Editorial

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3 pages, 135 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Feature of Review Papers in Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences

by Philippe Lambin

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1989; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051989 - 28 Feb 2024

Viewed by 349

Abstract

Nanoparticles have been in use for centuries [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences" Section)

Review

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32 pages, 15064 KiB

Open AccessReview

Atomic and Electronic Structure of Metal–Salen Complexes [M(Salen)], Their Polymers and Composites Based on Them with Carbon Nanostructures: Review of X-ray Spectroscopy Studies

by Petr M. Korusenko, Olga V. Petrova and Alexander S. Vinogradov

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031178 - 30 Jan 2024

Viewed by 972

Abstract

Currently, electrically conductive polymers based on transition metal complexes [M(Salen)], as well as their composites, are among the systems showing promise as catalysts, electrochromic and electroluminescent materials, and electrodes for energy storage (for batteries and supercapacitors). The current review focuses on elucidating the [...] Read more.

Currently, electrically conductive polymers based on transition metal complexes [M(Salen)], as well as their composites, are among the systems showing promise as catalysts, electrochromic and electroluminescent materials, and electrodes for energy storage (for batteries and supercapacitors). The current review focuses on elucidating the atomic and electronic structure of metal–salen complexes, their polymers, and composites with nanostructured carbon (carbon nanotubes and graphene) using modern X-ray spectroscopy methods (X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and valence-band photoemission (VB PES) spectroscopy, as well as near-edge (NEXAFS) and extended (EXAFS) X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy). We trust that this review will be of valuable assistance to researchers working in the field of synthesizing and characterizing metal–salen complexes and composites based on them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences" Section)

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14 pages, 963 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Application of Nano Titanium Dioxide for Hydrogen Production and Storage Enhancement

by Angelantonio De Benedetto, Agnese De Luca, Paolo Pellegrino, Rosaria Rinaldi, Valeria De Matteis and Mariafrancesca Cascione

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12521; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212521 - 20 Nov 2023

Viewed by 864

Abstract

The utilization of hydrogen (H₂) as a renewable and clean energy carrier, free from the reliance on fossil fuels, represents a significant technological challenge. The use of renewable energy sources for hydrogen production, such as photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water under [...] Read more.

The utilization of hydrogen (H₂) as a renewable and clean energy carrier, free from the reliance on fossil fuels, represents a significant technological challenge. The use of renewable energy sources for hydrogen production, such as photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water under solar radiation, has garnered significant interest. Indeed, the storage of hydrogen presents another hurdle to the ongoing advancement of hydrogen energy. Concerning solid-state hydrogen storage, magnesium hydride (MgH₂) has emerged as a promising option due to its high capacity, excellent reversibility, and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, its storage performance needs improvement to make it suitable for practical applications. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has distinguished itself as the most extensively researched photocatalyst owing to its high photo-activity, good chemical and thermal stability, low toxicity, and affordability. This review highlights the application of TiO₂ for hydrogen production under visible and solar light, with a particular focus both on its modification without the use of noble metals and its utilization as a catalyst to enhance the hydrogen storage performance of MgH₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences" Section)

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21 pages, 4966 KiB

Open AccessReview

Towards Mirror-Less Graphene-Based Perfect Absorbers

by Sangjun Lee and Sangin Kim

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9708; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179708 - 28 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 769

Abstract

Owing to its exceptional electronic and optical properties, graphene has attracted extensive attention among researchers in the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices. However, the light absorption of pure graphene is very poor, limiting its development in practical application. In this review, as a [...] Read more.

Owing to its exceptional electronic and optical properties, graphene has attracted extensive attention among researchers in the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices. However, the light absorption of pure graphene is very poor, limiting its development in practical application. In this review, as a solution for this issue, various types of graphene-based perfect absorbers are addressed in terms of their operation principles and design requirements. Their recent progress and potential applications such as photodetectors and modulators are also discussed. In particular, we emphasize the importance of mirror-less (in particular, one-port mimicking) perfect absorber design due to simplified fabrication processes or enhanced tolerance for fabrication error. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences" Section)

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30 pages, 2741 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plasmonic Nanomaterials for Micro- and Nanoplastics Detection

by Serena Schiavi, Miriam Parmigiani, Pietro Galinetto, Benedetta Albini, Angelo Taglietti and Giacomo Dacarro

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(16), 9291; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169291 - 16 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1612

Abstract

Detecting and quantifying micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment is a crucial task that needs to be addressed as soon as possible by the scientific community. Many analytical techniques have been proposed, but a common agreement on analytical protocols and regulations still [...] Read more.

Detecting and quantifying micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment is a crucial task that needs to be addressed as soon as possible by the scientific community. Many analytical techniques have been proposed, but a common agreement on analytical protocols and regulations still has to be reached. Nanomaterial-based techniques have shown promising results in this field. In this review, we focus on the recent results published on the use of plasmonic noble metal materials for the detection of MNPs. Plasmonic materials can be exploited in different ways due to their peculiar optical end electronic properties. Surface plasmon resonance, plasmon enhanced fluorescence, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) will be considered in this review, examining the advantages and drawbacks of each approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences" Section)

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28 pages, 1565 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

The Application of Transition Metal Sulfide Nanomaterials and Their Composite Nanomaterials in the Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO₂: A Review

by Jason Parsons and Mataz Alotaibi

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 3023; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053023 - 26 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3526

Abstract

Electrocatalysis has become an important topic in various areas of research, including chemical catalysis, environmental research, and chemical engineering. There have been a multitude of different catalysts used in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂, which include large classes of materials such [...] Read more.

