Showing papers in "Carbon letters in 2021"
TL;DR: In this article, a comparative analysis has been carried out between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene-reinforced polymer composites, and the synergetic effects of CNTs and graphene hybrid nanofiller on the mechanical properties of polymer composite have also been briefly discussed.
Abstract: Compared to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene possesses high strength due to wrinkled surface texture caused by a high density of surface defects which benefits more contact with the polymer material than a rolled-up CNT. In the present review, we have discussed and compared the various properties of CNTs (1-D) and graphene (2-D) obtained in experimental results. The effects of covalent and non-covalent functionalization of CNTs and graphene on the properties of its composites have also been reviewed and compared. A comparative analysis has been carried out between CNTs and graphene-reinforced polymer composites. Furthermore, the synergetic effects of CNTs and graphene hybrid nanofiller on the mechanical properties of polymer composites have also been briefly discussed. Finally, this review concludes with the potential application and future challenges are discussed with regards to filler and their polymer composites.
125 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the progress, mechanisms and challenges of graphene application in four main reactions, i.e., oxygen reduction reaction, water splitting, water treatment and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are discussed.
Abstract: Graphene, an allotrope of carbon in 2D structure, has revolutionised research, development and application in various disciplines since its successful isolation 16 years ago. The single layer of sp2-hybridised carbon atoms brings with it a string of unrivalled characteristics at a fraction of the price of its competitors, including platinum, gold and silver. More recently, there has been a growing trend in the application of graphene in catalysis, either as metal-free catalysts, composite catalysts or as catalyst supports. The unique and extraordinary properties of graphene have rendered it useful in increasing the reactivity and selectivity of some reactions. Owing to its large surface area, outstanding adsorptivity and high compatibility with various functional groups, graphene is able to provide a whole new level of possibilities and flexibilities to design and synthesise fit-for-purpose graphene-based catalysts for specific applications. This review is focussed on the progress, mechanisms and challenges of graphene application in four main reactions, i.e., oxygen reduction reaction, water splitting, water treatment and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. This review also summarises the advantages and drawbacks of graphene over other commonly used catalysts. Given the inherent nature of graphene, coupled with its recent accelerated advancement in the synthesis and modification processes, it is anticipated that the application of graphene in catalysis will grow exponentially from its current stage of infancy.
55 citations
TL;DR: Different types of carbon substrates and its applications, properties of the substrates were reviewed in this article, and the applications and methods of synthesis of carbon substrate were also dealt with a broad perspective.
Abstract: Carbon lives along with us in our daily life and has a vital role to play. It is present in the air and within all living organisms. Due to its handheld advantage in nano-properties that are utilized in many applications, carbon substrates came under limelight during the recent decades. Carbon substrates are most widely used in cancer detection, catalysis, bio-sensing, adsorption, drug delivery, carbon capture, hydrogen storage, and energy. Alongside, composite materials with carbon as an additive are also developing rapidly in applications like infrastructures, automobile, health care, consumer goods, etc. which became an integral chunk of our life. In this paper different types of carbon substrates and its applications, properties of the substrates were reviewed. The applications and methods of synthesis of carbon substrates are also dealt with a broad perspective.
52 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review about the synthesis techniques used for the GQDs involving energy storage applications with increased capacitance, energy conversion, retention capability, and stability is presented.
Abstract: Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs), zero-dimensional nanoparticles which are derived from carbon-based sources owned the new pavement for the energy storage applications. With the varying synthesis routes, the in-built properties of GQDs are enhanced in different categories like quantum efficiency, nominal size range, and irradiation wavelength which could be applied for the several of energy and optoelectronics applications. GQDs are especially applicable in the specific energy storage devices such as super capacitors, solar cells, and lithium-ion batteries which were demonstrated in this work. This paper critically reviews about the synthesis techniques used for the GQDs involving energy storage applications with increased capacitance, energy conversion, retention capability, and stability.
44 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reported the utilization of apple leaves as a source of activated carbon and reported that all types of prepared ACs have a semi-crystalline nature with a mean crystallite size of 13, 21.02, and 39.47 nm for AC1, AC2, and AC3.
