The most significant threat to the ecosystem is emerging pollutants, which are becoming worse each year and harming the planet severely and permanently. Many organic and inorganic contaminants are present and persistent due to various world events and population growth. As a result, there is a greater need for new technology and its application to address the problems caused by developing pollutants. Carbon composite nanomaterials have significant potential in the fight against numerous environmental contaminants due to their distinctive attributes. This review discusses the reports of customized carbon composite nanomaterials to meet the need for specific elimination of emerging contaminants. Physical and chemical features such as high surface area, conductivity (thermal and electrical), and vibroelectronic properties, size, shape, porosity, and composite nature are making these tailored materials of carbon-based nanomaterials an emerging and sustainable tool to remove persistent compounds like emerging contaminants in aqueous solution. Different composite materials are well discussed in this review, along with their adsorption efficiency of diverse emerging contaminants, including Bisphenol A, estradiol, metformin, etc. This review provides insight into the recent trends limited to 2017–2023. The limitations of carbon-based nanomaterials, such as regeneration and cost-effectiveness, have also been overcome in recent years by diverse modifications in the production process, which can be further improved to make these materials well suited for an extended group of emerging contaminants.

This work involves the development of a novel waste-derived carbon dots (CDs) conjugated with silver (Ag) nanohybrid system-based Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) sensor for the detection of melamine. CDs and Ag nanoparticles served as energy donors and energy acceptors, respectively. CDs were synthesized from orange peel waste through a combined hydrothermal and ultra-sonication route. The synthesized CDs had hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl groups on their surface, explaining that waste-derived CDs can act as reducing and stabilizing agents and showed strong absorption and fluorescence emission at 305 and 460 nm, respectively. The bandgap, linear refractive index, conduction band, and valance band potential of CDs were observed to be 2.86, 1.849, 1.14, and 4.002 eV, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the fluorescence properties at different pH (acid and alkaline) and ionic concentrations. Given their fluorescent nature, the synthesized CDs were used for the detection of melamine. The fluorescence of CDs was found to be quenched by Ag+ due to the FRET energy transfer between CDs to Ag. Notably, the zeta potential of Ag@CDs was changed from − 28.7 mV to − 30.6 mV after the incorporation of Ag+. Ag@CDs showed excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward the sensing of melamine in the aqueous solutions with the limit of detection ~ 0.85 μM. Increasing the melamine level also raises the FL intensity of Ag@CDs. The substrate was effectively used in the detection of melamine in milk as a real application and the recovery percentage was found to be 98.03%. Moreover, other adulterants such as urea and formaldehyde can be detected selectively by Ag@CDs. Overall, the synthesized Ag@CDs can be used as an efficient material for sensing applications involving such food adulterants.

Hybrid nanocomposites of aluminium (NHAMMCs) made from AA5052 are fabricated via stir casting route by reinforcing 12 wt% Si3N4 and 0.5 wt% of graphene for usage in aeronautical and automotive applications due to the lower density and higher strength to weight proportion. The wear characteristics of the NHAMMCs are evaluated for different axial load, rotational speed, sliding distance and sliding time based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Orowan strengthening mechanism is identified from optical image which improves the strength of the composite. Outcomes show that with higher axial load and rotational speed, there is substantial increase in wear loss whereas with increased sliding distance and sliding time there is no considerable increase in wear loss due to the lubricating nature of the reinforced graphene particles since it has higher surface area to volume ratio. Besides, artificial intelligence approach of neuro-fuzzy (ANFIS) model is developed to predict the output responses and the results are compared with the regression model predictions. Prediction from ANFIS outplays the regression model prediction.

Pharmaceutical products occurring in freshwater bodies create numerous problems for the water bodies owing to their bio-toxic nature. In order to remove such pharmaceutical pollutants, a novel Er-doped Bi4O5Br2/ g-C3N5 nanocomposite was prepared by one-pot synthesis and applied for the photocatalytic removal process. The Er ions doped on the surface of Bi4O5Br2/ g-C3N5 nanocomposite exhibited 97% degradation of tetracycline in 60 min under visible light irradiation, which is higher than pure g-C3N5 and Bi4O5Br2 photocatalysts. The improved photocatalytic properties are attributed to the outstanding visible light harvesting capacity and quick charge carrier separation efficiency which greatly reduced the recombination rate in the heterojunctions. Based on radical trapping experiments, the •O2 −, h+ and •OH radicals played a prominent role in the photodegradation reactions under visible light. Finally, the ternary Er-doped Bi4O5Br2/ g-C3N5 nanocomposite is effectively recyclable with quite a stable photocatalytic removal rate. This work enables a new perspective on the rational design of rare-earth-based nanocomposites for various pharmaceutical pollutants treatment processes.

