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Carbon Nanomaterials Synthesis and Application for Electronic Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 28193

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Guest Editor
Department of Engineering in Energy and Applied Chemistry, Silla University, Busan 617-736, Republic of Korea
Interests: carbon micro/nano coils; nonlinear-type carbon nanomaterials; hybrid materials; shielding materials for electromagnetic wave; energy conversion materials
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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Korea
Interests: nanobiosensor; nano-analysis; nanomaterials; nanomanufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon-based nanomaterials such as graphite, diamonds, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, graphene, carbon nano/micro coils, and carbon-based polymers are known to have unique properties for application in electronic materials. Furthermore, various approaches for the synthesis of carbon-based nanomaterials have been attempted for the development of the synthetic process. It is thus valuable for Molecules to dedicate a Special Issue to gather synthetic methods and application fields of carbon-based nanomaterials, since they are perfectly compatible with all kinds of chemistry and materials. This Special Issue will contain contributions discussing all the aspects that are broadly indicated by the keywords. Review articles by experts in the field will also be welcome.

Prof. Dr. Sung-Hoon Kim
Prof. Dr. Wan Soo Yun
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • carbon nanomaterials 
  • synthetic method 
  • chemical properties 
  • mechanical properties 
  • electronic materials characteristics

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 3363 KiB  
Article
Superior Heavy Metal Ion Adsorption Capacity in Aqueous Solution by High-Density Thiol-Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxides
by Ho-Geun Kim, Jong-Seong Bae, Injoo Hwang, Sung-Hoon Kim and Ki-Wan Jeon
Molecules 2023, 28(10), 3998; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28103998 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2166
Abstract
The preparation of mercapto-reduced graphene oxides (m-RGOs) via a solvothermal reaction using P4S10 as a thionating agent has demonstrated their potential as an absorbent for scavenging heavy metal ions, particularly Pb2+, from aqueous solutions due [...] Read more.
The preparation of mercapto-reduced graphene oxides (m-RGOs) via a solvothermal reaction using P4S10 as a thionating agent has demonstrated their potential as an absorbent for scavenging heavy metal ions, particularly Pb2+, from aqueous solutions due to the presence of thiol (–SH) functional groups on their surface. The structural and elemental analysis of m-RGOs was conducted using a range of techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (STEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). At pH 7 and 25 °C, the maximum adsorption capacity of Pb2+ ions on the surface of m-RGOs was determined to be approximately 858 mg/g. The heavy metal–S binding energies were used to determine the percent removal of the tested heavy metal ions, with Pb2+ exhibiting the highest percentage removal, followed by Hg2+ and Cd2+ ions having the lowest percent removal, and the binding energies observed were Pb–S at 346 kJ/mol, Hg–S at 217 kJ/mol, and Cd–S at 208 kJ/mol. The time-dependent removal study of Pb2+ ions also yielded promising results, with almost 98% of Pb2+ ions being removed within 30 min at pH 7 and 25 °C using a 1 ppm Pb2+ solution as the test solution. The findings of this study clearly demonstrate the potential and efficiency of thiol-functionalized carbonaceous material for the removal of environmentally harmful Pb2+ from groundwater. Full article
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15 pages, 6396 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Electromagnetic Wave Shielding Effectiveness by the Incorporation of Carbon Nanofibers–Carbon Microcoils Hybrid into Commercial Carbon Paste for Heating Films
by Gi-Hwan Kang, Sung-Hoon Kim, Ji-Hun Kang, Junwoo Lim, Myeong Ho Yoo and Yi Tae Kim
Molecules 2023, 28(2), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020870 - 15 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1844
Abstract
Carbon microcoils (CMCs) were formed on stainless steel substrates using C2H2 + SF6 gas flows in a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. The manipulation of the SF6 gas flow rate and the SF6 gas flow injection [...] Read more.
