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Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 26587

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Dr. Sadaf Bashir Khan

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Guest Editor

School of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Testing Technology for Manufacturing Process, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
Interests: functional nanomaterials; photocatalysis; thin film fabrication via PVD; nanoparticle synthesis via chemical techniques; refractive index; thermal stability; 3D printing; DLP; photosensitive resin

Dr. Syed Irfan

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Environmentally-Friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Sichuan 621010, China
Interests: materials sciences; photocatalysis; thermoelectrics; mganetism

Prof. Dr. Asghari Maqsood

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Guest Editor

Nano-Scale Physics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Air University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Interests: nanomaterials; magnetic properties; materials chemistry; thin films; electrical properties; physics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the last few decades, rigorous empirical research has been carried out on numerous nanotechnology applications, such as on environmental applications, renewable energy systems, semiconductors, skincare products, health impacts, pharmaceuticals, and so forth. Nanostructures comprising nanofilms or nanoparticles are relatively new material classes with a size under 100 nm that can be 0D, 1D, 2D, or 3D. Slightly modifying these nanostructures can allow for tuning their physicochemical characteristics (curing temperature, dielectric characteristics, thermal conductivity, adsorption, photocatalytic capabilities, corrosion resistance, etc.), making them ideal for a variety of applications. However, creating new, highly specialized nanomaterials can be challenging and requires lengthy research and development.

Nanomaterials can improve a system’s performance during its entire life span and help it to retain sustainable efficiency. They mitigate environmental effects, enhance competitiveness and material recycling, and increase materials’ reusability. Nanomaterials should have a reduced impact on the environment, often achieved through green technologies. Nanomaterials improve their performance over their entire lifespan and preserve proper functionality, as described previously, but particular emphasis should be placed on avoiding nanomaterial contamination. The primary goal of this Special Issue is to raise awareness regarding nanomaterials’ development and utilization due to the free availability of solar radiation and their great benefits in applications such as environmental remediation, chemical synthesis, renewable energy production, and energy storage. Nanomaterials are applied widely in all sectors of modern society; however, phytoremediation has attracted remarkable levels of interest because it generates low-cost and high-efficiency renewable electricity.

A wide range of photocatalytic materials with controlled dimensions and features have been developed thus far. On substrates covered with a thin layer of photocatalyst, microorganism inactivation and organic matter mineralization have also been seen following advanced oxidation processes. Water recycling has expanded considerably over the years due to increased water demand. This is attributable to both population growth and urbanization. From this standpoint, improved water management and treatment research has grown tremendously. In recent years, technological advances have arisen to handle new constraints such as microorganisms, non-biodegradable wastes, and chronic contaminants. The creation of innovative materials with a set of unique and distinctive properties such as strong catalytic activity, outstanding selectivity, long-term durability, and environmental sustainability is important. Thanks to efforts to design novel nanomaterials with potential applications, approaches to their synthesis are also in continual development. Furthermore, technological advancements must be supported by a continuing requirement to verify that these characteristics are environmentally friendly. The scientific literature states that the diversity of nanostructures is considerable.

We invite you to submit research articles, communications, reviews, and brief papers highlighting recent advances and breakthroughs in advanced functional nanomaterials. We would like to collect all contributions that illustrate the developments and applications of nanomaterials from a technical and analytical perspective. This Special Issue aims to collect innovative achievements in the research field of mechanical, thermal, energy, electrical, catalysis, optical, and magnetic properties based on multi-functional nanomaterials.

The list of potential topics to be covered includes:

Inorganic and organic nanoparticles for electrocatalysis and photocatalysis
Nanoparticles’ synthesis, characterization, and applications
Energy storage nanomaterials and future challenges
Bottom-up approach for the development of functional nanomaterials
From the fundamentals of nanomaterials engineering and innovation to their applications

Dr. Sadaf Bashir Khan
Dr. Syed Irfan
Prof. Dr. Asghari Maqsood
Guest Editors

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Keywords

functional nanomaterials
photocatalysis for energy applications
advanced water purification
environmental catalysis
nanostructures
surface area
electrocatalysis

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 10555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cobalt Encapsulated in Nitrogen-Doped Graphite-like Shells as Efficient Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of Arylalkanes

by Shuo Li, Shafqat Ali, Zareen Zuhra, Huahuai Shen, Jiaxiang Qiu, Yanbin Zeng, Ke Zheng, Xiaoxia Wang, Guanqun Xie and Shujiang Ding

Molecules 2024, 29(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29010065 - 21 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1202

