Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2024) | Viewed by 24192

Special Issue Editors

State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: inorganic solid catalytic materials; porous catalytic materials; energy; small molecule catalytic conversion; environmental catalysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: fabrication of noble metal-based nanomaterials; hollow noble metal nanoparticles; rattle-type noble metal nanoparticles; electrochemical catalysis; photochemical catalysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Materials are an important material basis for human survival. The kind of materials that are used directly becomes a sign of the productivity level of human society. In recent years, we have witnessed increased interest in advanced materials for energy, environment, and catalysis. Those interdisciplinary fields have been regarded as the key enabling approach to accelerate developments in materials sciences. In recognition of the trends and frontiers of advanced materials for energy, environment and catalysis, a themed issue on “Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis” is planned for Nanomaterials. For this Special Issue, we are particularly interested in, among others, the following areas of advanced materials for energy conversion and environmental catalysis application: lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, fuel cells, catalytic combustion of volatile organic compounds and natural gas, catalytic purification of indoor air, heterogeneous catalysis in water treatment processes, catalytic conversion of greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances, environmental catalytic processes in the atmosphere, etc. The issue will contain a mixture of original (communications and full papers) and review-type (reviews and concepts) articles, and you can choose which type of article you would prefer to submit or if you would like to submit more than one.

Dr. Jian Qi
Dr. Hui Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • reasonable design and controllable synthesis
  • micro-/nanostructured materials
  • energy conversion and storage
  • lithium-ion batteries
  • sodium-ion batteries
  • supercapacitors
  • solar cells
  • fuel cells
  • photocatalysis
  • electrocatalysis
  • thermal catalysis
  • environmental catalysis
  • energy catalysis
  • biocatalysis

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 197 KiB  
Editorial
Advances in Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Environmental Catalysis
by Jian Qi and Hui Liu
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(23), 1902; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14231902 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 121
Abstract
Not only are solutions to energy and environmental issues essential in long-term planning for the Earth’s ecological balance and sustainable economic development, they also represent an urgent issue posing a direct threat to human health [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

14 pages, 3622 KiB  
Article
Rate-Dependent Stability and Electrochemical Behavior of Na3NiZr(PO4)3 in Sodium-Ion Batteries
by Marwa Tayoury, Abdelwahed Chari, Mohamed Aqil, Adil Sghiouri Idrissi, Ayoub El Bendali, Jones Alami, Youssef Tamraoui and Mouad Dahbi
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141204 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1228
Abstract
In advancing sodium-ion battery technology, we introduce a novel application of Na3NiZr(PO4)3 with a NASICON structure as an anode material. This research unveils, for the first time, its exceptional ability to maintain high specific capacity and unprecedented cycle [...] Read more.
In advancing sodium-ion battery technology, we introduce a novel application of Na3NiZr(PO4)3 with a NASICON structure as an anode material. This research unveils, for the first time, its exceptional ability to maintain high specific capacity and unprecedented cycle stability under extreme current densities up to 1000 mA·g−1, within a low voltage window of 0.01–2.5 V. The core of our findings lies in the material’s remarkable capacity retention and stability, which is a leap forward in addressing long-standing challenges in energy storage. Through cutting-edge in situ/operando X-ray diffraction analysis, we provide a perspective on the structural evolution of Na3NiZr(PO4)3 during operation, offering deep insights into the mechanisms that underpin its superior performance. Full article
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10 pages, 2929 KiB  
Article
Biomass-Derived Carbon Utilization for Electrochemical Energy Enhancement in Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Byeong Jin Jeong, Feng Jiang, Jae Yoon Sung, Soon Phil Jung, Dae Won Oh, RM. Gnanamuthu, Kumaran Vediappan and Chang Woo Lee
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(12), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14120999 - 8 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1300
Abstract
Cathodes made of LiFePO4 (LFP) offer numerous benefits including being non-toxic, eco-friendly, and affordable. The distinctive olivine structure of LFP cathodes contributes to their electrochemical stability. Nonetheless, this structure is also the cause of their low ionic and electronic conductivity. To enhance [...] Read more.
