Mesoporous carbon microspheres (CMs) have recently received much attention by virtue of their large pore size; open framework structure, high surface area, and idiosyncratic spherical nature, which contribute to chemical stability and electrical and thermal conductivity. The inherent difficulties of these materials can be reduced by surface modification techniques, resulting in a new system with ameliorated properties. Like other carbonaceous materials, CMs also have the upper hand in controlling composites’ physicochemical and morphological behaviours because of their carefully controlled size, thickness, surface properties, etc. We can explore the possibilities of these properties by fabricating supercapacitors, sensors, batteries, separation membranes, etc. The key focus of our review is to summarise the various synthetic protocols adopted for composite preparation, the difficulties, and the advantages of the method. In addition, we have tried to incorporate multiple applications and future perspectives of CM-based composites.
The development of hydrogen energy is crucial for achieving global dual-carbon strategic goals, namely "carbon peak" and "carbon neutrality." Photocatalytic water splitting, powered by solar energy, presents a promising approach to hydrogen production. Advancing this technology requires the development of photocatalysts that are cost-effective, highly active, and stable. As a non-metallic semiconductor, g-C3N4 stands out for its potential in sustainable energy and environmental remediation technologies, garnering considerable interest for its efficiency in harnessing light-driven reactions. Although g-C3N4 exhibits promising characteristics, its practical application is significantly hindered by the rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers and its limited light absorption range. This review highlights various strategies employed to improve the photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency of g-C3N4, including heteroatom doping, microstructure control, co-catalyst modification, defect engineering, and heterojunction construction. These strategies enhance active site density, light absorption capacity, and photogenerated charge separation in g-C3N4, thereby boosting electron migration rates and improving photocatalytic hydrogen production. Additionally, we explore the potential of integrating cutting-edge AI technology with advanced instrumentation for the prediction, design, preparation, and in-situ characterization of g-C3N4-based photocatalytic systems. This review aims to offer key insights into the design, development, and practical application of innovative, high-performance carbon-based catalysts.
The synthesis of functional carbon materials with controllable morphology and structure using a simple, effective, and green process starting from biomass has been an attractive and challenging topic in recent years. After decades of technological development, high value-added biomass-derived carbon nanomaterials with different morphologies and structures prepared by low-temperature hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) have been gradually developed into a huge system covering different series in different dimensions, and are widely used in the fields of adsorption, electrochemical energy storage, and catalysis. However, due to a vague understanding of the fundamental structure–performance correlation and the absence of customized material design strategies, the diverse needs in practical applications cannot be well met. Herein, we reviewed the mechanism, modifications, and applications of the low-temperature HTC method for biomass. The synthesis mechanisms, structural designs strategies, and related applications of biomass-derived hydrochar are highlighted and summarized in different dimensions, including six major categories: zero-dimensional spherical structure, one-dimensional fibrous and tubular structure, two-dimensional lamellar structure, three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure, and special-shaped asymmetric structure. Then a sustainability assessment is conducted on the hydrothermal carbonization process. Finally, the controllable preparation of biomass-derived hydrochar is summarized and prospected for the application requirements in different fields.
Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide is a crucial energy conversion protocol involving two significant processes: converting CO2, a greenhouse gas, into value-added products and reducing fossil fuel usage to produce fuels or chemical products. Moreover, the production of CO from the carbon dioxide reduction reaction is highly substantial since it is a twoproton/ electron reaction, and it also finds potential applications in chemical, metallurgical, and pharmaceutical industries. Among the various classes of electrocatalytic materials, single-atom catalysts have attracted great attention because of their high atom utilization. Here, we survey the recent research trends involved in the preparation of single atom-based electrocatalysts for the generation of carbon monoxide from the electroreduction of carbon dioxide.