Abstract: This work reports utilization of apple leaves as a source of activated carbon. Activated carbon from apple leaves is prepared by two different methods, thermal activation where AC1 is obtained and chemical activation using H3PO4 and ZnCl2 where AC2 and AC3 are obtained, respectively. XRD analysis revealed that all types of prepared ACs have a semi-crystalline nature with a mean crystallite size of 13, 21.02, and 39.47 nm for AC1, AC2, and AC3, respectively. To identify the most suitable desorption temperature, the exothermic behavior was discovered for the three types of ACs by DSC. The exothermic onset temperatures are 340 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C, or AC1, AC2, and AC3, respectively. The point of zero charge for the three types of ACs is 8.6, 7.3, and 2.5 for AC1, AC2, and AC3, respectively. The BET surface area analysis data demonstrated that mesoporous structure was developed in AC1 and AC2, while a microporous structure was developed in AC3. Quantum chemical calculations for ACs is carried out using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Application of the prepared ACs in adsorption of basic dye C.I. base blue 47 is studied. The maximum removal efficiency was 65.1%, 96% and 99% for AC1, AC2, and AC3, respectively under the influence of different operating aspects. Adsorption data are modeled by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms. The data revealed that adsorption of basic dye C.I. base blue 47 on AC1 follows Langmuir isotherm and adsorption on AC2 and AC3 follows Freundlich isotherm.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used FTIR to identify functional groups on the shell of the cashew of Para (SCP) and quantified the functional groups by modified Boehm titration.
Abstract: Activated carbon from the shell of the cashew of Para (SCP) was produced by chemical activation with ZnCl using the ratio of SCP: ZnCl2 1.0:1.5 at 700 °C. The prepared activated carbon (SCP700) was used for the removal of two emerging contaminants, 4-bromophenol (4-BrPhOH) and 4-chloroaniline (4-ClPhNH2) that are primarily employed in the industry. Different analytical techniques were used to characterize the activated carbon. From the N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms were obtained the specific surface area of 1520 m2 g−1 and total pore volume of 0.492 cm3 g−1. The functional groups were identified by the FTIR technique and quantified by modified Boehm titration. The results revealed the bearing of several functional groups on the SCP700 surface, which may utterly influence the removal of the emerging contaminants. The equilibrium experiments showed that the maximum uptaken capacities (Qmax) achieved at 45 °C were 488.2 (4-BrPhOH) and 552.5 mg g−1 (4-ClPhNH2). The thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the processes of 4-BrPhOH and 4-ClPhNH2 adsorption are exothermic, spontaneous, energetically suitable, and the magnitude of ΔH° is compatible with physisorption. The mechanism of the adsorption of the emerging contaminants onto the carbon surface is dominated by microporous filling, hydrogen bonds, π-stacking interactions, and other Van der Waals interactions. The use of activated carbon for the treatment of industrial synthetic wastewater with several inorganic and organic molecules commonly found in industrial effluents showed a very high percentage of uptaking (up to 98.64%).
37 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a characterization of graphene-reinforced aluminium alloy 7075 (AA7075) microcomposites and nanocomposites is reported, which shows that the hardness of the composites proportionally increases with the graphene addition.
Abstract: Processing and characterization of graphene (Gr)-reinforced aluminium alloy 7075 (AA7075) microcomposites and nanocomposites are reported in this work. Composites are fabricated by mechanical alloying process at wet conditions. The bulk composites are prepared by uniaxial die pressing to get higher densification and sintered in an inert atmosphere. Density of the nanocomposites is higher than the microcomposites due to the reduction of grain size by increased milling time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms graphene interaction with the AA7075 matrix lattice spaces. The effective distribution of graphene with aluminium alloy is further confirmed by the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. The hardness of the composites proportionally increases with the graphene addition owing to grain refinement. Wear morphology is characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Microcomposites reveal abrasive and ploughing wear mechanism of material removal from the surface. Nanocomposites show adhesive wear with delamination and particle pull-out from the material surface.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the electrochemical exfoliation of graphene and GQDs is described, which is often considered as a simple one-step, facile, non-hazardous, and highly efficient technique yet favorable for mass production.
