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Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition
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Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 5713

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Zhaohui Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Interests: porous materials; nanomaterials; heterogeneous catalysis; biomass conversion; alkane conversion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Traditional technologies and industries have caused severe environmental damage. We must urgently limit environmental pollution, which can be achieved via the production of eco-friendly commodities and the creation of environmentally friendly engineering systems. Functional nanomaterials are new materials that have been developed using innovative technologies and exhibit many unique and special properties capable of meeting the sustainable and environmental production requirements. Importantly, considerable efforts are currently being made in the progressive exploration of nanomaterials and innovative technologies for environmentally friendly chemistry. This Special Issue will highlight the latest advances in the application of functional nanomaterials in green chemistry and hopes to attract researchers actively investigating the development of functional nanomaterials and their application in the field of green chemistry; this includes research on green chemistry and its connection with material science, environmental science, physics, and biology.

Dr. Zhaohui Liu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • functional nanomaterials
  • photocatalysis
  • clean energy
  • environmental catalysts
  • carbon neutrality
  • biomass conversion
  • heterogeneous catalysis

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 5449 KiB  
Article
Template-Assisted Electrodeposited Copper Nanostructres for Selective Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide
by Bommireddy Naveen and Sang-Wha Lee
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4571; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194571 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 496
Abstract
In this study, we demonstrate the electrodeposition of copper nanoparticles (NPs) on pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) utilizing sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as a soft template. The utilization of the surfactant had an impact on both the physical arrangement and electrochemical characteristics of the [...] Read more.
In this study, we demonstrate the electrodeposition of copper nanoparticles (NPs) on pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) utilizing sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as a soft template. The utilization of the surfactant had an impact on both the physical arrangement and electrochemical characteristics of the modified electrodes. The prepared Cu-SDS/PGE electrodes had hierarchical dendritic structures of copper NPs, thereby increasing the surface area and electrochemical catalytic activity in comparison with Cu/PGE electrodes. The Cu-SDS/PGE electrode showed excellent catalytic activity in reducing hydrogen peroxide, resulting in the sensitive and selective detection of hydrogen peroxide. The electrode exhibited a good sensitivity of 21.42 µA/µM/cm2, a lower limit of detection 0.35, and a response time of less than 2 s over a wide range spanning 1 µM to 1 mM of hydrogen peroxide concentrations. The electrodes were also highly selective for H2O2 with minimal interference from other analytes even at concentrations higher than that of H2O2. The approach offers the benefit of electrode preparation in just 5 min, followed by analysis in 10 min, and enables for the quantitative determination of hydrogen peroxide within 30 min. This can be achieved utilizing a newly prepared, cost-effective electrode without the need for complex procedures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 6270 KiB  
Article
C/Co3O4/Diatomite Composite for Microwave Absorption
by Yan Liao, Dashuang Wang, Wenrui Zhu, Zhilan Du, Fanbo Gong, Tuo Ping, Jinsong Rao, Yuxin Zhang and Xiaoying Liu
Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4336; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184336 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 667
Abstract
Transition metal oxides have been widely used in microwave-absorbing materials, but how to improve impedance matching is still an urgent problem. Therefore, we introduced urea as a polymer carbon source into a three-dimensional porous structure modified by Co3O4 nanoparticles and [...] Read more.
Transition metal oxides have been widely used in microwave-absorbing materials, but how to improve impedance matching is still an urgent problem. Therefore, we introduced urea as a polymer carbon source into a three-dimensional porous structure modified by Co3O4 nanoparticles and explored the influence of different heat treatment temperatures on the wave absorption properties of the composite. The nanomaterials, when calcined at a temperature of 450 °C, exhibited excellent microwave absorption capabilities. Specifically, at an optimized thickness of 9 mm, they achieved a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −97.3 dB, accompanied by an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 9.83 GHz that comprehensively covered both the S and Ku frequency bands. On the other hand, with a thickness of 3 mm, the RLmin was recorded as −17.9 dB, with an EAB of 5.53 GHz. This excellent performance is attributed to the multi-facial polarization and multiple reflections induced by the magnetic loss capability of Co3O4 nanoparticles, the electrical conductivity of C, and the unique three-dimensional structure of diatomite. For the future development of bio-based microwave absorption, this work provides a methodology and strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 8941 KiB  
Article
Ordered Mesoporous Carbon as Adsorbent for the Removal of a Triphenylmethane Dye from Its Aqueous Solutions
by Bharti Gaur, Jyoti Mittal, Hadi Hassan, Alok Mittal and Richard T. Baker
Molecules 2024, 29(17), 4100; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174100 - 29 Aug 2024
Viewed by 716
Abstract
A nanostructured material, ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC), was synthesised in metal- and halide-free form and its use for the sequestration of crystal violet, a hazardous triphenylmethane dye, is reported for the first time. The OMC material is characterised using scanning transmission electron microscopy [...] Read more.