Cathodes made of LiFePO4 (LFP) offer numerous benefits including being non-toxic, eco-friendly, and affordable. The distinctive olivine structure of LFP cathodes contributes to their electrochemical stability. Nonetheless, this structure is also the cause of their low ionic and electronic conductivity. To enhance these limitations, an uncomplicated approach has been effectively employed. A straightforward solid-state synthesis technique is used to apply a coating of biomass from potato peels to the LFP cathode, boosting its electrochemical capabilities. Potato peels contain pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen, which are conducive to ionic and electronic movement and facilitate pathways for lithium-ion and electron transfer, thus elevating electrochemical performance. When coated with nitrogen-doped carbon derived from potato peel biomass (PPNC@LFP), the LFP cathode demonstrates an improved discharge capacity of 150.39 mAh g−1 at a 0.1 C-rate and 112.83 mAh g−1 at a 1.0 C-rate, in contrast to the uncoated LFP which shows capacities of 141.34 mAh g−1 and 97.72 mAh g−1 at the same rates, respectively. Full article
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16 pages, 6155 KiB  
Article
New Approach to Synthesizing Cathode PtCo/C Catalysts for Low-Temperature Fuel Cells
by Sergey Belenov, Dmitriy Mauer, Elizabeth Moguchikh, Anna Gavrilova, Alina Nevelskaya, Egor Beskopylny, Ilya Pankov, Aleksey Nikulin and Anastasia Alekseenko
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100856 - 14 May 2024
Viewed by 1284
Abstract
The presented study is concerned with a new multi-step method to synthesize PtCo/C materials based on composite CoxOy/C that combines the advantages of different liquid-phase synthesis methods. Based on the results of studying the materials at each stage of [...] Read more.
The presented study is concerned with a new multi-step method to synthesize PtCo/C materials based on composite CoxOy/C that combines the advantages of different liquid-phase synthesis methods. Based on the results of studying the materials at each stage of synthesis with the TG, XRD, TEM, SEI, TXRF, CV and LSV methods, a detailed overview of the sequential changes in catalyst composition and structure at each stage of the synthesis is presented. The PtCo/C catalyst synthesized with the multi-step method is characterized by a uniform distribution of bimetallic nanoparticles of about 3 nm in size over the surface of the support, which result in its high ESA and ORR activity. The activity study for the synthesized PtCo/C catalyst in an MEA showed better current–voltage characteristics and a higher maximum specific power compared with an MEA based on a commercial Pt/C catalyst. Therefore, the results of the presented study demonstrate high prospects for the developed approach to the multi-step synthesis of PtM/C catalysts, which may enhance the characteristics of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Full article
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16 pages, 2675 KiB  
Article
Towards High-Performance Photo-Fenton Degradation of Organic Pollutants with Magnetite-Silver Composites: Synthesis, Catalytic Reactions and In Situ Insights
by Katia Nchimi Nono, Alexander Vahl and Huayna Terraschke
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100849 - 13 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1314
Abstract
In this study, Fe3O4/Ag magnetite-silver (MSx) nanocomposites were investigated as catalysts for advanced oxidation processes by coupling the plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles and the ferromagnetism of iron oxide species. A surfactant-free co-precipitation synthesis method yielded pure Fe3 [...] Read more.
In this study, Fe3O4/Ag magnetite-silver (MSx) nanocomposites were investigated as catalysts for advanced oxidation processes by coupling the plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles and the ferromagnetism of iron oxide species. A surfactant-free co-precipitation synthesis method yielded pure Fe3O4 magnetite and four types of MSx nanocomposites. Their characterisation included structural, compositional, morphological and optical analyses, revealing Fe3O4 magnetite and Ag silver phases with particle sizes ranging from 15 to 40 nm, increasing with the silver content. The heterostructures with silver reduced magnetite particle aggregation, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering. The UV–Vis spectra showed that the Fe:Ag ratio strongly influenced the absorbance, with a strong absorption band around 400 nm due to the silver phase. The oxidation kinetics of organic pollutants, monitored by in situ luminescence measurements using rhodamine B as a model system, demonstrated the higher performance of the developed catalysts with increasing Ag content. The specific surface area measurements highlighted the importance of active sites in the synergistic catalytic activity of Fe3O4/Ag nanocomposites in the photo-Fenton reaction. Finally, the straightforward fabrication of diverse Fe3O4/Ag heterostructures combining magnetism and plasmonic effects opens up promising possibilities for heterogeneous catalysis and environmental remediation. Full article
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11 pages, 10598 KiB  
Article
Hybrid-Mechanism Synergistic Flexible Nb2O5@WS2@C Carbon Nanofiber Anode for Superior Sodium Storage
by Yang Zhao, Ziwen Feng, Yipeng Tan, Qinglin Deng and Lingmin Yao
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070631 - 5 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1377
Abstract
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have demonstrated remarkable development potential and commercial prospects. However, in the current state of research, the development of high-energy-density, long-cycle-life, high-rate-performance anode materials for SIBs remains a huge challenge. Free-standing flexible electrodes, owing to their ability to achieve higher energy [...] Read more.
