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Special Issue "Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application"

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A special issue of C (ISSN 2311-5629). This special issue belongs to the section "Carbon Materials and Carbon Allotropes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2023 | Viewed by 32126

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Olena Okhay

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, TEMA-Center for Mechanical Technology and Automation, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: material science and engineering; nanotechnology; microelectronic applications; thin films and ceramics; ferroelectrics; multiferroics; superconductors; hydrogen storage; solar cells; carbon-based materials; graphene; nanostructure-structure-property-processing interrelationships
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Gil Gonçalves

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Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation (TEMA), Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: graphene-based porous structures for heterogeneous catalysis (catalysis) and water purification (environment); three-dimensional graphene scaffolds for biomedical applications (biomaterials); nanostructured graphene substrates for selective biomolecules detection (sensors); carbon-based nanoplatforms for detection and therapy of cancer cells (therapeutic agent)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon and carbon nanomaterials, including 0D quantum dots, fullerenes, 1D carbon nanotubes, 2D graphene, reduced graphene oxide and other carbon-related nanostructures, have shown unique morphological, electrical, thermal, mechanical, electromechanical and electromagnetic properties for a wide range of applications. Highly conductive graphene materials are used for chemical and thermal sensors, while composites with carbon-related materials have been studied in a variety of electrochemical capacitors (supercapacitors) as well as in different types of batteries for energy storage. Meanwhile, functionalized carbon nanostructures remain a popular topic.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute original experimental and theoretical full-length research articles, short communications as well as review articles to the forthcoming Special Issue “Carbon and related composites for sensors and energy storage: synthesis, properties and application” of the “C – Journal of Carbon Research”, MDPI.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present and disseminate recent advances in the development of synthesis, functionalization/modification of carbon-based nanomaterials and nanostructures as well as their chemical, physical and other characterization techniques. This will help other researchers to quickly find related publications and compare them with their own work on carbon nanostructures.

The proposed topics to be covered in this Special Issue include (but are not limited to) the following:

Carbon-related materials: carbon; graphene; graphene oxide; reduced graphene oxide; nanodiamonds; nanodots; nanohorns; nanotubes; nanoribbon.
Synthesis: surface functionalization; high surface area materials.
Characterization: microstructural analysis; chemical and physical properties; electrochemical properties.
Application: sensors; energy-harvesting systems.

Kind Regards,
Dr. Olena Okhay
Dr. Gil Goncalves
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. C is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

graphene
graphene oxide
reduced graphene oxide
nanodiamonds
nanodots
nanohorns
nanotubes
nanoribbon
surface functionalization
high surface area materials
microstructural analysis
chemical and physical properties
electrochemical properties
sensors
energy-harvesting systems

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Mn Content and Mass Loading on the Performance of Flexible Asymmetric Solid-State Supercapacitors Using Mixed-Phase MnO₂/N-Containing Graphene Composites as Cathode Materials

Hsin-Ya Chiu

and

Chun-Pei Cho

C 2023, 9(3), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/c9030088 - 10 Sep 2023

Viewed by 419

Abstract

MnO₂/nitrogen-containing graphene (x-NGM) composites with varying contents of Mn were used as the electrode materials for flexible asymmetric solid-state supercapacitors. The MnO₂ was a two-phase mixture of γ- and α-MnO₂. The combination of nitrogen-containing graphene and MnO₂ improved reversible Faraday reactions and charge transfer. However, excessive MnO₂ reduced conductivity, hindering ion diffusion and charge transfer. Overloading the electrode with active materials also negatively affected conductivity. Both the mass loading and MnO₂ content were crucial to electrochemical performance. x-NGM composites served as cathode materials, while graphene acted as the anode material. Operating by two charge storage mechanisms enabled a synergistic effect, resulting in better charge storage purposes. Among the supercapacitors, the 3-NGM1//G1 exhibited the highest conductivity, efficient charge transfer, and superior capacitive characteristics. It showed a superior specific capacitance of 579 F·g⁻¹, leading to high energy density and power density. Flexible solid-state supercapacitors using x-NGM composites demonstrated good cycle stability, with a high capacitance retention rate of 86.7% after 2000 bending cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Phosphorus/Sulfur-Enriched Reduced Graphene Oxide Papers Obtained from Recycled Graphite: Solid-State NMR Characterization and Electrochemical Performance for Energy Storage

Miguel A. Schettino, Jr.