A nanostructured material, ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC), was synthesised in metal- and halide-free form and its use for the sequestration of crystal violet, a hazardous triphenylmethane dye, is reported for the first time. The OMC material is characterised using scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy for chemical analysis, by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and by nitrogen gas physisorption. The ideal conditions for the uptake of crystal violet dye were determined in batch experiments covering the standard parameters: pH, concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage. Experimental data are validated by applying Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Temkin isotherms. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔH°, ΔG°, and ΔS°, are calculated and it has been found that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic with increasing disorder. An in-depth analysis of the kinetics of the adsorption process, order of the reaction and corresponding values of the rate constants was performed. The adsorption of crystal violet over OMC has been found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetics through a film diffusion process at all temperatures studied. Continuous flow column operations were performed using fixed bed adsorption. Parameters including percentage saturation of the OMC bed are evaluated. The exhausted column was regenerated through a desorption process and column efficiency was determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 6664 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL): Characterization and Methylene Blue Removal Studies
by Justyn Carollo, Daniel Ballesteros-Plata, Elena Rodríguez-Aguado and Svetlana Bashkova
Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3895; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163895 - 17 Aug 2024
Viewed by 691
Abstract
In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) by varying the concentration of silver ions and the pH of the CNSL extract. The synthesized AgNPs were further characterized to study their surface, structural, and morphological properties and tested [...] Read more.
In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) by varying the concentration of silver ions and the pH of the CNSL extract. The synthesized AgNPs were further characterized to study their surface, structural, and morphological properties and tested for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye. The results of this study showed that depending on the conditions, particles of various sizes, ranging from 1 to 60 nm, and different degrees of stabilization and agglomeration were produced. The concentration of silver ions equal to 3 mM and the pH of the extract of ~4.5 (AgNP3) resulted in the most efficient synthesis, where particles appeared to be highly stabilized and homogeneously distributed on the surface, exhibiting a small average particle size and a narrow particle size distribution (6.7 ± 6.5 nm). Such particles further showed the highest percent removal of MB, where up to 80% removal was recorded within the first 20 min. Higher concentrations of silver ions and higher pH of the extract resulted in substantial particle agglomeration and particles being over-capped by the CNSL biomolecules, respectively, which further negatively affected the ability of particles to remove MB. Finally, the fact that visible light showed no significant effect on the removal of MB, with the average removal rates found to be about the same as in the dark, suggests the strong catalytic nature of AgNPs, which facilitates the electron transfer reactions leading to MB reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 4805 KiB  
Article
Composition-Regulated Photocatalytic Activity of ZnIn2S4@CdS Hybrids for Efficient Dye Degradation and H2O2 Evolution
by Nikolaos Karamoschos, Andreas Katsamitros, Labrini Sygellou, Konstantinos S. Andrikopoulos and Dimitrios Tasis
Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3857; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163857 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1114
Abstract
Heterostructures of visible light-absorbing semiconductors were prepared through the growth of ZnIn2S4 crystallites in the presence of CdS nanostructures. A variety of hybrid compositions was synthesized. Both reference samples and heterostructured materials were characterized in detail, regarding their morphology, crystalline [...] Read more.
