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Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Nano-Enabled Materials for Clean Water and Energy Generation
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Nano-Enabled Materials for Clean Water and Energy Generation

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (6 March 2024) | Viewed by 5926

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Muhammad Sultan Irshad

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
Interests: crystalline functional photothermal materials for multi-functional systems e.g., water-energy nexus; disinfection and treatment of wastewater; cogeneration of water-thermoelectricity; all-in-one integrated piezo-photothermal for tactile sensing and power generation
Dr. Naveed Mushtaq

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Solar Energy Science and Technology/Energy Storage Joint Research Center, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
Interests: electrochemical energy devices; electrocatalysts; oxygen reduction reaction; ionic transport; semiconductor heterostructure materials; fuel cells

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the crisis of clean water resources, solar-driven interfacial evaporation has gained more and more attention for being a novel way of using renewable solar energy and potential scalable applications in water purification, such as seawater desalination, sewage treatment, and off-grid sterilization. Nano-enabled photothermal materials are being explored intensively, as  dwindling freshwater resources are an issue that needs to be addressed urgently. Several attempts were made to create a highly efficient solar-driven steam generator to address the primitive water scarcity issue, as it applies to thermal management, flexibility, photothermal material adhesiveness, the water–energy nexus, the high cost, scalability, and the maximum freshwater yield. However, there still remain some significant challenges in the development of feasible and efficient solar water evaporators for implementation at the industrial level in a real-world application.

Potential topics for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

  • Nano-enabled materials and hierarchical structures that can accelerate the development of highly efficient, rapid, and low-cost interfacial solar evaporators for water desalination, wastewater remediation, and water disinfection.
  • Nano-enabled polymeric networks of functional hydrogels or aerogels for efficient solar steam generation.
  • Nanocavity-inspired novel structures for enhanced thermal management.
  • Liquid–air interfacing systems for enhanced energy conversion and catalytic performances.
  • Heat transfer simulations for effective heat accumulation.
  • We also welcome research on integrated devices, waste heat recovery via photo-thermoelectricity, hydrogen production, and fuel cell applications.
  • Meanwhile, we sincerely hope this Special Issue will provide some new insights into nano-enabled, heterostructured materials for enhanced energy utilization.

Dr. Muhammad Sultan Irshad
Dr. Naveed Mushtaq
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. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2900 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

  • water-energy nexus
  • energy conversion
  • solar-driven evaporation
  • nano-enabled photothermal materials
  • hydrogels thermal management
  • thermoelectricity