Carbon microcoils (CMCs) were formed on stainless steel substrates using C2H2 + SF6 gas flows in a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. The manipulation of the SF6 gas flow rate and the SF6 gas flow injection time was carried out to obtain controllable CMC geometries. The change in CMC geometry, especially CMC diameter as a function of SF6 gas flow injection time, was remarkable. In addition, the incorporation of H2 gas into the C2H2 + SF6 gas flow system with cyclic SF6 gas flow caused the formation of the hybrid of carbon nanofibers–carbon microcoils (CNFs–CMCs). The hybrid of CNFs–CMCs was composed of numerous small-sized CNFs, which formed on the CMCs surfaces. The electromagnetic wave shielding effectiveness (SE) of the heating film, made by the hybrids of CNFs–CMCs incorporated carbon paste film, was investigated across operating frequencies in the 1.5–40 GHz range. It was compared to heating films made from commercial carbon paste or the controllable CMCs incorporated carbon paste. Although the electrical conductivity of the native commercial carbon paste was lowered by both the incorporation of the CMCs and the hybrids of CNFs–CMCs, the total SE values of the manufactured heating film increased following the incorporation of these materials. Considering the thickness of the heating film, the presently measured values rank highly among the previously reported total SE values. This dramatic improvement in the total SE values was mainly ascribed to the intrinsic characteristics of CMC and/or the hybrid of CNFs–CMCs contributing to the absorption shielding route of electromagnetic waves. Full article
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7 pages, 2725 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Carbon Nanowall and Carbon Nanotube for Anode Material of Lithium-Ion Battery
by Seokwon Lee, Seokhun Kwon, Kangmin Kim, Hyunil Kang, Jang Myoun Ko and Wonseok Choi
Molecules 2021, 26(22), 6950; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26226950 - 17 Nov 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2993
Abstract
Carbon nanowall (CNW) and carbon nanotube (CNT) were prepared as anode materials of lithium-ion batteries. To fabricate a lithium-ion battery, copper (Cu) foil was cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner in a solvent such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and used as a substrate. CNW and [...] Read more.
Carbon nanowall (CNW) and carbon nanotube (CNT) were prepared as anode materials of lithium-ion batteries. To fabricate a lithium-ion battery, copper (Cu) foil was cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner in a solvent such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and used as a substrate. CNW and CNT were synthesized on Cu foil using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and water dispersion, respectively. CNW and CNT were used as anode materials for the lithium-ion battery, while lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) was used as an electrolyte to fabricate another lithium-ion battery. For the structural analysis of CNW and CNT, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and Raman spectroscopy analysis were performed. The Raman analysis showed that the carbon nanotube in composite material can compensate for the defects of the carbon nanowall. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed for the electrochemical properties of lithium-ion batteries, fabricated by CNW and CNT, respectively. The specific capacity of CNW and CNT were calculated as 62.4 mAh/g and 49.54 mAh/g. The composite material with CNW and CNT having a specific capacity measured at 64.94 mAh/g, delivered the optimal performance. Full article
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12 pages, 2284 KiB  
Article
Pure Graphene Oxide Vertical p–n Junction with Remarkable Rectification Effect
by Yan Fan, Tao Wang, Yinwei Qiu, Yinli Yang, Qiubo Pan, Jun Zheng, Songwei Zeng, Wei Liu, Gang Lou and Liang Chen
Molecules 2021, 26(22), 6849; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26226849 - 13 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2068
Abstract
Graphene p-n junctions have important applications in the fields of optical interconnection and low–power integrated circuits. Most current research is based on the lateral p-n junction prepared by chemical doping and other methods. Here, we report a new type of pure graphene oxide [...] Read more.
Graphene p-n junctions have important applications in the fields of optical interconnection and low–power integrated circuits. Most current research is based on the lateral p-n junction prepared by chemical doping and other methods. Here, we report a new type of pure graphene oxide (pGO) vertical p-n junctions which do not dope any other elements but only controls the oxygen content of GO. The I–V curve of the pGO vertical p–n junction demonstrates a remarkable rectification effect. In addition, the pGO vertical p–n junction shows stability of its rectification characteristic over long-term storage for six months when sealed and stored in a PE bag. Moreover, the pGO vertical p–n junctions have obvious photoelectric response and various rectification effects with different thicknesses and an oxygen content of GO, humidity, and temperature. Hall effect test results show that rGO is an n–type semiconductor; theoretical calculations and research show that GO is generally a p–type semiconductor with a bandgap, thereby forming a p–n junction. Our work provides a method for preparing undoped GO vertical p–n junctions with advantages such as simplicity, convenience, and large–scale industrial preparation. Our work demonstrates great potential for application in electronics and highly sensitive sensors. Full article
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18 pages, 4448 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of Electrostatic Self-Assembled Nano-Silicon@N-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanofibers Composite as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Ruye Cong, Hyun-Ho Park, Minsang Jo, Hochun Lee and Chang-Seop Lee
Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4831; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164831 - 10 Aug 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4567
Abstract
Silicon-carbon nanocomposite materials are widely adopted in the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIB). However, the lithium ion (Li+) transportation is hampered due to the significant accumulation of silicon nanoparticles (Si) and the change in their volume, which leads to decreased battery [...] Read more.