Flexible supercapacitors (FS) are ideal as power backups for upcoming stretchable electronics due to their high power density and good mechanical compliance. However, lacking technology for FS mass manufacturing is still a significant obstacle. The present study describes a novel method for preparing FS based on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using the N+ plasma technique, in which N+ reduces graphene oxide on the surface of a cotton/polyester substrate. The effect of aloe vera (AV) as a natural reducing & capping agent and carbon nanotubes (CNT) as nanoconductors on the electrochemical performance of the electrodes is studied. FESEM and XPS were employed to investigate the electrodes' structural and chemical composition of electrodes. The galvanostatic charge–discharge curves of electrodes revealed the enhancement of the electrochemical activity of the as-prepared electrode upon additions of AV and CNT. The areal capacitance of the RGO, RGO/AV, and RGO/ AV/CNT supercapacitors at 5 mV/s was 511, 1244.5, and 1879 mF/cm2, respectively. The RGO electrode showed capacitive retention of 80.9% after 2000 cycles enhanced to 89.7% and 92% for RGO/AV and RGO/AV/CNT electrodes, respectively. The equivalent series resistance of the RGO electrode was 126.28 Ω, decreased to 56.62 and 40.06 Ω for RGO/AV and RGO/ AV/CNT electrodes, respectively.

In this study, hybrid aerogels containing carbon nanoparticles (CNP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were synthesized via sol–gel method using resorcinol/formaldehyde precursors through a hydrolysis-condensation reaction mechanism. Porous carbonaceous structures were achieved by freeze-drying of the organic gels followed by controlled carbonization under an inert gas. The samples were characterized by various techniques such as FTIR, BJH, FESEM, CV, and EIS. The specific surface area and total pore volume of the aerogel sample were measured to be as high as 452 m2/ g and 0.782 cm3/ g, respectively, thus enhancing the electric double-layer formation. Electrochemical tests on the samples showed a large specific capacitance (212 F/g) and an excellent cyclic stability over 3000 cycles. Performance of the synthesized structures was subsequently assessed as electrodes in a capacitive deionization (CDI) process. At the operating conditions of 1.6 V voltage, flow rate of 20 mL/min, and NaCl concentration of 1000 mg/L a promising adsorption capacity around 42.08 mg/g was achieved.

The rapid synthesis techniques and interesting multidisciplinary applications make carbon nanodots (CNDs) stand out from semiconductor quantum dots. Moreover, CNDs derived from green precursors have gained more importance beyond chemically derived CNDs due to sustainable synthesis opportunities. However, the presence of molecular impurities or intermediates or fluorophores was neglected during the entire process. Herein, we illustrate the sustainable synthesis of CNDs from Hemigraphis alternata plant leaves with extended carbonization procedure (3 and 9 min) along with simultaneous ethylene glycol and diethyl ether solvent treatment method for the successful removal of interfering fluorophores. To unravel the distinction between purified CNDs (P-CNDs) and organic fluorescent carbon nanostructures (org-FCNs), we carried out photophysical, structural, and morphological studies. A quantum yield (QY) of 69 and 42% was observed for crude org-FCNs, and crude P-CNDs; however after purification, QY of 1% and absence of one component from the fluorescent decays curve suggest the removal of fluorophores. Further, HR-TEM and DLS studies showed the quasi-spherical amorphous particles having < 10 nm particle size for P-CNDs. Besides, in vitro biocompatibility investigation and cellular uptake assay (1–100 μg/mL) against the MDA-MB 468 cell lines proves the ≥ 95% cell viability and good internalization for both org-FCNs and P-CNDs. Hence, our study shows the presence of fluorophore impurities in plant-derived CNDs, the removal and resemblance in biocompatibility properties. Hence, this information can be considered during the synthesis and isolation of CNDs. Simple and effective removal of impurities to harvest pure carbon nanodots (CNDs) through solvent-based selective separation method, and revelation of the cocktail flourphores similar to biocompatible blue fluorescent CNDs were studied.