Abstract

Selective oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenne is an important process in both organic synthesis and fine chemicals diligence. The cobalt-based catalysts combined with nitrogen-doped carbon have received great attention in ethylbenzene (EB) oxidation. Here, a series of cobalt catalysts with metallic cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated in nitrogen-doped graphite-like carbon shells (Co@NC) have been constructed through the one-pot pyrolysis method in the presence of different nitrogen-containing compounds (urea, dicyandiamide and melamine), and their catalytic performance in solvent-free oxidation of EB with tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) as an oxidant was investigated. Under optimized conditions, the UCo@NC (urea as nitrogen source) could afford 95.2% conversion of EB and 96.0% selectivity to acetophenone, and the substrate scalability was remarkable. Kinetics show that UCo@NC contributes to EB oxidation with an apparent activation energy of 32.3 kJ/mol. The synergistic effect between metallic cobalt NPs and nitrogen-doped graphite-like carbon layers was obviously observed and, especially, the graphitic N species plays a key role during the oxidation reaction. The structure–performance relationship illustrated that EB oxidation was a free radical reaction through 1-phenylethanol as an intermediate, and the possible reaction mechanistic has been proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications)

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13 pages, 28035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diabetes Management by Fourth-Generation Glucose Sensors Based on Lemon-Extract-Supported CuO Nanoporous Materials

by Israr U. Hassan

Molecules 2023, 28(19), 6763; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28196763 - 22 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1136

Abstract

Diabetes is a major worldwide health issue, impacting millions of people around the globe and putting pressure on healthcare systems. Accurate detection of glucose is critical for efficient diabetes care, because it allows for prompt action to control blood sugar levels and avoid problems. Reliable glucose-sensing devices provide individuals with real-time information, allowing them to make more educated food, medicine, and lifestyle decisions. The progress of glucose sensing holds the key to increasing the quality of life for diabetics and lowering the burden of this prevalent condition. The present investigation addresses the synthesis of a CuO@lemon-extract nanoporous material using the sol–gel process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the morphological properties of the composite, which revealed a homogeneous integration of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of the matrix. The existence of primarily oxidized copper species, especially CuO, was confirmed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) investigation in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The CuO@lemon-extract-modified glassy carbon electrode (CuO@lemon-extract GCE) performed well in non-enzymatic electrochemical sensing applications such as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and amperometric glucose detection. The electrode achieved a notable sensitivity of 3293 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² after careful adjustment, with a noticeable detection limit of 0.01 µM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3). The operational range of the electrode was 0.01 µM to 0.2 µM, with potential applied of 0.53 V vs. Ag/AgCl. These findings underscore the CuO@lemon-extract GCE’s promise as a robust and reliable platform for electrochemical glucose sensing, promising advances in non-enzymatic glucose sensing (NEGS) techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications)

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17 pages, 5901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Structural and Thermal Properties of Poly(lactic acid) Using Graphene Oxide Filler and Anionic Surfactant Treatment

by Selsabil Rokia Laraba, Najeeb Ullah, Amirouche Bouamer, Asmat Ullah, Tariq Aziz, Wei Luo, Wahiba Djerir, Qurat ul Ain Zahra, Amine Rezzoug, Jie Wei and Yulin Li

Molecules 2023, 28(18), 6442; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186442 - 5 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1678

Abstract

Graphene has attracted extensive attention in various fields due to its intriguing properties. In this work, nanocomposite films based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA and PLLA) polymers filled with graphene oxide (GO) were developed. The impact of treating GO with the anionic surfactant dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) on the properties of the resulting nanocomposites was investigated. To determine the morphological, optical, and structural properties of the obtained materials, physicochemical analyses were performed, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Additionally, the thermal properties and wettability of neat polymers and nanocomposites were thoroughly investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and contact angle analysis. It was observed that GO was well dispersed throughout the PLA and PLLA matrix, leading to stronger interface bonding. The results demonstrate that the untreated and treated GO improved the crystallinity and thermal stability properties of the PLA and PLLA. However, the AOT-treated GO has significantly higher performance compared to the untreated GO in terms of crystallinity, melting temperature (increased by ~15 °C), and wettability (the contact angle decreased by ~30°). These findings reveal the high performance of the developed novel composite, which could be applied in tissue engineering as a scaffold. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications)

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16 pages, 22357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methylene Blue Dye Adsorption on Iron Oxide-Hydrochar Composite Synthesized via a Facile Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization of Pomegranate Peels’ Waste

by Manal Hessien

Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4526; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114526 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1687