Industrialization and increasing consumerism have driven up energy demand and fossil fuel consumption, significantly contributing to global climate change and environmental pollution. While renewable energy sources are sustainable, their intermittent nature necessitates the development of efficient energy storage devices to ensure uninterrupted power supply and optimal energy utilization. Electrochemical energy storage devices are promising for sustainable energy. Traditionally, carbon electrode materials for these devices come from non-renewable sources. However, using biomass and biomass–coal blends can help substitute fossil fuels, reducing environmental impact. Recent advancements in carbon materials have achieved specific surface areas of over 2500 m2/ g, resulting in supercapacitor capacitances of 250–350 F/g and cycling stability exceeding 10,000 cycles with < 5% capacity loss. In lithium-ion batteries, biomass-based anodes deliver 400–600 mA h/g, outperforming graphite. Doped carbon materials enhance charge-transfer efficiency by 20–30%, while CO₂ emissions from production are reduced by 40–60%. With 50–70% lower costs than fossil-based alternatives, biomass-derived carbons present a viable pathway for scalable, eco-friendly energy storage solutions, accelerating the transition toward sustainable energy systems. Overall, this work highlights the influence of carbon materials on the electrochemical properties and hydrogen storage capacity of biomass-based carbon materials. This also underscores their potential application in energy storage.
LTO is a commercial anode material that contributes to delivered energy and cycle stability. With affordability and high energy density, graphite faces limited cycle time and inferior stability. Here, we discussed the LTO challenges and compared the Ti-based anode from the original structure to the LTO-MXene composites, which are promising alternative anodes. Spinel lithium titanate (LTO) possesses high working voltage, stability, safety, and negligible volume change, while it suffers from low electronic conductivity that limits rate performance at large current densities. 2D Mxenes have recently drawn attention to various applications due to high conductivity, large surface area, flexibility, and polar surface benefits. We critically reviewed the synthesis approaches, morphology views, and electrochemical behavior of LTO-MXene as new anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). There are few reports on LTO-MXene anodes in LIBs. They provide a synergistic action of LTO and MXene, enhancing the accessibility of electrolytes and reducing the distance, benefiting fast diffusion. This review paper sheds light on how the synthesis approaches can directly affect LIB configurations' durability and energy density and lead researchers to develop features of LTO anodes with promising engagement.
Enhanced concrete construction through carbon incorporation in nanotechnology-enabled cementitious materials can be achieved using biochar. Biochar is a carbon additive, improving concrete’s mechanical strength and durability while reducing porosity and enhancing sustainability. The objective is to leverage the unique properties of biochar, derived from carbon nanotechnology, to improve mechanical strength durability, and reduce porosity in concrete. By integrating biochar, this research aims to develop a more resilient and environmentally friendly construction material, addressing performance and sustainability challenges in modern concrete construction. However, a significant research gap exists in understanding biochar's long-term effects and optimal concentrations in cementitious matrices. This study seeks to fill this gap by systematically investigating the performance enhancements and material properties imparted by biochar in various concrete formulations. The study demonstrated that incorporating carbon-rich biochar into concrete significantly enhances its structural performance and sustainability. The life-cycle assessment (LCA) of biochar-incorporated concrete reveals significant environmental benefits, highlighting its potential for sustainable construction practices. Integrating biochar into concrete enhances the material’s durability and longevity, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements, thus conserving resources. The use of biochar supports sustainable waste management by utilizing agricultural and forestry residues, thereby reducing waste and conserving natural resources. Nanotechnology in concrete, through the use of biochar, improves the material’s mechanical properties, creating a denser and more durable matrix that requires less maintenance. These findings underscore the dual benefits of enhancing concrete performance while promoting environmental sustainability, making biochar-incorporated concrete a promising solution for eco-friendly construction. Optimal biochar concentration at 7% by weight improved compressive strength by 20%, reduced freeze–thaw damage by 80%, and decreased chemical degradation by up to 85%. Additionally, biochar reduced concrete porosity and water absorption, creating a denser and more durable matrix. These results highlight the dual benefits of using biochar for carbon sequestration and improving concrete's mechanical properties, supporting its use in sustainable construction practices.