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 6749 KiB  
Article
Performance Prediction and Optimization of Nanofluid-Based PV/T Using Numerical Simulation and Response Surface Methodology
by Sreehari Sreekumar, Supriya Chakrabarti, Neil Hewitt, Jayanta Deb Mondol and Nikhilkumar Shah
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090774 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Viewed by 106
Abstract
A numerical investigation was carried out in ANSYS Fluent® on a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system with MXene/water nanofluid as heat transfer fluid (HTF). The interaction of different operating parameters (nanofluid mass fraction, mass flow rate, inlet temperature and incident radiation) on the output [...] Read more.
A numerical investigation was carried out in ANSYS Fluent® on a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system with MXene/water nanofluid as heat transfer fluid (HTF). The interaction of different operating parameters (nanofluid mass fraction, mass flow rate, inlet temperature and incident radiation) on the output response of the system (thermal efficiency, electrical efficiency, thermal exergy efficiency, and electrical exergy efficiency) was studied using a predictive model generated using response surface methodology (RSM). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was used to evaluate the significance of input parameters affecting the energy and exergy efficiencies of the nanofluid-based PV/T system. The nanofluid mass flow rate was discovered to be having an impact on the thermal efficiency of the system. Electrical efficiency, thermal exergy efficiency, and electrical exergy efficiency were found to be greatly influenced by incident solar radiation. The percentage contribution of each factor on the output response was calculated. Input variables were optimized using the desirability function to maximize energy and exergy efficiency. The developed statistical model generated an optimum value for the mass flow rate (71.84 kgh−1), the mass fraction (0.2 wt%), incident radiation (581 Wm−2), and inlet temperature (20 °C). The highest overall energy and exergy efficiency predicted by the model were 81.67% and 18.6%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Enabled Materials for Clean Water and Energy Generation)
15 pages, 15888 KiB  
Article
Improved Ionic Transport Using a Novel Semiconductor Co0.6Mn0.4Fe0.4Al1.6O4 and Its Heterostructure with Zinc Oxide for Electrolyte Membrane in LT-CFCs
by Yiwang Dong, Naveed Mushtaq, Muhammad. A. K. Yousaf Shah, Muhammad Yousaf, Yuzheng Lu, Peng Cao, Qing Ma and Changhong Deng
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(12), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13121887 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 916
Abstract
Improving the ionic conductivity and slow oxygen reduction electro-catalytic activity of reactions occurring at low operating temperature would do wonders for the widespread use of low-operating temperature ceramic fuel cells (LT-CFCs; 450–550 °C). In this work, we present a novel semiconductor heterostructure composite [...] Read more.
Improving the ionic conductivity and slow oxygen reduction electro-catalytic activity of reactions occurring at low operating temperature would do wonders for the widespread use of low-operating temperature ceramic fuel cells (LT-CFCs; 450–550 °C). In this work, we present a novel semiconductor heterostructure composite made of a spinel-like structure of Co0.6Mn0.4Fe0.4Al1.6O4 (CMFA) and ZnO, which functions as an effective electrolyte membrane for solid oxide fuel cells. For enhanced fuel cell performance at sub-optimal temperatures, the CMFA–ZnO heterostructure composite was developed. We have shown that a button-sized SOFC fueled by H2 and ambient air can provide 835 mW/cm2 of power and 2216 mA/cm2 of current at 550 °C, possibly functioning down to 450 °C. In addition, the oxygen vacancy formation energy and activation energy of the CMFA–ZnO heterostructure composite is lower than those of the individual CMFA and ZnO, facilitating ion transit. The improved ionic conduction of the CMFA–ZnO heterostructure composite was investigated using several transmission and spectroscopic measures, including X-ray diffraction, photoelectron, and UV–visible spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. These findings suggest that the heterostructure approach is practical for LT-SOFCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Enabled Materials for Clean Water and Energy Generation)
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15 pages, 3202 KiB  
Article
Role of Dibenzo Crown Additive for Improving the Stability of Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
by Miao He, Xinyu Xu, Le Zhang, Fei Lu, Chuwu Xing, Duofa Wang and Tianjin Zhang
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(11), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13111751 - 27 May 2023
Viewed by 1246
Abstract
Photovoltaics are being transformed by perovskite solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of these solar cells has increased significantly, and even higher efficiencies are possible. The scientific community has gained much attention due to perovskites’ potential. Herein, the electron-only devices were prepared by [...] Read more.
Photovoltaics are being transformed by perovskite solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of these solar cells has increased significantly, and even higher efficiencies are possible. The scientific community has gained much attention due to perovskites’ potential. Herein, the electron-only devices were prepared by spin-coating and introducing the organic molecule dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DC) to CsPbI2Br perovskite precursor solution. The current-voltage (I-V) and J-V curves were measured. The morphologies and elemental composition information of the samples were obtained by SEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The distinct impact of organic DC molecules on the phase, morphology, and optical properties of perovskite films are examined and interpreted with experimental results. The efficiency of the photovoltaic device in the control group is 9.76%, and the device efficiency gradually increases with the increase of DC concentration. When the concentration is 0.3%, the device efficiency is the best, reaching 11.57%, short-circuit current is 14.01 mA/cm2, the open circuit voltage is 1.19 V, and the fill factor is 0.7. The presence of DC molecules effectively controlled the perovskite crystallization process by inhibiting the in-situ generations of impurity phases and minimizing the defect density of the film. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Enabled Materials for Clean Water and Energy Generation)
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14 pages, 4931 KiB  
Article
Strontium-Cobaltite-Based Perovskite (SrCoO3) for Solar-Driven Interfacial Evaporation Systems for Clean Water Generation
by Miao He, Muneerah Alomar, Areej S. Alqarni, Naila Arshad, Muhammad Akbar, Muhammad Yousaf, Muhammad Sultan Irshad, Yuzheng Lu and Qiang Liu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13081420 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1515
Abstract
Solar-driven evaporation technology is often used in areas with limited access to clean water, as it provides a low-cost and sustainable method of water purification. Avoiding salt accumulation is still a substantial challenge for continuous desalination. Here, an efficient solar-driven water harvester that [...] Read more.
Solar-driven evaporation technology is often used in areas with limited access to clean water, as it provides a low-cost and sustainable method of water purification. Avoiding salt accumulation is still a substantial challenge for continuous desalination. Here, an efficient solar-driven water harvester that consists of strontium-cobaltite-based perovskite (SrCoO3) anchored on nickel foam (SrCoO3@NF) is reported. Synced waterways and thermal insulation are provided by a superhydrophilic polyurethane substrate combined with a photothermal layer. The structural photothermal properties of SrCoO3 perovskite have been extensively investigated through state-of-the-art experimental investigations. Multiple incident rays are induced inside the diffuse surface, permitting wideband solar absorption (91%) and heat localization (42.01 °C @ 1 sun). Under 1 kW m−2 solar intensity, the integrated SrCoO3@NF solar evaporator has an outstanding evaporation rate (1.45 kg/m2 h) and solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency (86.45% excluding heat losses). In addition, long-term evaporation measurements demonstrate small variance under sea water, illustrating the system’s working capacity for salt rejection (1.3 g NaCl/210 min), which is excellent for an efficient solar-driven evaporation application compared to other carbon-based solar evaporators. According to the findings of this research, this system offers significant potential for producing fresh water devoid of salt accumulation for use in industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Enabled Materials for Clean Water and Energy Generation)
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Review