Abstract

The toxicity of dyes has a long-lasting negative impact on aquatic life. Adsorption is an inexpensive, simple, and straightforward technique for eliminating pollutants. One of the challenges facing adsorption is that it is hard to collect the adsorbents after the adsorption. Adding a magnetic property to the adsorbents makes it easier to collect the adsorbents. The current work reports the synthesis of an iron oxide-hydrochar composite (FHC) and an iron oxide-activated hydrochar composite (FAC) through the microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization (MHC) technique, which is known as a timesaving and energy-efficient method. The synthesized composites were characterized using various techniques, such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and N₂ isotherm. The prepared composites were applied in the adsorption of cationic methylene blue dye (MB). The composites were formed of crystalline iron oxide and amorphous hydrochar, with a porous structure for the hydrochar and a rod-like structure for the iron oxide. The pH of the point of zero charge (pHpzc) of the iron oxide-hydrochar composite and the iron oxide-activated hydrochar composite were 5.3 and 5.6, respectively. Approximately 556 mg and 50 mg of MB dye was adsorbed on the surface of 1 g of the FHC and FAC, respectively, according to the maximum adsorption capacity calculated using the Langmuir model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications)

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25 pages, 4958 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

“Green” nZVI-Biochar as Fenton Catalyst: Perspective of Closing-the-Loop in Wastewater Treatment

by Anita Leovac Maćerak, Aleksandra Kulić Mandić, Vesna Pešić, Dragana Tomašević Pilipović, Milena Bečelić-Tomin and Djurdja Kerkez

Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031425 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2388

Abstract

In the framework of wastewater treatment plants, sewage sludge can be directed to biochar production, which when coupled with an external iron source has the potential to be used as a carbon–iron composite material for treating various organic pollutants in advanced oxidation processes. In this research, “green” synthesized nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) supported on sewage sludge-based biochar (BC)–nZVI-BC was used in the Fenton process for the degradation of the recalcitrant organic molecule. In this way, the circular economy principles were supported within wastewater treatment with immediate loop closing; unlike previous papers, where only the water treatment was assessed, the authors proposed a new approach to wastewater treatment, combining solutions for both water and sludge. The following phases were implemented: synthesis and characterization of nano zero-valent iron supported on sewage sludge-based biochar (nZVI-BC); optimization of organic pollutant removal (Reactive Blue 4 as the model pollutant) by nZVI-BC in the Fenton process, using a Definitive Screening Design (DSD) model; reuse of the obtained Fenton sludge, as an additional catalytic material, under previously optimized conditions; and assessment of the exhausted Fenton sludge’s ability to be used as a source of nutrients. nZVI-BC was used in the Fenton treatment for the degradation of Reactive Blue 4—a model substance containing a complex and stable anthraquinone structure. The DSD model proposes a high dye-removal efficiency of 95.02% under the following optimal conditions: [RB4] = 50 mg/L, [nZVI] = 200 mg/L, [H₂O₂] = 10 mM. pH correction was not performed (pH = 3.2). Afterwards, the remaining Fenton sludge, which was thermally treated (named FS_treated), was applied as a heterogeneous catalyst under the same optimal conditions with a near-complete organic molecule degradation (99.56% ± 0.15). It could be clearly noticed that the cumulative amount of released nutrients significantly increased with the number of leaching experiments. The highest cumulative amounts of released K, Ca, Mg, Na, and P were therefore observed at the fifth leaching cycle (6.40, 1.66, 1.12, 0.62, 0.48 and 58.2 mg/g, respectively). According to the nutrient release and toxic metal content, FS_treated proved to be viable for agricultural applications; these findings illustrated that the “green” synthesis of nZVI-BC not only provides innovative and efficient Fenton catalysts, but also constitutes a novel approach for the utilization of sewage sludge, supporting overall process sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications)

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20 pages, 12038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on Gold Nanoparticle-Modified Carbon-Paste Electrode for the Detection of Congo Red Dye

by Aisha Ganash, Sahar Alshammari and Entesar Ganash

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010019 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2464

Abstract

In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were electrodeposited on samples of a carbon-paste electrode (CPE) with different thicknesses. The prepared AuNPs were characterized using different analysis techniques, such as FTIR, UV–Vis, SEM, EDX, TEM images, and XRD analysis. The fabricated modified electrode AuNPs/CPE was used for the sensitive detection of Congo red (CR) dye. Electrochemical sensing was conducted using square-wave voltammetry (SWV) in a 0.1 M acetate buffer solution at pH 6.5. The proposed sensor exhibited high efficiency for the electrochemical determination of CR dye with high selectivity and sensitivity and a low detection limit of 0.07 μM in the concentration range of 1–30 μM and 0.7 μM in the concentration range of 50–200 μM. The practical application of the AuNPs/CPE was verified by detecting CR dye in various real samples involving jelly, candy, wastewater, and tap water. The calculated recoveries (88–106%) were within the acceptable range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications)