In this paper, poly(glycolic acid–co-DL–lactic acid) (PGDLLA)/poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) incompatible nanocomposites were combined with multiscale modeling (MSM) in a ratio of 80/20. Since the behavior and mechanical properties of blends depend significantly on the interphase region, the compatibilizer poly(l,l-lactic acid–co-ɛ-caprolactone) (P(lLA-co-ɛ-CL)) was used to improve compatibility and graphene oxide (GO) was used to increase the interphase strength of PGDLLA matrix/PCL. This work was done by mixing solvent to achieve the optimum disperse of GO in the matrix. The investigation of interfacial phenomenon by the theoretical interfacial models is important. Under the assumption of constant modulus and elastic deformation in the zero interface region, the predictions in this region are more unreliable when the calculations of experimental mechanical properties are analyzed in detail. In this study, PGDLLA/P(lLA-co-ɛ-CL)/PCL compounds were compared with the MSM approach to predict the plastic deformation in the stress–strain behavior. In contrast to the hypothesis that a simple look at the interphase area in nanocomposites, a finite element code is proposed to evaluate the efficiency of the interphase area. Both experimental results and FEM analysis showed that Young’s modulus increases by incorporating GO into GO/PGDLLA/P(lLA-co-ɛ-CL)/PCL nanocomposites; the amount of increase for incorporating 1 phr GO is about 61%.
The structure and composition of coal tar pitch are critical in the production of superior needle coke. We used high-temperature refined coal tar pitch (HRCTP) to modify medium–low-temperature refined coal tar pitch (MLRCTP) for needle coke preparation. Various characterization techniques were applied to evaluate the effects of the HRCTP addition on the MLRCTP's structure and composition, and to investigate the microstructural and crystallographic differences in needle coke from different feedstocks. We identified the optimal HRCTP addition level and assessed how carbonization reaction conditions influenced needle coke quality. The findings indicated that HRCTP addition increased the aromatic hydrocarbons content while reducing the heterocyclic compounds and excess alkanes, leading to enhanced structure and composition, which supported the structured development of carbon-based structures during the thermal polycondensation process. Notably, higher HRCTP amounts did not equate to better outcomes. With a 25% HRCTP additive level, the needle coke’s microstructure showed a highly ordered fibrous texture with optimal orientation, the greatest degree of graphitization, and a mature graphite crystal content of 24.84%. Further optimization of the carbonization process demonstrated that very high temperatures might cause the formation of numerous mosaic structures due to disordered radical cross-linking. Properly reducing pressure at high temperatures could promote adequate directional airflow and apply shear force during orderly stacking of the mesophase, thus enhancing the carbon lamellae’s streamline and orientation. Following the carbonization process optimization, the mature graphite crystal content in the needle coke increased from 24.84% to 39.87%.
Concentration-dependent multicolor emission is an unusual yet appealing photoluminescence property of various carbonaceous nanomaterials with interesting potential applications. While carbon dots (CDs) are no exception, the predictability and tuning of the microenvironment of CD to make it suitable for displaying concentration-dependent multicolor emission is far from adequately understood. Through the novel synthesis of bromine-doped CDs (Br-CDs) via controlled hydrothermal pyrolysis, we demonstrate the capacity of the same Br-CD to emit intense red (650 nm) as well as blue fluorescence (410 nm) including intermittent colors as a function of concentration and excitation wavelength. The concentration-dependent morphological transition of the Br-CDs was ascertained using electron microscopy shedding light on their optical evolution in response to concentration changes. The phenomenon is validated as being driven by unique rearrangement and surface functionality modulation, which is essentially linked to the concentration of CD in an ensemble. Notably, the synthesized Br-CDs displayed excellent enzyme-mimicking abilities where oxidase-like activity was assessed using a tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate under visible light (LED, 23W), and peroxidase-like activity was evaluated with TMB and H2O2 over a wide range of pH and temperature. The visible-light-triggered generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by Br-CDs proved to be an effective antibacterial agent demonstrating a significant eradication rate against both Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria. A captivating and unusual photophysical phenomenon is exhibited by Br-CD, showcasing their versatile applications in nanozymes and antibacterial interventions where emission color directly links to the activity eliminating the necessity of multiple titrations to determine concentration/units/dosage.