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have demonstrated remarkable development potential and commercial prospects. However, in the current state of research, the development of high-energy-density, long-cycle-life, high-rate-performance anode materials for SIBs remains a huge challenge. Free-standing flexible electrodes, owing to their ability to achieve higher energy density without the need for current collectors, binders, and conductive additives, have garnered significant attention across various fields. In this work, we designed and fabricated a free-standing three-dimensional flexible Nb2O5@WS2@C carbon nanofiber (CNF) anode based on a hybrid adsorption–intercalation–conversion mechanism of sodium storage, using electrospinning and hydrothermal synthesis processes. The hybrid structure, aided by synergistic effects, releases the advantages of all materials, demonstrating a superior rate performance (288, 248, 211, 158, 90, and 48 mA h g−1 at the current density of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 A g−1, respectively) and good cycling stability (160 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at 1 A g−1). This work provides certain guiding significance for future research on hybrid and flexible anodes of SIBs. Full article
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12 pages, 1848 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Sodium-Ion Energy Storage of Commercial Activated Carbon by Constructing Closed Pores via Ball Milling
by Xiaojie Wang, Qian Fang, Tiejun Zheng, Yanyan Xu, Rui Dai, Zhijun Qiao, Dianbo Ruan and Yuzuo Wang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010065 - 26 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1854
Abstract
Mechanical ball milling is a prevalent technology for material preparation and also serves as a post-treatment method to modify electrode materials, thus enhancing electrochemical performances. This study explores the microstructure modification of commercial activated carbon through mechanical ball milling, proving its efficacy in [...] Read more.
Mechanical ball milling is a prevalent technology for material preparation and also serves as a post-treatment method to modify electrode materials, thus enhancing electrochemical performances. This study explores the microstructure modification of commercial activated carbon through mechanical ball milling, proving its efficacy in increasing sodium-ion energy storage. The evolution of activated carbon’s physical and chemical properties during ball milling was systematically examined. It was observed that the quantity of closed pores and the graphitization degree in activated carbon increased with extended ball milling duration. The sodium storage mechanism in activated carbon transitions to an insertion-pore filling process, significantly elevating platform capacity. Additionally, ball-milled activated carbon demonstrates remarkable long-term cycling stability (92% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 200 mA g−1) and rate performance. This research offers a novel approach to developing advanced anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Full article
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12 pages, 2230 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Conductive Additive Morphology and Crystallinity on the Electrochemical Performance of Ni-Rich Cathodes for Sulfide All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Jae Hong Choi, Sumyeong Choi, Tom James Embleton, Kyungmok Ko, Kashif Saleem Saqib, Jahanzaib Ali, Mina Jo, Junhyeok Hwang, Sungwoo Park, Minhu Kim, Mingi Hwang, Heesoo Lim and Pilgun Oh
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(23), 3065; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13233065 - 1 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2639
Abstract
Sulfide electrolyte all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLBs) that have inherently nonflammable properties have improved greatly over the past decade. However, determining both the stable and functional electrode components to pair with these solid electrolytes requires significant investigation. Solid electrolyte comprises 20–40% of the composite [...] Read more.