Abstract: The synthesis of graphene and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) employing various approaches with a range of precursors, chemicals, and parameters has been reported. Most of the top-down and bottom-up techniques employ strong and hazardous chemical environments, complicated and tedious procedures, are time-consuming, and often require special equipment. Another drawback of the techniques reported is the production of agglomerated, inhomogeneous, and non-dispersible graphene in aqueous solvents or organic solvents, thus limiting its application. This work specifically and comprehensively describes the electrochemical exfoliation of graphene and GQDs, which is often considered as a simple one-step, facile, non-hazardous, and highly efficient technique yet favourable for mass production. A brief discussion on the advantageous and challenges of the electrochemical technique and applications of the electrochemically exfoliated graphene and GQDs is also presented.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an alternative cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach suitable for large-scale production of high-quality reduced graphene oxide foams directly from used cooking sunflower oil is discussed.
Abstract: Oil spills into ocean or coastal waters can result in significant damage to the environment via pollution of aquatic ecosystems. Absorbents based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) foams have the capacity to remove minor or major oil spills. However, conventional chemical synthesis of rGO often uses petrochemical precursors, potentially harmful chemicals, and requires special processing conditions that are expensive to maintain. In this work, an alternative cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach suitable for large-scale production of high-quality rGO directly from used cooking sunflower oil is discussed. Thus, produced flaky graphene structures are effective in absorbing used commercial sunflower oil and engine oil, via monolayer physisorption in the case of used sunflower and engine oils facilitated by van der Waals forces, π–π stacking and hydrophobic interactions, π-cation (H+) stacking and radical scavenging activities. From adsorption kinetic models, first-order kinetics provides a better fit for used sunflower oil adsorption (R2 = 0.9919) and second-order kinetics provides a better fit for engine oil adsorption (R2 = 0.9823). From intra-particle diffusion model, R2 for USO is 0.9788 and EO is 0.9851, which indicates that both used sunflower and engine oils adsorption processes follow an intra-particle diffusion mechanism. This study confirms that waste-derived rGO could be used for environmental remediation.
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the use of carbon nanoparticles and graphene in gas sensors, examines the nodes in the commercialization pathway of these compounds, and presents the latest achievements.
Abstract: As a new nanostructure, a graphene is a compound of carbon atoms with a two-dimensional structure that has attracted the attention of many nanoscale researchers due to its novel physical and chemical properties. The presence of all graphene atoms in the surface and its unique electrical properties, as well as the ability to functionalize and combine with another nanomaterial, has introduced graphene as a new and suitable candidate material for gas sensing. Over the years, many researchers have turned their attention to carbon nanomaterial. The unique optical, mechanical, and electronic properties of these nanostructures have led them to use these nanomaterials to develop tiny devices, such as low-consumption sensors. Carbon nanomaterial poses a threat to another nanomaterial in terms of their use in gas sensors. This review article discusses the use of carbon nanoparticles and graphene in gas sensors, examines the nodes in the commercialization pathway of these compounds, and presents the latest achievements. Finally, the perspectives of the challenges and opportunities in the field of sensors based on carbon nanomaterial and graphene are examined.
28 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a new eco-friendly adsorbents were prepared through pyrolysis and acid activation of raw almond leaf (RAL) to form Almond Leaf Biochar (ALB) and chemically activated almond leaf biochar (CAL), respectively.
Abstract: Novel eco-friendly adsorbents were prepared through pyrolysis and acid activation of raw almond leaf (RAL) to form almond leaf biochar (ALB) and chemically activated almond leaf biochar (CAL), respectively. The prepared adsorbents were characterized using TGA, FTIR, SEM–EDX, BET and XRD techniques and their physicochemical properties investigated. RAL, ALB and CAL were utilized for adsorption of BPB dye from aqueous solution using batch technique under optimum conditions. The optimum dye adsorbed by RAL, ALB and CAL were 92.83, 93.21 and 94.89%, respectively at pH 3, dye initial conc. (100 mg/L), adsorbent dose (0.04 g/25 mL), 60 min contact time and 301 K adsorption temperature. Although, Langmuir maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were found to be 365.36, 535.62 and 730.46 mg/g for RAL, ALB and CAL, respectively, but isotherm conformed to Freundlich model. Kinetic study confirmed suitability of pseudo-second-order model with rate constant 9.33 × 10–4, 9.91 × 10–4 and 12.60 × 10−4 g mg−1 min−1 for RAL, ALB and CAL, respectively. Negative values of thermodynamic parameters (∆G and ∆H) established sequestration process to be spontaneous and exothermic. RAL, ALB and CAL were discovered to be highly efficient adsorbents that could be used in place of expensive commercial adsorbents.