Electrocatalysis has become an important topic in various areas of research, including chemical catalysis, environmental research, and chemical engineering. There have been a multitude of different catalysts used in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂, which include large classes of materials such as transition metal oxide nanoparticles (TMO), transition metal nanoparticles (TMNp), carbon-based nanomaterials, and transition metal sulfides (TMS), as well as porphyrins and phthalocyanine molecules. This review is focused on the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) and the main products produced using TMS nanomaterials. The main reaction products of the CO₂RR include carbon monoxide (CO), formate/formic acid (HCOO⁻/HCOOH), methanol (CH₃OH), ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), methane (CH₄), and ethene (C₂H₄). The products of the CO₂RR have been linked to the type of transition metal–sulfide catalyst used in the reaction. The TMS has been shown to control the intermediate products and thus the reaction pathway. Both experimental and computational methods have been utilized to determine the CO₂ binding and chemically reduced intermediates, which drive the reaction pathways for the CO₂RR and are discussed in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences" Section)

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17 pages, 2632 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Conductive Polymer and Nanoparticle-Promoted Polymer Hybrid Coatings for Metallic Bipolar Plates in Proton Membrane Exchange Water Electrolysis

by Gaoyang Liu, Faguo Hou, Xindong Wang and Baizeng Fang

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031244 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2790

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is a green hydrogen production technology with great development prospects. As an important part of PEMWE, bipolar plates (BPs) play an important role and put forward special requirements due to the harsh environments on both the anode [...] Read more.

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is a green hydrogen production technology with great development prospects. As an important part of PEMWE, bipolar plates (BPs) play an important role and put forward special requirements due to the harsh environments on both the anode and cathode. Recently, metal-based BPs, particularly stainless steel and titanium BPs have attracted much attention from researchers all over the world because of their advantages of high corrosion resistance, low resistivity, high thermal conductivity, and low permeability. However, these metallic BPs are still prone to being oxidized and are facing with hydrogen embrittlement problems in the PEMWE working environment, which would result in reduced output power and premature failure of the PEMWE stack. In order to reduce the corrosion rate and maintain low interfacial contact resistance, the surface modification of the metallic BPs with protective coatings, such as precious metals (e.g., Au, Pt, etc.) and metal nitrides/carbides, etc., have been extensively investigated. However, the above-mentioned coating materials are restricted by the high-cost materials, complex equipment, and the complicated operation process. In this review, the surface modification of metallic BPs based on silane treatment, conductive polymers, e.g., polyaniline (PANI) and polypyrrole (PPy) as well as some nanoparticles-promoted polymer hybrid coatings which have been investigated for PEMWE, are summarized and reviewed. As for the silane treatment, the dense silane can not only effectively enhance the corrosion resistance but also improve the adhesion between the substrate and the conductive polymers. As for PANI and PPy, the typical value of corrosion current density of a PANI coating is 5.9 μA cm⁻², which is significantly lower than 25.68 μA cm⁻² of the bare metal plate. The introduction of nanosized conductive particles in PANI can further reduce the corrosion current density to 0.15 μA cm⁻². However, further improvement in the electrical conductivity is still desired to decrease the interface contact resistance (ICR) to be lower than 10 mΩ cm². In addition, serious peeling off of the coating during long-term operation also needs to be solved. Typically, the conductive polymer reinforced by graphene, noble metals, and their compounds in the form of nanoparticle-promoted polymer hybrid coatings could be a good choice to obtain higher corrosion resistance, durability, and conductivity and to extend the service life of PEMWE. Especially, nanoparticle-promoted polymer hybrid coatings consisting of polymers and conductive noble metals or nitrides/carbides can be controlled to balance the conductivity and mechanical properties. Due to the advantages of a simple preparation process, low cost, and large-scale production, nanoparticle-promoted polymer hybrid coatings have gradually become a research hotspot. This review is believed to enrich the knowledge of the large-scale preparation process and applications of BPs for PEMWE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences" Section)

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31 pages, 6975 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Applications of Nanocellulose to Preserve and Protect Cultural Heritage Wood, Paintings, and Historical Papers

by Anastasia Fornari, Marco Rossi, Daniele Rocco and Leonardo Mattiello

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 12846; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122412846 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3921

Abstract

Due to several of their characteristics, such as their renewability, sustainability, and eco-friendliness, nanocellulose-based materials are arousing growing interest from researchers in various fields of study and applications. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overall view of the most [...] Read more.

Due to several of their characteristics, such as their renewability, sustainability, and eco-friendliness, nanocellulose-based materials are arousing growing interest from researchers in various fields of study and applications. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overall view of the most recent applications of these innovative bio-nanomaterials in the field of cultural heritage. First, an introduction of the different classes of cellulose nanomaterials and their synthesis and characterization methods is presented. After that, many consolidation treatments based on nanocellulose structures for the recovery of degraded and archeological wood, the stabilization of damaged painting canvases, and the deacidification of historical papers are shown in order to underline the advanced potential of nanocellulose for the conservation of artistic heritage and the respect for the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences" Section)

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