Sulfide electrolyte all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLBs) that have inherently nonflammable properties have improved greatly over the past decade. However, determining both the stable and functional electrode components to pair with these solid electrolytes requires significant investigation. Solid electrolyte comprises 20–40% of the composite cathode electrode, which improves the ionic conductivity. However, this results in thick electrolyte that blocks the electron pathways in the electrode, significantly lowering the electrochemical performance. The application of conductive carbon material is required to overcome this issue, and, hence, determining the carbon properties that result in the most stable performance in the sulfide solid electrolyte is vital. This study analyzes the effect of the cathode conductive additive’s morphology on the electrochemical performance of sulfide electrolyte-based ASSLBs. Carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which provide electron pathways at the nanoscale and sub-micron scale, and carbon nanofiber (CNF), which provides electron pathways at the tens-of-microns scale, are all tested individually as potential conductive additives. When the CNF, with its high crystallinity, is used as a conductive material, the electrochemical performance shows an excellent initial discharge capacity of 191.78 mAh/g and a 50-cycle capacity retention of 83.9%. Conversely, the CB and the CNTs, with their shorter pathways and significantly increased surface area, show a relatively low electrochemical performance. By using the CNF to provide excellent electrical conductivity to the electrode, the polarization is suppressed. Furthermore, the interfacial impedance across the charge transfer region is also reduced over 50 cycles compared with the CB and CNT composite cells. These findings stringently analyze and emphasize the importance of the morphology of the carbon conductive additives in the ASSLB cathode electrodes, with improvements in the electrochemical performance being realized through the application of long-form two-dimensional crystalline CNFs. Full article
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26 pages, 5625 KiB  
Article
Methane Catalytic Combustion under Lean Conditions over Pristine and Ir-Loaded La1−xSrxMnO3 Perovskites: Efficiency, Hysteresis, and Time-on-Stream and Thermal Aging Stabilities
by Catherine Drosou, Ersi Nikolaraki, Theodora Georgakopoulou, Sotiris Fanourgiakis, Vassilios T. Zaspalis and Ioannis V. Yentekakis
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(15), 2271; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13152271 - 7 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1505
Abstract
The increasing use of natural gas as an efficient, reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy source, compared with other fossil fuels, has brought the catalytic CH4 complete oxidation reaction into the spotlight as a simple and economic way to control the amount of [...] Read more.
The increasing use of natural gas as an efficient, reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy source, compared with other fossil fuels, has brought the catalytic CH4 complete oxidation reaction into the spotlight as a simple and economic way to control the amount of unconverted methane escaping into the atmosphere. CH4 emissions are a major contributor to the ‘greenhouse effect’, and therefore, they need to be effectively reduced. Catalytic CH4 oxidation is a promising method that can be used for this purpose. Detailed studies of the activity, oxidative thermal aging, and the time-on-stream (TOS) stability of pristine La1−xSrxMnO3 perovskites (LSXM; X = % substitution of La with Sr = 0, 30, 50 and 70%) and iridium-loaded Ir/La1−xSrxMnO3 (Ir/LSXM) perovskite catalysts were conducted in a temperature range of 400–970 °C to achieve complete methane oxidation under excess oxygen (lean) conditions. The effect of X on the properties of the perovskites, and thus, their catalytic performance during heating/cooling cycles, was studied using samples that were subjected to various pretreatment conditions in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the structure–activity/stability correlations. Large (up to ca. 300 °C in terms of T50) inverted volcano-type differences in catalytic activity were found as a function of X, with the most active catalysts being those where X = 0%, and the least active were those where X = 50%. Inverse hysteresis phenomena (steady-state rate multiplicities) were revealed in heating/cooling cycles under reaction conditions, the occurrence of which was found to depend strongly on the employed catalyst pre-treatment (pre-reduction or pre-oxidation), while their shape and the loop amplitude were found to depend on X and the presence of Ir. All findings were consistently interpreted, which involved a two-term mechanistic model that utilized the synergy of Eley–Rideal and Mars–van Krevelen kinetics. Full article
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19 pages, 2944 KiB  
Article
Biochars from Olive Stones as Carbonaceous Support in Pt/TiO2-Carbon Photocatalysts and Application in Hydrogen Production from Aqueous Glycerol Photoreforming
by Juan Carlos Escamilla-Mejía, Jesús Hidalgo-Carrillo, Juan Martín-Gómez, Francisco J. López-Tenllado, Rafael Estévez, Alberto Marinas and Francisco J. Urbano
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13091511 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Several biochars were synthesized from olive stones and used as supports for TiO2, as an active semiconductor, and Pt as a co-catalyst (Pt/TiO2-PyCF and Pt/TiO2-AC). A third carbon-supported photocatalyst was prepared from commercial mesoporous carbon (Pt/TiO2 [...] Read more.
