages, 36436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct Pattern Growth of Carbon Nanomaterials by Laser Scribing on Spin-Coated Cu-PI Composite Films and Their Gas Sensor Application

by Yong-il Ko, Geonhee Lee, Min Jae Kim, Dong Yun Lee, Jungtae Nam, A-Rang Jang, Jeong-O Lee and Keun Soo Kim

Materials 2021, 14(12), 3388; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14123388 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2272

Abstract

The excellent physical and chemical properties of carbon nanomaterials render them suitable for application in gas sensors. However, the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials using high-temperature furnaces is time consuming and expensive. In this study, we synthesize a carbon nanomaterial using local laser-scribing on a substrate coated with a Cu-embedded polyimide (PI) thin film to reduce the processing time and cost. Spin coating using a Cu-embedded PI solution is performed to deposit a Cu-embedded PI thin film (Cu@PI) on a quartz substrate, followed by the application of a pulsed laser for carbonization. In contrast to a pristine PI solution-based PI thin film, the laser absorption of the Cu-embedded PI thin film based on Cu@PI improved. The laser-scribed carbon nanomaterial synthesized using Cu@PI exhibits a three-dimensional structure that facilitates gas molecule absorption, and when it is exposed to NO₂ and NH₃, its electrical resistance changes by −0.79% and +0.33%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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19 pages, 11956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ternary Nanocomposites Based on Oxidized Carbon Nanohorns as Sensing Layers for Room Temperature Resistive Humidity Sensing

by Bogdan-Catalin Serban, Cornel Cobianu, Octavian Buiu, Marius Bumbac, Niculae Dumbravescu, Viorel Avramescu, Cristina Mihaela Nicolescu, Mihai Brezeanu, Cristina Pachiu, Gabriel Craciun and Cristiana Radulescu

Materials 2021, 14(11), 2705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14112705 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1883

Abstract

This paper presents the relative humidity (RH) sensing response of a resistive sensor employing sensing layers based on a ternary nanocomposite comprising graphene oxide-oxidized carbon nanohorns-polyvinylpyrrolidone (GO-CNHox–PVP), at 1/1/1, 1/2/1, and 1/3/1 w/w/w mass ratios. The sensing structure is composed of a silicon substrate, a SiO₂ layer, and interdigitated transducers (IDT) electrodes, on which the sensing layer is deposited via the drop-casting method. The morphology and the composition of the sensing layers are investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and RAMAN spectroscopy. The RH sensing capability of each carbonaceous nanocomposite-based thin film was analyzed by applying a current between the two electrodes and by measuring the voltage difference when varying the RH from 0% to 100% in humid nitrogen. The sensors have a room temperature response comparable to that of a commercial humidity sensor and are characterized by a rapid response, excellent linearity, good sensitivity, and recovery time. The manufactured sensing devices’ transfer functions were established, and we extracted the response and recovery times. While the structures with GO/CNHox/PVP at 1/1/1 ratio (w/w/w) had the best performance in terms of relative sensibility, response time, and recovery time, the sensors employing the GO/CNHox/PVP nanocomposite at the 1/2/1 ratio (w/w/w) had the best linearity. Moreover, the ternary mixture proved to have much better sensing properties compared to CNHox and CNHox-PVP-based sensing layers in terms of sensitivity and linearity. Each component of the ternary nanocomposites’ functional role is explained based on their physical and chemical properties. We analyzed the potential mechanism associated with the sensors’ response; among these, the effect of the p-type semiconductor behavior of CNHox and GO, correlated with swelling of the PVP, was dominant and led to increased resistance of the sensing layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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11 pages, 2132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal and Flame Retardant Properties of Phosphate-Functionalized Silica/Epoxy Nanocomposites

by Il Jin Kim, Jae Wang Ko, Min Seop Song, Ji Won Cheon, Dong Jin Lee, Jun Woo Park, Seunggun Yu and Jin Hong Lee

Materials 2020, 13(23), 5418; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13235418 - 28 Nov 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3069

Abstract

We report a flame retardant epoxy nanocomposite reinforced with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenantrene-10-oxide (DOPO)-tethered SiO₂ (DOPO-t-SiO₂) hybrid nanoparticles (NPs). The DOPO-t-SiO₂ NPs were successfully synthesized through surface treatment of SiO₂ NPs with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), followed by a click reaction between GPTMS on SiO₂ and DOPO. The epoxy nanocomposites with DOPO-t-SiO₂ NPs as multifunctional additive exhibited not only high flexural strength and fracture toughness but also excellent flame retardant properties and thermal stability, compared to those of pristine epoxy and epoxy nanocomposites with a single additive of SiO₂ or DOPO, respectively. Our approach allows a facile, yet effective strategy to synthesize a functional hybrid additive for developing flame retardant nanocomposites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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9 pages, 19235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Graphene Encapsulated Al Particles for Improvement of Thermal Conductivity in Composites

by Jinuk Hwang, Woo-Seong Tak, So Youn Mun, Sangyong Nam, Sook Young Moon and Woo Sik Kim