Jump to: Research

36 pages, 6137 KiB  
Review
Unraveling Degradation Processes and Strategies for Enhancing Reliability in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
by Syed Muhammad Kazim Abbas Naqvi, Mirza Fahad Baig, Tanveer Farid, Zahid Nazir, Syed Agha Hassnain Mohsan, Zhe Liu, Wanqing Cai and Shuai Chang
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(23), 3020; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13233020 - 25 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1561
Abstract
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have emerged as a promising technology for various applications owing to their advantages, including low-cost fabrication, flexibility, and compatibility. However, a limited lifetime hinders the practical application of OLEDs in electronic devices. OLEDs are prone to degradation effects during [...] Read more.
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have emerged as a promising technology for various applications owing to their advantages, including low-cost fabrication, flexibility, and compatibility. However, a limited lifetime hinders the practical application of OLEDs in electronic devices. OLEDs are prone to degradation effects during operation, resulting in a decrease in device lifetime and performance. This review article aims to provide an exciting overview of OLED degradation effects, highlighting the various degradation mechanisms. Subsequently, an in-depth exploration of OLEDs degradation mechanisms and failure modes is presented. Internal and external processes of degradation, as well as the reactions and impacts of some compounds on OLED performance, are then elucidated. To overcome degradation challenges, the review emphasizes the importance of utilizing state-of-the-art analytical techniques and the role of these techniques in enhancing the performance and reliability of OLEDs. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical challenges of lifetime and device stability, which are crucial for the commercialization of OLEDs. This study also explores strategies to improve OLEDs’ lifetime and stability, such as using barrier layers and encapsulation techniques. Overall, this article aims to contribute to the advancement of OLED technology and its successful integration into diverse electronic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Enabled Materials for Clean Water and Energy Generation)
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