TL;DR: In this paper, a combination of polyaniline, carbon dots, polypyrrole and graphene was introduced as high performance supercapacitor, which showed the maximum specific capacitance of 396 F g−1.
Abstract: In recent years, special attention of energy researchers has been paid to application of polymer–carbon dots composite in energy storage systems. In this work, for the first time, we introduced a combination of polyaniline, carbon dots, polypyrrole and graphene as high performance supercapacitor. Synergistic effect of conductive polymers combined with specific properties of graphene and carbon dots improved the electrochemical performance of supercapacitor. Carbon dots was prepared from carrot juice hydrothermally as a biomass carbon source and polyaniline–carbon dots was synthesized via in-situ polymerization. Electrochemical performance of polyaniline with different carbon dots content was investigated and nanocomposite of polyaniline with 10 wt% carbon dots was selected to mix with polypyrrole–graphene to obtain a high potential window supercapacitor. The as-prepared composite was characterized by several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The electrochemical properties of this electrode were studied by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. A polyaniline–carbon dots (10%)/polypyrrole–graphene has showed the maximum specific capacitance of 396 F g−1. Value of specific capacity remained at 62% under the current density of 5 A g−1.
TL;DR: In this article, the complex relationship between nitrogen content and nitrogen precursor amount, KOH amount and activation temperature are discussed, with a focus on the different N-functional groups and the porosity of the fabricated carbons.
Abstract: The simultaneous use of KOH and nitrogen to manufacture carbon materials provides these materials with properties that the presence of only one of these additives would not give them, such as high porosity and reactivity. However, it is difficult to obtain nitrogen-doped carbon materials with both high porosity and high nitrogen content, as the KOH significantly reduces the nitrogen content. In this review the complex relationships between nitrogen content and nitrogen precursor amount, KOH amount and the activation temperature are discussed, with a focus on the different N-functional groups and the porosity of the fabricated carbons. Generally, increasing activation temperature and increasing KOH amount decrease the nitrogen content due to reactions with the N-containing substructures of carbon, resulting in the release of nitrogen as N2, HCN and other N gases. Increasing these parameters can also result in the reduction of pyridine-N while the amount of quaternary-N increases simultaneously. Besides this, an increase in the amount of nitrogen precursor leads to an increase in the porosity of N-doped materials. However, too high amounts of the nitrogen precursor generate an excess of nitrogen which blocks the pore system and consequently reduces the porosity of the doped carbons.
TL;DR: In this paper, a systematic literature review of Al/CNT nanocomposites fabricated through a solid state friction stir processing (FSP) is presented, which is mainly focused on the dispersion and survivability of CNTs in the Al matrix because these are the key factors in deciding the mechanical properties of fabricated composite.
Abstract: Aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMCs) are the fastest developing materials for structural applications due to their high specific weight, modulus, resistance to corrosion and wear, and high temperature strength. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is known as the material of the twenty-first century for its various applications in structural components for their high specific strength as well as functional materials for their exciting thermal and electrical characteristics. The present study comprise a systematic literature review of Al/CNT nanocomposites fabricated through a solid state friction stir processing. The present review is primarily focussed on the dispersion and survivability of CNTs in the Al matrix because these are the key factors in deciding the mechanical properties of the fabricated composite. Additionally, the formability, weldability and machinability of the FSPed fabricated composites reinforced with CNTs are also summarised here. Based on the detailed literature review, following research gaps are identified which require a critical and more focussed attention of the scientific community working in this research area: (i) the presence of agglomeration or clustering of CNTs in the composite, (ii) survivability and shortening of CNTs during FSP, (iii) interfacial reactions or the formation of reaction products (such as Al4C3) between Al matrix and CNTs, and (iv) the unidirectional alignment of CNTs in the fabricated composite. Important suggestions for further research in effective dispersion of CNTs with its preserved structure by FSP are also provided.
TL;DR: In this paper, a cost effective and sustainable high-performance supercapacitor material was successfully prepared from cellulosic waste (Sapindus trifoliatus nut shells) biomass-derived activated carbon (CBAC) by physical activation method.