Heterostructures of visible light-absorbing semiconductors were prepared through the growth of ZnIn2S4 crystallites in the presence of CdS nanostructures. A variety of hybrid compositions was synthesized. Both reference samples and heterostructured materials were characterized in detail, regarding their morphology, crystalline character, chemical speciation, as well as vibrational properties. The abovementioned physicochemical characterization suggested the absence of doping phenomena, such as the integration of either zinc or indium ions into the CdS lattice. At specific compositions, the growth of the amorphous ZnIn2S4 component was observed through both XRD and Raman analysis. The development of heterojunctions was found to be composition-dependent, as indicated by the simultaneous recording of the Raman profiles of both semiconductors. The optical band gaps of the hybrids range at values between the corresponding band gaps of reference semiconductors. The photocatalytic activity was assessed in both organic dye degradation and hydrogen peroxide evolution. It was observed that the hybrids demonstrating efficient photocatalytic activity in dye degradation were rather poor photocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide evolution. Specifically, the hybrids enriched in the CdS component were shown to act efficiently for hydrogen peroxide evolution, whereas ZnIn2S4-enriched hybrids demonstrated high potential to photodegrade an azo-type organic dye. Furthermore, scavenging experiments suggested the involvement of singlet oxygen in the mechanistic path for dye degradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 9350 KiB  
Article
The Utilization of Rice Husk as Both the Silicon Source and Mesoporous Template for the Green Preparation of Mesoporous TiO2/SiO2 and Its Excellent Catalytic Performance in Oxidative Desulfurization
by Xiaoxue Liu, Lanfen Zhang, Jian Hu, Wei Zhang, Xiaorong Xiang, Huiqing Cheng, Li Qin and Hao Li
Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3856; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163856 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 719
Abstract
In recent years, TiO2-based catalysts have received extensive attention from researchers for their excellent oxidative desulfurization (ODS) performances. In this paper, a series of mesoporous TiO2/SiO2 catalysts with different TiO2 loadings are prepared, using an incipient wetness [...] Read more.
In recent years, TiO2-based catalysts have received extensive attention from researchers for their excellent oxidative desulfurization (ODS) performances. In this paper, a series of mesoporous TiO2/SiO2 catalysts with different TiO2 loadings are prepared, using an incipient wetness impregnation method with agricultural waste rice husk as both the silicon source and mesoporous template and tetrabutyl titanate as the titanium source. The effect of different TiO2 loadings on the ODS performance of the samples is investigated, and the appropriate TiO2 loading is 2.5%. Compared with pure TiO2, the 2.5%TiO2/SiO2 sample exhibits high catalytic activity for oxidative desulfurization. This is, on the one hand, due to the high specific surface area and mesopore volume of the 2.5%TiO2/SiO2 sample. On the other hand, it is due to the uniform dispersion of TiO2 grains with an average diameter of 6.1 nm on the surface of the mesoporous SiO2 carrier, which greatly increases the active sites of the 2.5%TiO2/SiO2 sample, thus improving the catalytic activity of the sample. The recycling performances of the 2.5%TiO2/SiO2 sample are further investigated. The results show that, after fifteen cycles, the 2.5%TiO2/SiO2 sample still maintains high conversions of dibenzothiophene (99.8%) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (99.7%) without deactivation. In addition, the 2.5%TiO2/SiO2 sample treated with TBHP aqueous solution is characterized by the technique of UV-Vis, and the Ti-peroxo (Ti-OOtBu) species, the active intermediate for the ODS of bulky organic sulfides, is successfully captured. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism for the ODS process over the 2.5%TiO2/SiO2 sample is proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 7083 KiB  
Article
Preparation of High-Performance Polyethylene Nanocomposites with Oleic Acid–Siloxene-Supported Ziegler–Natta Catalysts
by Huan Yue, Xin Yan, Chenghan Huang, Hexin Zhang, Jianming Yang, Liang Fang and Hee-Seon Kim
Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3662; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153662 - 2 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 918
Abstract
The addition of two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterials can effectively enhance the properties of polyethylene (PE). In the present study, a series of high-performance PE/oleic acid (OA)–siloxene nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization using OA–siloxene-supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts. Compared with the conventional Ziegler–Natta catalyst, the [...] Read more.
The addition of two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterials can effectively enhance the properties of polyethylene (PE). In the present study, a series of high-performance PE/oleic acid (OA)–siloxene nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization using OA–siloxene-supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts. Compared with the conventional Ziegler–Natta catalyst, the polymerization activity of the OA–siloxene-supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst was enhanced to 100 kg/mol-Ti•h, an increase of 56%. The OA–siloxene fillers exhibited excellent dispersion within the PE matrix through the in situ polymerization technique. Compared to pure PE, PE/OA–siloxene nanocomposites containing 1.13 wt% content of OA–siloxene showed 68.3 °C, 126%, 37%, and 46% enhancements in Tdmax, breaking strength, modulus, and elongation at break, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition)
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