Silicon-carbon nanocomposite materials are widely adopted in the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIB). However, the lithium ion (Li+) transportation is hampered due to the significant accumulation of silicon nanoparticles (Si) and the change in their volume, which leads to decreased battery performance. In an attempt to optimize the electrode structure, we report on a self-assembly synthesis of silicon nanoparticles@nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanofiber (Si@N-doped rGO/CNF) composites as potential high-performance anodes for LIB through electrostatic attraction. A large number of vacancies or defects on the graphite plane are generated by N atoms, thus providing transmission channels for Li+ and improving the conductivity of the electrode. CNF can maintain the stability of the electrode structure and prevent Si from falling off the electrode. The three-dimensional composite structure of Si, N-doped rGO, and CNF can effectively buffer the volume changes of Si, form a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI), and shorten the transmission distance of Li+ and the electrons, while also providing high conductivity and mechanical stability to the electrode. The Si@N-doped rGO/CNF electrode outperforms the Si@N-doped rGO and Si/rGO/CNF electrodes in cycle performance and rate capability, with a reversible specific capacity reaching 1276.8 mAh/g after 100 cycles and a Coulomb efficiency of 99%. Full article
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9 pages, 2117 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Large-Area Molybdenum Disulfide Device Arrays Using Graphene/Ti Contacts
by Myungwoo Son, Jaewon Jang, Dong Chul Kim, Seunghyup Lee, Hyo-Soon Shin, Moon-Ho Ham and Sang-Soo Chee
Molecules 2021, 26(15), 4394; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154394 - 21 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2211
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is the most mature material in 2D material fields owing to its relatively high mobility and scalability. Such noticeable properties enable it to realize practical electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, contact engineering for large-area MoS2 [...] Read more.
Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is the most mature material in 2D material fields owing to its relatively high mobility and scalability. Such noticeable properties enable it to realize practical electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, contact engineering for large-area MoS2 films has not yet been established, although contact property is directly associated to the device performance. Herein, we introduce graphene-interlayered Ti contacts (graphene/Ti) into large-area MoS2 device arrays using a wet-transfer method. We achieve MoS2 devices with superior electrical and photoelectrical properties using graphene/Ti contacts, with a field-effect mobility of 18.3 cm2/V∙s, on/off current ratio of 3 × 107, responsivity of 850 A/W, and detectivity of 2 × 1012 Jones. This outstanding performance is attributable to a reduction in the Schottky barrier height of the resultant devices, which arises from the decreased work function of graphene induced by the charge transfer from Ti. Our research offers a direction toward large-scale electronic and optoelectronic applications based on 2D materials. Full article
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11 pages, 4574 KiB  
Article
Optimized Aluminum Reflector for Enhancement of UVC Cathodoluminescence Based-AlGaN Materials with Carbon Nanotube Field Emitters
by Manoj Kumar Chandra Mohan, Sang Kyun Shim, June Key Lee, Nakwon Jang, Naesung Lee and Wael Z. Tawfik
Molecules 2021, 26(13), 4025; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26134025 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2683
Abstract
The far ultraviolet C (UVC) light sources based on carbon nanotube (CNT) field emitters as excitation sources have become promising light sources for sterilization, disinfection, and water purification. However, the low light extraction efficiency of UVC–CNT light sources still hinders the practical application [...] Read more.
The far ultraviolet C (UVC) light sources based on carbon nanotube (CNT) field emitters as excitation sources have become promising light sources for sterilization, disinfection, and water purification. However, the low light extraction efficiency of UVC–CNT light sources still hinders the practical application of these structures. Herein, we report an optimized aluminum (Al) reflector to enhance the light extraction efficiency of UVC–CNT light sources. Optical analysis of UVC-CNT light sources covered by the Al reflectors with various thicknesses ranging from 30 to 150 nm was performed to realize the optimized reflector. The UVC-CNT light sources exhibit the highest light extraction efficiency when the Al reflector layer has an optimized thickness of 100 nm. For comparison, the cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were recorded for UVC–CNT light sources with and without the optimized Al reflector. The measured light output power and the estimated power efficiency of the UVC–CNT light-source-tube with Al reflector were enhanced by about 27 times over the reference. This enhancement is mainly attributed to the outstanding reflection effect of the Al reflector. Full article
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12 pages, 4778 KiB  
Article
Easily Processable, Highly Transparent and Conducting Thiol-Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxides Langmuir-Blodgett Films
by Ki-Wan Jeon
Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2686; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092686 - 4 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2072
Abstract
We report synthesis and fabrication of highly thionated reduced graphene oxide and its Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film without an LB trough. As the synthesized product, mercapto reduced graphene oxide (mRGO) contains high thiol content estimated from XPS, corresponding to a surface coverage of 1.3 [...] Read more.