Several biochars were synthesized from olive stones and used as supports for TiO2, as an active semiconductor, and Pt as a co-catalyst (Pt/TiO2-PyCF and Pt/TiO2-AC). A third carbon-supported photocatalyst was prepared from commercial mesoporous carbon (Pt/TiO2-MCF). Moreover, a Pt/TiO2 solid based on Evonik P25 was used as a reference. The biochars used as supports transferred, to a large extent, their physical and chemical properties to the final photocatalysts. The synthesized catalysts were tested for hydrogen production from aqueous glycerol photoreforming. The results indicated that a mesoporous nature and small particle size of the photocatalyst lead to better H2 production. The analysis of the operational reaction conditions revealed that the H2 evolution rate was not proportional to the mass of the photocatalyst used, since, at high photocatalyst loading, the hydrogen production decreased because of the light scattering and reflection phenomena that caused a reduction in the light penetration depth. When expressed per gram of TiO2, the activity of Pt/TiO2-PyCF is almost 4-times higher than that of Pt/TiO2 (1079 and 273 mmol H2/gTiO2, respectively), which points to the positive effect of an adequate dispersion of a TiO2 phase on a carbonaceous support, forming a highly dispersed and homogeneously distributed titanium dioxide phase. Throughout a 12 h reaction period, the H2 production rate progressively decreases, while the CO2 production rate increases continuously. This behavior is compatible with an initial period when glycerol dehydrogenation to glyceraldehyde and/or dihydroxyacetone and hydrogen predominates, followed by a period in which comparatively slower C-C cleavage reactions begin to occur, thus generating both H2 and CO2. Full article
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13 pages, 2783 KiB  
Article
MoS2/NiSe2/rGO Multiple-Interfaced Sandwich-like Nanostructures as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting
by Xiaoyan Bai, Tianqi Cao, Tianyu Xia, Chenxiao Wu, Menglin Feng, Xinru Li, Ziqing Mei, Han Gao, Dongyu Huo, Xiaoyan Ren, Shunfang Li, Haizhong Guo and Rongming Wang
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040752 - 16 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2815
Abstract
Constructing a heterogeneous interface using different components is one of the effective measures to achieve the bifunctionality of nanocatalysts, while synergistic interactions between multiple interfaces can further optimize the performance of single-interface nanocatalysts. The non-precious metal nanocatalysts MoS2/NiSe2/reduced graphene [...] Read more.
Constructing a heterogeneous interface using different components is one of the effective measures to achieve the bifunctionality of nanocatalysts, while synergistic interactions between multiple interfaces can further optimize the performance of single-interface nanocatalysts. The non-precious metal nanocatalysts MoS2/NiSe2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) bilayer sandwich-like nanostructure with multiple well-defined interfaces is prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. MoS2 and rGO are layered nanostructures with clear boundaries, and the NiSe2 nanoparticles with uniform size are sandwiched between both layered nanostructures. This multiple-interfaced sandwich-like nanostructure is prominent in catalytic water splitting with low overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and almost no degradation in performance after a 20 h long-term reaction. In order to simulate the actual overall water splitting process, the prepared nanostructures are assembled into MoS2/NiSe2/rGO||MoS2/NiSe2/rGO modified two-electrode system, whose overpotential is only 1.52 mV, even exceeded that of noble metal nanocatalyst (Pt/C||RuO2~1.63 mV). This work provides a feasible idea for constructing multi-interface bifunctional electrocatalysts using nanoparticle-doped bilayer-like nanostructures. Full article
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11 pages, 4859 KiB  
Article
Carbon-Supported PdCu Alloy as Extraordinary Electrocatalysts for Methanol Electrooxidation in Alkaline Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
by Guixian Li, Shoudeng Wang, Hongwei Li, Peng Guo, Yanru Li, Dong Ji and Xinhong Zhao
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4210; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234210 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2009
Abstract
Palladium (Pd) nanostructures are highly active non-platinum anodic electrocatalysts in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), and their electrocatalytic performance relies highly on their morphology and composition. This study reports the preparation, characterizations, and electrocatalytic properties of palladium-copper alloys loaded on the carbon [...] Read more.