Optimizing business strategies for energy through machine learning involves using predictive analytics for accurate energy demand and price forecasting, enhancing operational efficiency through resource optimization and predictive maintenance, and optimizing renewable energy integration into the energy grid. This approach maximizes production, reduces costs, and ensures stability in energy supply. The novelty of integrating deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in energy management lies in its ability to adapt and optimize operational strategies in real-time, autonomously leveraging advanced machine learning techniques to handle dynamic and complex energy environments. The study’s outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of DRL in optimizing energy management strategies. Statistical validity tests revealed shallow error values [MAE: 1.056 × 10(− 13) and RMSE: 1.253 × 10(− 13)], indicating strong predictive accuracy and model robustness. Sensitivity analysis showed that heating and cooling energy consumption variations significantly impact total energy consumption, with predicted changes ranging from 734.66 to 835.46 units. Monte Carlo simulations revealed a mean total energy consumption of 850 units with a standard deviation of 50 units, underscoring the model’s robustness under various stochastic scenarios. Another significant result of the economic impact analysis was the comparison of different operational strategies. The analysis indicated that scenario 1 (high operational costs) and scenario 2 (lower operational costs) both resulted in profits of $70,000, despite differences in operational costs and revenues. However, scenario 3 (optimized strategy) demonstrated superior financial performance with a profit of $78,500. This highlights the importance of strategic operational improvements and suggests that efficiency optimization can significantly enhance profitability. In addition, the DRL-enhanced strategies showed a marked improvement in forecasting and managing demand fluctuations, leading to better resource allocation and reduced energy wastage. Integrating DRL improves operational efficiency and supports long-term financial viability, positioning energy systems for a more sustainable future.
Considering the intrinsic activity of non-precious metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is typically lower than that of precious metal catalysts, it is crucial to focus on the rational design of their micro-morphology and active site. This paper employed a simple molten salt-mediated template method to fabricate a Fe3C composite N-doped C catalyst with a layered porous framework ( Fe3C@NC). Tannic acid was utilized to form a strong coordination with iron to limit the grain size of Fe3C nanocrystals generated by high-temperature pyrolysis. Moreover, urea achieved nitrogen doping in tannic acidderived porous carbon, while the graphite phase nitrogen-doped carbon (g-C3N4) formed by its pyrolysis, together with the molten salt-mediated environment, jointly controlled the two-dimensional sheet-like structure of the material. The optimized Fe3C@ NC-800 demonstrated efficient ORR performance, with an ORR half-wave potential of 0.883 V. Its application as a cathode catalyst in a liquid zinc-air battery (ZABs) exhibits a maximum power density of 211.5 mW cm− 2, surpassing that of a Pt/C-based ZAB and indicating the potential practical utility of this material.
Nitrite is commonly found in various aspects of daily life, but its excessive intake poses health risks like blood oxygen transport impairment and cancer risks. Accurate detection of nitrite is crucial for preventing its potential harm and ensuring public health. In this work, Cu–Co bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated nitrogen-doped carbon dodecahedron (Cu/ Co@N–C/CNTs-X, where X denotes the carbonization temperatures) are synthesized by facile carbonization of CuO@ZIF- 67 composites. Cu and Co NPs are uniformly embedded in the carbon dodecahedron decorated by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) without agglomeration. Combining the superior catalytic from Cu and Co NPs with the electrical conductivity and stability from the carbon frameworks, the Cu/Co@N–C/CNTs-600 composite as catalyst detected nitrite concentrations ranging from 1 to 5000 μM, with sensitivity values of 0.708 μA μM–1 cm– 2, and a detection limit of 0.5 μM. Moreover, this sensor demonstrated notable selectivity, stability and reproducibility. The design of Cu/Co@N–C/CNTs-X catalysts prepared in this study can be used as an attractive alternative in the fields of food quality and environmental detection.