With a strive to develop light-weight material for automotive and aerospace applications, aluminum-based hybrid nanocomposites (AHNCs) were manufactured utilizing the compocasting approach in this study. Chopped carbon fibers (CFs) are reinforced along with different weight fractions of nanoclay (1–5%) in the matrix of AA6026 forming AHNCs. The AHNCs specimens were examined by microstructural analysis, mechanical characterization, fatigue, and corrosion strength as per ASTM guidelines. Electroless plating method is adopted for coating CFs with copper to improve the wettability with matrix. SEM pictures of manufactured composites reveal thin inter-dendritic aluminum grains with precipitate particle of eutectic at intergranular junctions, as well as nanoclay particles that have precipitated in the matrix. Tensile strength (TS) rises with inclusion of nanoclay up to a maximum of 212.46 MPa for 3% nanoclay reinforcement, after which the TS is reduced due to non-homogeneity in distribution, agglomeration and de-bonding of nanoparticles. Similarly, micro-hardness increases with addition of 3% nanoclay after which it decreases. Higher energy absorption was achieved with 3% nanoclay reinforced hybrid and a significant improvement in flexural strength was obtained. With addition of both CFs and nanoclay, the fatigue strength of the hybrid composite tends to increase due to flexible CFs and high surface area nanoclays which strengthen the grain boundaries until 3% addition. Addition of nanoclay lowers the corrosion rate with nanoclays filling the crevices and voids in the matrix.

Рrecipitation of platinum group metals (Rh, Ru, Pd, so-called MPG) from the melt essentially affects the reliability of installations for vitrification of high-level liquid radioactive waste (HLW). To date, it is difficult to find an approach which allows simultaneous recovery of all three metals. The aim of our work was to select a sorbent that would provide simultaneous up to complete recovery of given metals. The following inorganic materials were tested as sorbents – yellow blood salt (YBS).and hexacyanoferrates of iron, aluminum, copper and nickel. The degree of metal recovery was studied is influenced by the temperature and concentration of nitric acid. Only palladium was completely recovered using YBS. At the same time, specially prepared iron hexacyanoferrate (HCF-Fe) under optimal experimental conditions recovers almost all Pd and more than 95% and 90% of Rh and Ru, respectively. The behavior of fission products, including the main dose-forming components of HLW (Cs, Sr) and Mo, U, Ag, REE) in the course of MPG recovery was studied. The experiments were carried using both multicomponent model solutions and real raffinates. Options for further management of the recovered metals have been worked out. Thus, the proposed method of metal recovery seems promising for the development of a technology for the removal of MPG from nitric HLW during the reprocessing of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) before vitrification. The recovered metals can be probably used in various technological processes. Also, this method can provide the MPG recovery from low-concentration tail solutions.

The Fukushima accident in 2011 revealed some major flaws in traditional nuclear fuel materials under accidental conditions. Thus, the focus of research has shifted toward “accident tolerant fuel” (ATF). The aim of this approach is to develop fuel material solutions that lead to improved reactor safety. The application of protective coatings on the surface of nuclear fuel cladding has been proposed as a near-term solution within the ATF framework. Many coating materials are being developed and evaluated. In this article, an overview of different zirconium-based alloys currently in use in the nuclear industry is provided, and their performances in normal and accidental conditions are discussed. Coating materials proposed by different institutions and organizations, their performances under different conditions simulating nuclear reactor environments are reviewed. The strengths and weaknesses of these coatings are highlighted, and the challenges addressed by different studies are summarized, providing a basis for future research. Finally, technologies and methods used to synthesize thin-film coatings are outlined.