Materials 2020, 13(16), 3602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13163602 - 14 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2680

Abstract

Graphene reinforced aluminum matrix composites (GRAMCs) with improved thermal conductivity were prepared via a pH-controlled self-assembly process that involved adjusting the concentration of dispersed graphene oxide (GO) solutions. Uniform dispersion was achieved using GO coating on the aluminum (Al) surfaces. Graphene encapsulated Al powders (Al/GO) were sintered through spark plasma sintering (SPS) to prepare bulk composites, these were then analyzed to determine the thermal and mechanical properties. The density of the Al/GO composites was determined to be 99% or more compared to the theoretical density of pure Al. The Vicker’s hardness and thermal conductivity increased by about 47% and 15% more than the pristine Al bulks. These processes can improve properties of the thermal interface between GO and Al, enabling uniform coating without a crosslinking agent. An Al/GO composite, fabricated through the pH-controlled self-assembly process, should be useful for various applications requiring to high thermal conductivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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13 pages, 3811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One-Pot Decoration of Cupric Oxide on Activated Carbon Fibers Mediated by Polydopamine for Bacterial Growth Inhibition

by Hangil Moon, Young-Chul Lee and Jaehyun Hur

Materials 2020, 13(5), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13051158 - 5 Mar 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3159

Abstract

Despite the widespread application of activated carbon fiber (ACF) filters in air cleaning owing to their high surface area and low price, they have certain limitations in that they facilitate bacterial growth upon prolonged use as ACF filters can provide favorable conditions for bacterial survival. The deposition of cupric oxide (CuO) on ACFs can be an effective way of resolving this problem because CuO can inhibit the proliferation of bacteria owing to its antimicrobial properties. However, finding a new method that allows the simple and uniform coating of CuO on ACF filters is challenging. Here, we demonstrate one-pot CuO deposition mediated by polydopamine (PD) to realize an ACF filter with antimicrobial activity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses reveal that CuO and PD are uniformly deposited on the ACF surface. The amount of CuO formed on the ACFs is measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally, the changes in surface area, pressure drop, and antimicrobial activity after coating PD-CuO on the ACFs are evaluated. The use of PD-CuO on the ACFs effectively suppresses the growth of bacteria and enhances the mechanical properties without significantly sacrificing the original characteristics of the ACF filter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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Review

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15 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Bio-Based Activated Carbon Properties Produced from Different Activating Chemicals during Chemicals Activation Process on Biomass and Its Potential for Malaysia

by Tung Woey Chew, Paik San H’Ng, Bin Chuah Teong Guan Luqman Chuah Abdullah, Kit Ling Chin, Chuan Li Lee, Bin Mohd Sahfani Mohd Nor Hafizuddin and Lulu TaungMai

Materials 2023, 16(23), 7365; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16237365 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3502

Abstract

Activated carbon is the preferred adsorbent for gas and water treatment in various industry across the world due to its efficiency, reliability, and accessibility. Recently, in Malaysia, studies are mainly focused on the fabrication of activated carbon from lignocellulosic biomass-based precursors from agricultural waste such as coconut shell, rice husk, and palm kernel shell. Activated carbon fabrication is a two-step process; the precursor will first undergo carbonization, then, activation is carried out either physically or chemically to develop its porous surface for adsorption purposes. The main benefit of activated carbon is the customizable pore structure for different utilization, which can be easily achieved by the chemical activation process. The types and concentration of chemicals used for activation, pre-treatment of precursor, duration of the activation process, and the mass ratio of precursor to chemicals are proven to effectively influence the resulting pore structure. However, the chemicals used in the activation process can be harmful to the environment. Thus, the chemical recovery process is necessary after the activation process. Nonetheless, more in-depth research on producing activated carbon from abundant biomass materials with bio-based chemical agents for activation is needed to achieve an ecological and sustainable manufacturing process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

20 pages, 10580 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress on Molecular Photoacoustic Imaging with Carbon-Based Nanocomposites

by Songah Jeong, Su Woong Yoo, Hea Ji Kim, Jieun Park, Ji Woo Kim, Changho Lee and Hyungwoo Kim

Materials 2021, 14(19), 5643; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14195643 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3270

Abstract

For biomedical imaging, the interest in noninvasive imaging methods is ever increasing. Among many modalities, photoacoustic imaging (PAI), which is a combination of optical and ultrasound imaging techniques, has received attention because of its unique advantages such as high spatial resolution, deep penetration, and safety. Incorporation of exogenous imaging agents further amplifies the effective value of PAI, since they can deliver other specified functions in addition to imaging. For these agents, carbon-based materials can show a large specific surface area and interesting optoelectronic properties, which increase their effectiveness and have proved their potential in providing a theragnostic platform (diagnosis + therapy) that is essential for clinical use. In this review, we introduce the current state of the PAI modality, address recent progress on PAI imaging that takes advantage of carbon-based agents, and offer a future perspective on advanced PAI systems using carbon-based agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites)

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