Ibuprofen (IBU), a common pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP), is a pervasive water pollutant with adverse ecological and human health effects after transformation and accumulation. In this study, we synthesized Fe, N-doped carbon quantum dots (Fe, N-CQDs) using pig blood and FeCl3 as a precursor via a one-step hydrothermal method. TEM, XRD, XPS, and UV–Vis were used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of Fe, N-CQDs. We investigated the feasibility of Fe, N-CQDs in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for IBU degradation under visible light. The experimental results revealed that Fe in Fe, N-CQDs predominantly formed a stable complex through Fe–N and Fe-OH, with a high degree of graphitization and a sp2- hybridized graphitic phase conjugate structure. The Fe, N-CQDs/Light/PMS system exhibited strong activity, degrading over 87% of IBU, maintaining a wide pH range (3–10) adaptability. Notably, Fe, N-CQDs acted as visible-light catalysts, promoting Fe3+/ Fe2+ cycling and PMS activation, generating both free radicals ( SO4 •–, ·OH) and non-radicals (1O2, h+) to effectively degrade IBU. This study presents an innovative approach for the sustainable utilization of pig blood as a biomass precursor to synthesize Fe- and N-doped carbon materials. This study provides a new approach for the sustainable and value-added utilization of natural wastes and biomass precursors of Fe- and N-doped carbon materials, which can be used to treat pollutants in water while treating discarded pig blood.
In the area of carbon-based thin films, graphene/polyimide conductive films display remarkable heat resistance and mechanical properties, making them a valuable resource for utilisation in a multitude of manufacturing and living contexts. Nevertheless, modulating the interfacial structure between graphene and polyimide represents a significant challenge in the pursuit of enhancing the conductivity of the composite films, due to the elevated initial temperature of polyimide pyrolysis (exceeding 600 °C). To develop it, this study found that polyimide could undergo chemical bond breaking and atomic rearrangement at around 500 °C, when subjected to an applied electric field in graphene/polyimide films. A series of characterisations showed that the graphene/polyimide film formed a new interfacial structure under electrothermal treatment, which enhanced the electron transport capacity and increased its conductivity from about 1497.01 s m− 1 to about 2688.17 s m− 1, with an increase of about 79.57%. This study would provide the possibility of modulating the structure of polyimide below the pyrolysis temperature, as well as a feasible idea for transferring the properties of graphene into the polyimide matrix.
As increasing markets for Lithium‒ion battery (LiB), several environmental issues have attained great attention. Especially, the organic solvent N‒Methyl‒2‒Pyrrolidone (NMP), commonly used in the traditional slurry casting process for fabricating LiB electrodes, will be about to be regulated due to its toxicity and the environmental concerns. Therefore, the production of LiB electrodes by a dry process without using NMP organic solvents is of special interest nowadays. In the dry process, it is generally accepted that 1‒dimensional carbon materials like carbon nanotubes (CNT) are beneficial than conventional carbon conductor such as carbon blacks (CB). However, CB is inevitably included during the CNT production, simultaneously as an impurity. Refining CNT from CNT/CB mixture can cause another cost obviously. On the other hand, there have been limited information to study dispersion of carbon materials in electrode with respect to dispersion method and types of carbon conductor. Here, we systematically test the effect of dispersibility of carbon conductor in electrode according to dispersion method and type of carbon conductors. In addition, effect of CB amount in carbon conductor are also elucidated on manufacturing procedure, properties of electrode and their electrochemical performances.