Elen L. da Silva

Andrés Cuña

and

Jair C. C. Freitas

C 2023, 9(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/c9020060 - 12 Jun 2023

Viewed by 881

Abstract

The reduction of graphene oxide (GO) by means of thermal and/or chemical treatments leads to the production of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)—a material with improved electrical conductivity and considered a viable and low-cost alternative to pure graphene in several applications, including the production of supercapacitor electrodes. In the present work, GO was prepared by the oxidation of graphite recycled from spent Li-ion batteries using mixtures of sulfuric and phosphoric acids (with different H₂SO₄/H₃PO₄ ratios), leading to the production of materials with significant S and P contents. These materials were then thermally reduced, resulting in rGO papers that were investigated by solid-state ¹³C and ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance, along with other methods. The electrochemical properties of the produced rGO papers were evaluated, including the recording of cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge curves, besides electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses. The samples obtained by thermal reduction at 150 °C exhibited good rate capability at high current density and high capacitance retention after a large number of charge–discharge cycles. The results evidenced a strong relationship between the electrochemical properties of the produced materials and their chemical and structural features, especially for the samples containing both S and P elements. The methods described in this work represent, then, a facile and low-cost alternative for the production of rGO papers using graphite recycled from spent batteries, with promising applications as supercapacitor electrodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Hands-On Quantum Sensing with NV⁻ Centers in Diamonds

and

C 2023, 9(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/c9010016 - 29 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2880

Abstract

The physical properties of diamond crystals, such as color or electrical conductivity, can be controlled via impurities. In particular, when doped with nitrogen, optically active nitrogen-vacancy centers (

N V

), can be induced. The center is an outstanding quantum spin system that [...] Read more.

N V

), can be induced. The center is an outstanding quantum spin system that enables, under ambient conditions, optical initialization, readout, and coherent microwave control with applications in sensing and quantum information. Under optical and radio frequency excitation, the Zeeman splitting of the degenerate states allows the quantitative measurement of external magnetic fields with high sensitivity. This study provides a pedagogical introduction to the properties of the

N V

centers as well as a step-by-step process to develop and test a simple magnetic quantum sensor based on color centers with significant potential for the development of highly compact multisensor systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Carbon Dots versus Nano-Carbon/Organic Hybrids—Divergence between Optical Properties and Photoinduced Antimicrobial Activities

Christopher E. Bunker

and

Ya-Ping Sun

C 2022, 8(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/c8040054 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1617

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDots) are generally defined as small-carbon nanoparticles with surface organic functionalization and their classical synthesis is literally the functionalization of preexisting carbon nanoparticles. Other than these “classically defined CDots”, however, the majority of the dot samples reported in the literature were prepared by thermal carbonization of organic precursors in mostly “one-pot” processing. In this work, thermal processing of the selected precursors intended for carbonization was performed with conditions of 200 °C for 3 h, 330 °C for 6 h, and heating by microwave irradiation, yielding samples denoted as CS200, CS330, and CS_MT, respectively. These samples are structurally different from the classical CDots and should be considered as “nano-carbon/organic hybrids”. Their optical spectroscopic properties were found comparable to those of the classical CDots, but very different in the related photoinduced antibacterial activities. Mechanistic origins of the divergence were explored, with the results suggesting major factors associated with the structural and morphological characteristics of the hybrids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Easy and Low-Cost Method for Synthesis of Carbon–Silica Composite from Vinasse and Study of Ibuprofen Removal

Jesper T. N. Knijnenburg

and

Supattra Budsaereechai

C 2022, 8(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/c8040051 - 07 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1267