Palladium (Pd) nanostructures are highly active non-platinum anodic electrocatalysts in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), and their electrocatalytic performance relies highly on their morphology and composition. This study reports the preparation, characterizations, and electrocatalytic properties of palladium-copper alloys loaded on the carbon support. XC-72 was used as a support, and hydrazine hydrate served as a reducing agent. PdxCuy/XC-72 nanoalloy catalysts were prepared in a one-step chemical reduction process with different ratios of Pd and Cu. A range of analytical techniques was used to characterize the microstructure and electronic properties of the catalysts, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Benefiting from excellent electronic structure, Pd3Cu2/XC-72 achieves higher mass activity enhancement and improves durability for MOR. Considering the simple synthesis, excellent activity, and long-term stability, PdxCuy/XC-72 anodic electrocatalysts will be highly promising in alkaline DMFCs. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

17 pages, 23851 KiB  
Review
Metal–Organic Framework Nanomaterials as a Medicine for Catalytic Tumor Therapy: Recent Advances
by Jiaojiao Zhang, Meiyu Li, Maosong Liu, Qian Yu, Dengfeng Ge and Jianming Zhang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090797 - 3 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1750
Abstract
Nanomaterials, with unique physical, chemical, and biocompatible properties, have attracted significant attention as an emerging active platform in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Amongst them, metal–organic framework (MOF) nanostructures are particularly promising as a nanomedicine due to their exceptional surface functionalities, adsorption properties, and [...] Read more.
Nanomaterials, with unique physical, chemical, and biocompatible properties, have attracted significant attention as an emerging active platform in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Amongst them, metal–organic framework (MOF) nanostructures are particularly promising as a nanomedicine due to their exceptional surface functionalities, adsorption properties, and organo-inorganic hybrid characteristics. Furthermore, when bioactive substances are integrated into the structure of MOFs, these materials can be used as anti-tumor agents with superior performance compared to traditional nanomaterials. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in MOFs-based materials for tumor therapy, including their application in cancer treatment and the underlying mechanisms. Full article
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32 pages, 15127 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Co3O4-Based Composites: Synthesis and Application in Combustion of Methane
by Xinfang Wei, Jiawei Kang, Lin Gan, Wei Wang, Lin Yang, Dijia Wang, Ruixia Zhong and Jian Qi
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(13), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13131917 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2218
Abstract
In recent years, it has been found that adjusting the organizational structure of Co3O4 through solid solution and other methods can effectively improve its catalytic performance for the oxidation of low concentration methane. Its catalytic activity is close to that [...] Read more.
In recent years, it has been found that adjusting the organizational structure of Co3O4 through solid solution and other methods can effectively improve its catalytic performance for the oxidation of low concentration methane. Its catalytic activity is close to that of metal Pd, which is expected to replace costly noble metal catalysts. Therefore, the in-depth research on the mechanism and methods of Co3O4 microstructure regulation has very important academic value and economic benefits. In this paper, we reviewed the catalytic oxidation mechanism, microstructure regulation mechanism, and methods of nano-Co3O4 on methane gas, which provides reference for the development of high-activity Co3O4-based methane combustion catalysts. Through literature investigation, it is found that the surface energy state of nano-Co3O4 can be adjusted by loading of noble metals, resulting in the reduction of Co–O bond strength, thus accelerating the formation of reactive oxygen species chemical bonds, and improving its catalytic effect. Secondly, the use of metal oxides and non-metallic oxide carriers helps to disperse and stabilize cobalt ions, improve the structural elasticity of Co3O4, and ultimately improve its catalytic performance. In addition, the performance of the catalyst can be improved by adjusting the microstructure of the composite catalyst and optimizing the preparation process. In this review, we summarize the catalytic mechanism and microstructure regulation of nano-Co3O4 and its composite catalysts (embedded with noble metals or combined with metallic and nonmetallic oxides) for methane combustion. Notably, this review delves into the substance of measures that can be used to improve the catalytic performance of Co3O4, highlighting the constructive role of components in composite catalysts that can improve the catalytic capacity of Co3O4. Firstly, the research status of Co3O4 composite catalyst is reviewed in this paper. It is hoped that relevant researchers can get inspiration from this paper and develop high-activity Co3O4-based methane combustion catalyst. Full article
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