Abstract: Cost-effective and sustainable high-performance supercapacitor material was successfully prepared from cellulosic waste (Sapindus trifoliatus nut shells) biomass-derived activated carbon (CBAC) by physical activation method. The CBAC displays nanofiber morphology, high specific surface area (786 m2/g), large pore volume (0.212 cm3 g−1) which are evaluated using FESEM, BET and possessed excellent electrochemical behavior analyzed through various electrochemical methods. Moreover, the assembled symmetric CBAC//CBAC device exhibits high specific capacitance of 240.8 F g−1 with current density of 0.2 A g−1 and it is maintained to 65.6 F g−1 at high current density of 2.0 A g−1. In addition, the symmetric device delivers an excellent specific energy maximum of over 30 Wh kg−1 at 400 W kg−1 of specific power and excellent cycling stability in long term over 5000 cycles. The operation of the device was tested by light-emitting diode. Hence, CBAC-based materials pave way for developing large-scale, low-cost materials for energy storage device applications.
TL;DR: In this article, a Fe3O4/MgO/Activated carbon composite was used to remove arsenic ion (As (III)) from aqueous media and various analyses such as SEM, EDX/Mapping, FTIR, DLS, BET and VSM were applied.
Abstract: In this study, Fe3O4/MgO/Activated carbon composite was used to remove arsenic ion (As (III)) from aqueous media. To this end, Frangula Alnus was used to prepare activated carbon (AC) by calcination in the furnace at 700 °C for 4 h and was then used to synthesize the MgO/Fe3O4/AC composite. To study the surface properties of the composite, various analyses such as SEM, EDX/Mapping, FTIR, DLS, BET and VSM were applied. According to the BET analysis, the specific surface area and average pore size of the Fe3O4/MgO/AC composite were obtained as 190.92 m2/g and 7.57 nm, respectively, which showed that the aforementioned nanocomposite had a mesoporos structure with an excellent specific surface area. Also, VSM analysis indicated that the composite had a superparamagnetic property and could be easily separated from the solution by a magnet. Moreover, the results of the As (III) sorption indicated that the highest uptake efficiency was obtained 96.65% at pH = 7, adsorbent dosage = 0.13 g/L, t = 35 min, T = 45 °C and Co = 6 mg/L. In addition, the pseudo-second-order model could better describe the kinetic behavior of the sorption process. Furthermore, Langmuir model was the best model to describe the equilibroium behavior of the As(III) ion sorption. Besides, according to the the thermodynamic study, enthalpy change and entropy change were obtained 58.11 kJ/mol and 224.49 J/mol.K, respectively, indicating that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. According to the results, the Fe3O4/MgO/AC composite was a good adsorbent with the extraordinary properties, which can be used on an industrial scale.
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of the porous carbon derived from different microstructure green needle coke was investigated and the results of N2 adsorption-desorption analysis verified that the content of ordered micro-crystalline structure in the raw materials evidently influence the specific surface area and pore size distribution of porous carbons.
Abstract: The porous carbons with high specific surface area and excellent electrochemical properties were prepared using three types of green needle coke as raw materials. Electrochemical performances of the porous carbons derived from different microstructure green needle coke were investigated. The XRD and Raman spectra demonstrated that the content of the ordered carbon microcrystals were decreased and the content of amorphous and cross-linked structure were increased in the porous carbons with comparison to the raw materials. The results of N2 adsorption–desorption analysis verified that the content of ordered microcrystalline structure in the raw materials evidently influence the specific surface area and pore size distribution of the porous carbons. The porous carbon with 1665 m2 g−1 specific surface area and 2.89 nm average pore size has shown that the specific capacitance was 288 F g−1 at the current density 1 A g−1. Furthermore, the capacity retention was 94.93% and the Coulombic efficiency was 92.87% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles.
TL;DR: In this paper, a controlled one-pot green synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via pyrolysis of sustainable agriculture waste (chickpea peel) at 400°C in aqueous medium was reported.
Abstract: In this study, we report a controlled one-pot green synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via pyrolysis of sustainable agriculture waste (chickpea peel) at 400 °C in aqueous medium. These MWCNTs demonstrated 7.0 nm diameter, 0.28 nm graphitic spacing with carbonyl, hydroxyl, and carboxylic acid functionality. The D band (presence of sp3 defects) and G band (E2g mode of graphite) at 1350 cm−1 and 1580 cm−1 originated in Raman spectrum, respectively. The prepared MWCNTs showed blue fluorescence with 10% fluorescence quantum yield in aqueous medium. The MWCNTs showed triple exponential decay characteristics with an average fluorescence lifetime of 4.7 ns. The synthesized MWCNTs revealed a consistent fluorescence in the cytoplasm of 22RV1 human prostate carcinoma cell line without exerting any sign of cytotoxicity. The MWCNTs also exhibited remarkable cytocompatibility in human immortalized prostate epithelial RWPE1 cells.