Abstract

Vinasse was successfully utilized to synthesize carbon–silica composite with a low-cost silica source available in Thailand (sodium silicate, Na₂SiO₃) and most commonly used source, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The composites were prepared by a simple one-step sol–gel process by varying the vinasse (as carbon source) to silica source (Na₂SiO₃ or TEOS) weight ratio. The resulting composites were characterized by N₂ adsorption, moisture and ash contents, pH, pH_pzc, bulk density, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). The composites had highest surface area of 313 and 456 m²/g, with average mesopore diameters of 5.00 and 2.62 nm when using Na₂SiO₃ and TEOS as the silica sources, respectively. The adsorption of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen, was investigated. The contact time to reach equilibrium was 60 min for both composites. The adsorption kinetics were fitted by a pseudo-second-order model with the correlation coefficient R² > 0.997. The adsorption isotherms were well described by the Langmuir model (R² > 0.992), which indicates monolayer adsorption. The maximal adsorption capacities of the Na₂SiO₃- and TEOS-based composites were as high as 406 and 418 mg/g at pH 2, respectively. The research results indicate that vinasse and a low-cost silica source (Na₂SiO₃) show great potential to synthesize adsorbents through a simple method with high efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots by a Simple Hydrothermal Route Using Graphite Recycled from Spent Li-Ion Batteries

Miguel A. Schettino, Jr.

and

Jair C. C. Freitas

C 2022, 8(4), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/c8040048 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1507

Abstract

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are nanosized systems that combine beneficial properties typical of graphenic materials (such as chemical stability, biocompatibility and ease of preparation from low-cost precursors) with remarkable photoluminescent features. GQDs are well-known for their low cytotoxicity and for being promising candidates in applications, such as bioimaging, optoelectronics, electrochemical energy storage, sensing and catalysis, among others. This work describes a simple and low-cost synthesis of GQDs, starting from an alcoholic aqueous suspension of graphene oxide (GO) and using a hydrothermal route. GO was prepared using graphite recycled from spent Li-ion batteries, via a modified Hummers method. The GO suspension was submitted to hydrothermal treatments at different temperatures using a homemade hydrothermal reactor that allows the control of the heating program and the assessment of the internal pressure generated in the reaction. The synthesized GQDs exhibited bright blue/green luminescence under UV light; showing the success of the chosen route and opening the way for future applications of these materials in the field of optoelectronic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Electron Transfer Mechanistic Pathways of Ferrocene Derivatives in Droplet at Carbon Electrode

Sidra Ayaz

Afzal Shah

and

Shamsa Munir

C 2022, 8(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/c8030045 - 09 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1603

Abstract

The results of cyclic, differential pulse and square wave voltammetric studies of four ferrocene derivatives, i.e., 4-ferrocenyl-3-methyl aniline (FMA), 3-Chloro-4-ferrocenyl aniline (CFA), 4-ferrocenyl aniline (FA) and ferrocenyl benzoic acid (FBA) on carbon electrode, revealed that the redox behavior of these compounds is sensitive to pH, concentration, scan number and scan rate. One electron, diffusion controlled, with a quasi-reversible redox signal displaying ferrocene/ferrocenium couple was observed for each of the studied ferrocenyl derivatives. Quasi-reversibility of this signal is evidenced by ∆E_p, I_a/I_c current ratio and k_sh values. Another one electron and one proton irreversible oxidation signal was noticed in the voltammograms of these compounds except FBA. This signal corresponds to the electro-oxidation of the amine group and its irreversibility, as supported by ∆E_p, I_a/I_c current ratio and k_sh values, is due to the influence of the electron donating nature of the amine group. A number of electrochemical parameters such as D, k_sh, LOD and LOQ were evaluated for the targeted ferrocene derivatives. The obtained parameters are expected to provide insights into the redox mechanism for understanding their biochemical actions. The electrochemistry presented in this work is done using a unique environmentally benign and cost-effective droplet electrochemical approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Power Generation Characteristics of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Using Carbon Nanowalls as Catalyst Support Material

and

C 2022, 8(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/c8030044 - 27 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1772

Abstract

We evaluated the power generation characteristics of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) composed of Pt-supported carbon nanowalls (CNWs) and a microporous layer (MPL) of carbon black on carbon paper (CP) as catalyst support materials. CNWs, standing vertically on highly crystallizing graphene sheets, were synthesized on an MPL/CP by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Pt nanoparticles were supported on the CNW surface using the liquid-phase reduction method. The three types of voltage loss, namely those due to activated polarization, resistance polarization, and diffusion polarization, are discussed for the power generation characteristics of the PEFC using the Pt/CNWs/MPL/CP. The relationship between the height or gap area of the CNWs and the voltage loss of the PEFC is demonstrated, whereby the CNW height increased with the extension of growth time. The three-phase interface area increased with the increase in the CNW height, resulting in mitigation of the loss due to activated polarization. The gap area of the CNWs varied when changing the CH₄/H₂ gas ratio. The loss due to diffusion polarization was reduced by enlarging the gap area, due to the increased diffusion of fuel gas and discharge of water. The secondary growth of the CNWs caused the three-phase interface area to decrease as a result of platinum aggregation, impedance of the supply of ionomer dispersion solution to the bottom of the CNWs, and inhibition of fuel gas and water diffusion, which led to the loss of activated and diffuse polarizations. The voltage losses can be mitigated by increasing the height of CNWs while avoiding secondary growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Development of Disposable and Flexible Supercapacitor Based on Carbonaceous and Ecofriendly Materials

