Advanced Functional Nanostructured Films and Coatings for Energy Applications, 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

At present, the topic of energy represents a real emergency for humankind, and therefore must be considered a priority in scientific research. The natural resources of energy are not inexhaustible, and the use of those more immediately accessible (i.e., fossil fuels) is not free of drawbacks such as environmental pollution. Energy is required in any industrial/domestic technology, and, consequently, finding a solution for these energy needs is a matter of universal relevance. Material science plays a key role in this process of renewing the type of energy resources we can exploit. The direct transformation of matter to energy, since it is based on a chemical reaction, inevitably produces byproducts, and therefore always has a high environmental impact. Conversely, the energy transduction (i.e., transformation from one form to another one) is based exclusively on physical phenomena, meaning it does not generate chemical byproducts and could be a technological solution worth studying. Advanced materials surely have a strategic role in this energy transition process. Physical phenomena always occur at interfaces between different solid phases. Interfaces have a key role because their extension only amplifies the physical phenomenon. Finally, surfaces, interfaces, coatings, and thin films will have a significant role in this energy transition. For these reasons, we propose a Special Issue highlighting the overlap among energy-related issues, surface science/technology, and nanostructuration

Dr. Gianfranco Carotenuto
Guest Editor

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• advanced energy materials
• functional materials
• nanocomposites
• nanostructured materials
• smart materials
• polymeric coatings
• hybrid coatings

• Advanced Functional Nanostructured Films and Coatings for Energy Applications in Coatings (12 articles)

Title: Non-Electric Applications Of Polyacetylenes
Authors: G. Carotenuto, L. Nicolais
Affiliation: Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB-CNR), National Research Council. Piazzale E. Fermi, 1 – 80055 Portici (NA), Italy.
Abstract: In the history of synthetic polymers, polyacetylene (PA) constitutes a very special case. Indeed, PA is a linear polymer with a special helical molecular structure and characterized by great physicochemical properties (e.g., metallic electrical conductivity, if doped); however, this unique polymer has not found any real industrial application due to its un-processable nature and poor chemical stability (e.g., easy oxidation in air). Recently, also polyacetylenes are receiving the due scientific attention for those technological sectors where processability and remarkable chemical stability are not strictly required. Literature examples of potential technological applications for this niche polymer are the following: adsorbent for organic pollutants in water remediation, corrosion inhibitor, electro-magnetic shielding additive, antistatic additive for plastics, drug delivery materials, permselective systems, antioxidant drugs for treating cancer and other diseases, etc. In addition, noble-metal and transition-metals decorated PA powders represent a new very promising hydrogen storage material which is under investigation. In this review work, up-to-date information on such recently proposed non-electrical applications of the different polyacetylene molecular types has been shortly analyzed together with some basic information (e.g., synthesis, properties, characterization methods, etc.) on this class of polymers.