We report synthesis and fabrication of highly thionated reduced graphene oxide and its Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film without an LB trough. As the synthesized product, mercapto reduced graphene oxide (mRGO) contains high thiol content estimated from XPS, corresponding to a surface coverage of 1.3 SH/nm2. The mRGO LB film shows two electronic transport properties, following Efros-Shklovskii variable-range hopping (VRH) and Mott VRH at low and high temperature, respectively. Optical and band gap of the LB film was estimated from Tauc plot and semi-logarithmic-scale plot of sheet resistance versus temperature to be 0.6 and 0.1 eV, respectively. Additionally, the sheet resistance of the mRGO LB film depends on the quantity of the thiol functional group with the same transmittance at 550 nm (500 kΩ for mRGO, 1.3 MΩ for tRGO with 92% transmittance). Full article
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10 pages, 3256 KiB  
Article
Tunneling Spectroscopy for Electronic Bands in Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Van Der Waals Gap
by Dong-Hwan Choi, Seung Mi Lee, Du-Won Jeong, Jeong-O Lee, Dong Han Ha, Myung-Ho Bae and Ju-Jin Kim
Molecules 2021, 26(8), 2128; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26082128 - 7 Apr 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1989
Abstract
Various intriguing quantum transport measurements for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based on their unique electronic band structures have been performed adopting a field-effect transistor (FET), where the contact resistance represents the interaction between the one-dimensional and three-dimensional systems. Recently, van der Waals (vdW) gap [...] Read more.
Various intriguing quantum transport measurements for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based on their unique electronic band structures have been performed adopting a field-effect transistor (FET), where the contact resistance represents the interaction between the one-dimensional and three-dimensional systems. Recently, van der Waals (vdW) gap tunneling spectroscopy for single-walled CNTs with indium–metal contacts was performed adopting an FET device, providing the direct assignment of the subband location in terms of the current–voltage characteristic. Here, we extend the vdW gap tunneling spectroscopy to multi-walled CNTs, which provides transport spectroscopy in a tunneling regime of ~1 eV, directly reflecting the electronic density of states. This new quantum transport regime may allow the development of novel quantum devices by selective electron (or hole) injection to specific subbands. Full article
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Review

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26 pages, 12851 KiB  
Review
Heteroatom-Doped Metal-Free Carbon Nanomaterials as Potential Electrocatalysts
by Jayeeta Chattopadhyay, Tara Sankar Pathak and Daewon Pak
Molecules 2022, 27(3), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27030670 - 20 Jan 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4308
Abstract
In recent years, heteroatom-incorporated specially structured metal-free carbon nanomaterials have drawn huge attention among researchers. In comparison to the undoped carbon nanomaterials, heteroatoms such as nitrogen-, sulphur-, boron-, phosphorous-, etc., incorporated nanomaterials have become well-accepted as potential electrocatalysts in water splitting, supercapacitors and [...] Read more.
In recent years, heteroatom-incorporated specially structured metal-free carbon nanomaterials have drawn huge attention among researchers. In comparison to the undoped carbon nanomaterials, heteroatoms such as nitrogen-, sulphur-, boron-, phosphorous-, etc., incorporated nanomaterials have become well-accepted as potential electrocatalysts in water splitting, supercapacitors and dye-sensitized solar cells. This review puts special emphasis on the most popular synthetic strategies of heteroatom-doped and co-doped metal-free carbon nanomaterials, viz., chemical vapor deposition, pyrolysis, solvothermal process, etc., utilized in last two decades. These specially structured nanomaterials’ extensive applications as potential electrocatalysts are taken into consideration in this article. Their comparative enhancement of electrocatalytic performance with incorporation of heteroatoms has also been discussed. Full article
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