As the integration of devices in electronics manufacturing increases, there is a growing demand for thermal interface materials (TIMs) with high through-plane thermal conductivity. Vertically aligned carbon fiber (CF) thermally conductive composites have received considerable attention from researchers. However, the presence of significant interfacial thermal resistance at the interface between CFs and polymer presented a significant challenge to achieving the desired thermal conductivity, even in highly vertically aligned structures. Here, in addition to developing a polymer-based thermally conductive composite based on highly oriented CFs, we employed the Diels–Alder reaction to enhance the interfacial bonding between the CFs and the polymer matrix. Notably, we proposed the thermal conductivity enhancing mechanism of the highly oriented CFs filled silicone rubber (SR) composite originated from the strengthened interfacial bonding. The results indicated that the Diels–Alder reaction facilitated an increase in the thermal conductivity of the composite from 17.69 Wm− 1 K− 1 to 21.50 Wm− 1 K− 1 with a CF loading of 71.4 wt%. Additionally, a novel nano-indentation test was employed to analyse the interfacial strengthening of composites. Our research have significant implications for the advancement of thermal management in the field of electronics and energy, particularly with regard to the development of high-performance thermally conductive composites.
Developing advanced anode materials is one of the effective strategies to enhance the electrochemical performance of sodiumion batteries (SIBs). Herein, inspired by the biological central nervous system structure, we report a facile and efficient strategy to fabricate the three-dimensional hierarchical neural network-like carbon architectures, where the glucose-derived hard carbon (HC) nanospheres are in situ assembled and embedded in carbon nanotube (CNT) network nanostructure (HC/CNT hybrid networks). The HC nanospheres with large carbon interlayer spacing help to decrease the diffusion length of sodium ions and the interconnected CNT networks enable the rapid electron transfer during charge/discharge process. Benefiting from these structure merits, the as-made HC/CNT hybrid networks can deliver a superior rate capacity of 162 mA h g− 1 at the current density of 5 A g− 1. Additionally, it exhibits excellent cycling performance with a capacity retention rate of 86.3% after 140 cycles. This work offers a promising candidate anode material for SIBs and a new prospect towards carbon-based composites design, simultaneously.
The optimization of pellet fuels composed of rice straw, mustard straw, and sawdust was investigated in the present study to improve their properties and utility. Response surface methodology (RSM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) integrated with a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) were applied to optimize pellet composition for enhanced heating value and minimized ash, nitrogen, and sulfur content. An optimal blend of 74.40% rice straw, 15.60% mustard straw, and 10% sawdust was identified by RSM. These proportions were closely approximated by the MOGA-ANN model within ±1%, and the results were confirmed through experimental validation. Combustion ion chromatography was also used, to analyze the biomasses and the optimized blend, revealing reduced chloride (4189 mg/kg) and sulfur (2716 mg/kg) levels. These results were validated subsequently through experimental tests, confirming the accuracy of the proposed models. A techno-economic analysis indicated that a generation cost of Rs. 10.71 per unit would be associated with a fully agro-residue-based power plant, while less than Rs. 5.28–Rs. 5.31 would be the cost of generation per unit of electricity observed with 5% biomass co-firing in thermal plants. This study demonstrates that improved fuel quality and economic feasibility for biomass power generation can be achieved through strategic biomass blending and co-firing. These findings demonstrated that the blending of various biomass can be a viable strategy for enhancing the characteristics of pellet fuels on an industrial scale.
The high-rate performance of lithium/fluorinated carbon (Li/CFx) battery remains a challenge due to poor discharge dynamics behavior accompanied by the overheating issue. We developed a novel fluorinated reed-carbon with three-dimensional (3D) porous channels to favor discharge dynamics behavior achieving excellent discharge performance as high as 5 C. Typically, the preparation of fluorinated reed-carbon mainly involves three steps, namely, crushing into powders, pre-carbonization of reed and precise fluorination. During the fluorination process, we precisely controlled the fluorination temperature in range of 330–370 °C and gas ratio ( F2 of ~ 15 vol%) to optimize the fluorine carbon ratio. This kind of CFx possesses the novel structure at the scale of micron level ranging from 0.5 to 3 μm, which favors the electrolyte and charge transport through the channels smoothly. This 3D porous structure increases the specific surface area of the CFx material, providing more chemical reaction sites to enhance discharge dynamics behavior and effectively hinder the volume expansion of batteries, which is conductive to improve the high-rate performance of Li/CFx battery. This low-cost and facile approach opens up a novel pathway to design carbon materials and CFx for Li/CFx battery.