The ZnO–Na2Ti6O13 composites were synthesized by facile solution combustion method with different molar concentrations of sodium titanate which is prepared by hydrothermal route. The formation of the composites was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) results revealed that the synthesized composites exhibit porous morphology, whereas the pristine Na2Ti6O13 nanoparticles have whisker like morphology. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) studies were utilized to compute the bandgap and the presence of defects in the composites respectively. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO–Na2Ti6O13 catalyst was investigated through the degradation of 4-nitrophenol under solar light over a period of 180 min and the composite with 0.05 M of Na2Ti6O13 showed higher degradation efficiency (96%) than the other concentrations of Na2Ti6O13 and pristine ZnO. The reduced bandgap, high charge transfer, more oxygen vacancies and the production of high superoxide anion radicals have profound effect on the higher photocatalytic efficiency of the composite with 0.05 of M Na2Ti6O13.

We report the behaviour of carbon black (CB) nanoparticles (spherical carbon shells), subjected to external pressure, using diamond anvil cell at synchrotron facility. CB nanoparticles have been synthesized by lamp black method using olive oil as combustion precursor and ferrocene as an organometallic additive. The catalyst-assisted CB has an iron oxide (γ-Fe2O3) core and amorphous carbon shell (i.e. core–shell structure). Our present study suggests that the carbon shells are partially transparent to the applied high pressure, and result in the reduction of effective pressure that gets transferred to the iron oxide core. High-pressure Raman spectroscopy results indicate that the surrounding carbon shells get compressed with pressure and this change is reversible. However, no structural transformation was observed till the highest applied pressure (25 GPa). The Raman spectroscopy results also suggests that the carbon shells are less pressure sensitive as their pressure coefficients (dω/dP) of G-peak were calculated (3.79 cm− 1/GPa) to be less than that for other carbon allotropes.

The central theme of this work is the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) through the chemical vapor deposition method (CVD). Single-walled carbon nanotubes are synthesized using catalyst-chemical vapor deposition of acetylene at 750 °C temperature. X-ray diffraction study gives a characteristic peak (002) at 26.55° corresponding to the existence of carbon nanotube confirms that the particles are crystalline in nature and hexagonal phase. An SEM and HRTEM outcome gives surface morphology of SWCNTs. The elemental composition was confirmed by EDAX. The ideal concentration of single-walled carbon nanotubes was used to design a novel electrochemical sensor for determining paracetamol (PA) using cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical determination of paracetamol is described using a single-walled carbon nanotube modified carbon paste electrode (SWCNT/MCPE). The SWCNT/MCPE was used in this study to detect paracetamol electrochemically at pH 7.2 in a 0.2 M PBS with a scan rate of 50 mV s− 1. A single-walled nanotube modified carbon paste electrode was used to develop a sensitive and selective electrochemical technique for the detection of PA. The SWCNT/MCPE showed excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of paracetamol in phosphate buffer solution. Therefore, with increased oxidation currents, the voltammetric responses of paracetamol at the bare carbon paste electrode are organized within cyclic voltammetric peaks.

The utilization of carbonaceous reinforcement-based polymer matrix composites in structural applications has become a hot topic in composite research. Although conventional carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) have revolutionized the composite industry by offering unparalleled features, they are often plagued with a weak interface and lack of toughness. However, the promising aspects of carbon fiber-based fiber hybrid composites and hierarchical composites can compensate for these setbacks. This review provides a meticulous landscape and recent progress of polymer matrixbased different carbonaceous (carbon fiber, carbon nanotube, graphene, and nanodiamond) fillers reinforced composites’ mechanical properties. First, the mechanical performance of neat CFRP was exhaustively analyzed, attributing parameters were listed down, and CFRPs’ mechanical performance barriers were clearly outlined. Here, short carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite was distinguished as a prospective material. Second, the strategic advantages of fiber hybrid composites over conventional CFRP were elucidated. Third, the mechanical performance of hierarchical composites based on carbon nanotube (1D), graphene (2D) and nanodiamond (0D) was expounded and evaluated against neat CFRP. Fourth, the review comprehensively discussed different fabrication methods, categorized them according to performance and suggested potential future directions. From here, the review sorted out three-dimensional printing (3DP) as the most futuristic fabrication method and thoroughly delivered its pros and cons in the context of the aforementioned carbonaceous materials. To conclude, the structural applications, current challenges and future prospects pertinent to these carbonaceous fillers reinforced composite materials were elaborated.