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Review

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21 pages, 6462 KiB

Open AccessReview

Soot Erased: Catalysts and Their Mechanistic Chemistry

by Zareen Zuhra, Shuo Li, Guanqun Xie and Xiaoxia Wang

Molecules 2023, 28(19), 6884; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28196884 - 30 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1471

Abstract

Soot formation is an inevitable consequence of the combustion of carbonaceous fuels in environments rich in reducing agents. Efficient management of pollution in various contexts, such as industrial fires, vehicle engines, and similar applications, relies heavily on the subsequent oxidation of soot particles. Among the oxidizing agents employed for this purpose, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen dioxide have all demonstrated effectiveness. The scientific framework of this research can be elucidated through the following key aspects: (i) This review situates itself within the broader context of pollution management, emphasizing the importance of effective soot oxidation in reducing emissions and mitigating environmental impacts. (ii) The central research question of this study pertains to the identification and evaluation of catalysts for soot oxidation, with a specific emphasis on ceria-based catalysts. The formulation of this research question arises from the need to enhance our understanding of catalytic mechanisms and their application in environmental remediation. This question serves as the guiding principle that directs the research methodology. (iii) This review seeks to investigate the catalytic mechanisms involved in soot oxidation. (iv) This review highlights the efficacy of ceria-based catalysts as well as other types of catalysts in soot oxidation and elucidate the underlying mechanistic strategies. The significance of these findings is discussed in the context of pollution management and environmental sustainability. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of catalysis and provides valuable insights for the development of effective strategies to combat air pollution, ultimately promoting a cleaner and healthier environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications)

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24 pages, 15288 KiB

Open AccessReview

Retrospective on Exploring MXene-Based Nanomaterials: Photocatalytic Applications

by Syed Irfan, Sadaf Bashir Khan, Muhammad Aizaz Ud Din, Fan Dong and Deliang Chen

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2495; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062495 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4267

Abstract

Nanostructural two-dimensional compounds are grabbing the attention of researchers all around the world. This research is progressing quickly due to its wide range of applications in numerous industries and enormous promise for future technological breakthroughs. Growing environmental consciousness has made it vital to treat wastewater and avoid releasing hazardous substances into the environment. Rising consumer expectations have led to the emergence of new, frequently nonbiodegradable compounds. Due to their specific chemical and physical properties, MXenes have recently been identified as promising candidates. MXenes are regarded as a prospective route for environmental remediation technologies, such as photocatalysis, adsorption, and membrane separation, and as electrocatalytic sensors for pollution recognition because of their high hydrophilicity, inherent chemical nature, and robust electrochemistry. The development of catalysts based on MXene materials for the photocatalytic breakdown of pharmaceutical wastes in polluted water is critically evaluated in this study. With an emphasis on the degradation mechanism, the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics using MXenes and MXene-based nanocomposites is explained in depth. We emphasize the significant difficulties in producing MXenes and their composites, as well as in the degradation of drugs. The successful use of MXenes in water filtration and suggestions for future study are also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications)

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26 pages, 2825 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tannin in Ruminant Nutrition: Review

by Maghsoud Besharati, Aristide Maggiolino, Valiollah Palangi, Adem Kaya, Muhammad Jabbar, Hüseyin Eseceli, Pasquale De Palo and Jose M. Lorenzo

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8273; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238273 - 27 Nov 2022

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 8243

Abstract

Tannins are polyphenols characterized by different molecular weights that plants are able to synthetize during their secondary metabolism. Macromolecules (proteins, structural carbohydrates and starch) can link tannins and their digestion can decrease. Tannins can be classified into two groups: hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins. Tannins are polyphenols, which can directly or indirectly affect intake and digestion. Their ability to bind molecules and form complexes depends on the structure of polyphenols and on the macromolecule involved. Tannins have long been known to be an “anti-nutritional agent” in monogastric and poultry animals. Using good tannins’ proper application protocols helped the researchers observe positive effects on the intestinal microbial ecosystem, gut health, and animal production. Plant tannins are used as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics, and many factors have been described by researchers which contribute to the variability in their efficiencies. The objective of this study was to review the literature about tannins, their effects and use in ruminant nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials: Preparation Using Chemical Methods—from Fundamental Approaches towards Emerging Technological Applications)

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