Giovanni G. Daniele

Daniel C. de Souza

Paulo Roberto de Oliveira

Luiz O. Orzari

Rodrigo V. Blasques

Rafael L. Germscheidt

and

C 2022, 8(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/c8020032 - 07 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2161

Abstract

A novel flexible supercapacitor device was developed from a polyethylene terephthalate substrate, reused from beverage bottles, and a conductive ink based on carbon black (CB) and cellulose acetate (CA). The weight composition of the conductive ink was evaluated to determine the best mass percentage ratio between CB and CA in terms of capacitive behavior. The evaluation was performed by using different electrochemical techniques: cyclic voltammetry, obtaining the highest capacitance value for the device with the 66.7/33.3 wt% CB/CA in a basic H₂SO₄ solution, reaching 135.64 F g⁻¹. The device was applied in potentiostatic charge/discharge measurements, achieving values of 2.45 Wh kg⁻¹ for specific energy and around 1000 W kg⁻¹ for specific power. Therefore, corroborated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy assays, the relatively low-price proposed device presented a suitable performance for application as supercapacitors, being manufactured from reused materials, contributing to the energy storage field enhancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Review

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Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Carbon Fibers: From PAN to Asphaltene Precursors; A State-of-Art Review

Hossein Bisheh

and

Yasmine Abdin

C 2023, 9(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/c9010019 - 04 Feb 2023

Viewed by 3441

Abstract

Due to their outstanding material properties, carbon fibers are widely used in various industrial applications as functional or structural materials. This paper reviews the material properties and use of carbon fiber in various applications and industries and compares it with other existing fillers and reinforcing fibers. The review also examines the processing of carbon fibers and the main challenges in their fabrication. At present, two main precursors are primarily utilized to produce carbon fibers, i.e., polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and petroleum pitch. Each of these precursors makes carbon fibers with different properties. However, due to the costly and energy-intensive processes of carbon fiber production based on the existing precursors, there is an increasingly growing need to introduce cheaper precursors to compete with other fibers on the market. A special focus will be given to the most recent development of manufacturing more sustainable and cost-effective carbon fibers derived from petroleum asphaltenes. This review paper demonstrates that low-cost asphaltene-based carbon fibers can be a substitute for costly PAN/pitch-based carbon fibers at least for functional applications. The value proposition, performance/cost advantages, potential market, and market size as well as processing challenges and methods for overcoming these will be discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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Open AccessReview

Recent Advances on Capacitive Proximity Sensors: From Design and Materials to Creative Applications

and

C 2022, 8(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/c8020026 - 05 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5453

Abstract

Capacitive proximity sensors (CPSs) have recently been a focus of increased attention because of their widespread applications, simplicity of design, low cost, and low power consumption. This mini review article provides a comprehensive overview of various applications of CPSs, as well as current advancements in CPS construction approaches. We begin by outlining the major technologies utilized in proximity sensing, highlighting their characteristics and applications, and discussing their advantages and disadvantages, with a heavy emphasis on capacitive sensors. Evaluating various nanocomposites for proximity sensing and corresponding detecting approaches ranging from physical to chemical detection are emphasized. The matrix and active ingredients used in such sensors, as well as the measured ranges, will also be discussed. A good understanding of CPSs is not only essential for resolving issues, but is also one of the primary forces propelling CPS technology ahead. We aim to examine the impediments and possible solutions to the development of CPSs. Furthermore, we illustrate how nanocomposite fusion may be used to improve the detection range and accuracy of a CPS while also broadening the application scenarios. Finally, the impact of conductance on sensor performance and other variables that impact the sensitivity distribution of CPSs are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application)

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