TL;DR: In this paper, the conversion of two-dimensional graphene sheets to three-dimensional crumpled graphene structure has been verified to be the most effective approach to solve the problem of irreversible stacking between individual sheets resulting in the decrease in the Specific Surface Area (SSA) compared to the theoretically reported values.
Abstract: Research on Graphene and its importance in the field of energy conversion and storage devices such as fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors and solar cells has gained momentum recently. It is studied to be the most suitable electrode material for enhanced performance of supercapacitors in terms of charge–discharge cycles, specific capacitance, high power and energy densities and so on, specifically due to its high conductivity and large theoretical surface area. Unfortunately, it posits lot of challenges due to its irreversible stacking between the individual sheets resulting in the decrease in the Specific Surface Area (SSA) compared to the theoretically reported values. Numerous studies have been carried out to prevent this stacking in order to increase the surface area, thereby being a more suitable material for the manufacture of electrodes for supercapacitors as its capacitance greatly depends on the electrode material. To solve this problem, the conversion of two-dimensional graphene sheets to three-dimensional crumpled graphene structure has been verified to be the most effective approach. The study of crumpled graphene has been one of the recent trends in the field of energy storage applications in consumer electronics and hybrid vehicles as the process of crumpling can be controlled to suit the prospective device applications.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the current literature on CNTs exposure on plants, including both single walled and multi walled exposure, and explore unresolved challenges, as well as recommendations to ensure sustainable development of carbon-based nanomaterials while minimizing any possible adverse health impacts.
Abstract: Recent years have witnessed remarkable development in the field of nanotechnology and it has been affirmed that carbon-based nanomaterials have wide applications in agriculture, industrial, biomedical and environmental sectors. Due to distinctive physicochemical properties of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), they have been extensively utilized in plant science as a growth promoter, and thus, could be a boon for biomass production of agricultural products. Studies suggest that CNTs help increase the plant’s ability to absorb water and essential nutrients, thereby increasing growth. Apart from this, CNTs have been scrutinized for their utilization in genetic engineering for the delivery of genes, proteins or drugs. However, the literature discloses mixed effects of CNTs exposure on plants like in inducing oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, studies concerning CNTs interaction with plant system is at a nascent stage and needs further investigations to explore the mechanisms influencing the growth and toxicity in plants. Therefore, this review attempts to highlight the current literature on CNTs (including both single walled and multi walled) exposure on plants. It also explores unresolved challenges, as well as recommendations to ensure sustainable development of CNTs while minimizing any possible adverse health impacts.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors have shown that the sp2 domains actually expand in size and the observed increase in ID/IG ratio is indeed due to increase in across-plane defects, formed via along-the-layer slicing of graphitic domains.
Abstract: Lately, Raman spectroscopy has become powerful tool for quality assessment of graphene analogues with identification of intensity ratio of Raman active D-band and G-band (ID/IG ratio) as a vital parameter for quantification of defects. However, during chemical reduction of graphitic oxide (GrO) to reduced GrO (RGrO), the increased ID/IG ratio is often wrongly recognized as defect augmentation, with “formation of more numerous yet smaller size sp2 domains” as its explanation. Herein, by giving due attention to normalized peak height, full-width half-maxima and integrated peak area of Raman D- and G-bands, and compliment the findings by XRD data, we have shown that in-plane size of sp2 domains actually increases upon chemical reduction. Particularly, contrary to increased ID/IG ratio, the calculated decrease in integrated peak area ratio (AD/AG ratio) in conjunction with narrowing of D-band and broadening of G-band, evinced the decrease in in-plane defects. Finally, as duly supported by reduction induced broadening of interlayer-spacing characteristic XRD peak and narrowing of ~ 43° centered XRD hump, we have also shown that the sp2 domains actually expands in size and the observed increase in ID/IG ratio is indeed due to increase in across-plane defects, formed via along-the-layer slicing of graphitic domains.
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive assessment of research works available thus far in oil palm-derived activated carbon (OPdAC) for CO2 adsorption application is provided, where the desired OPdAC characteristics and its precursors in terms of their chemical properties, elemental, and proximate compositions are presented.
Abstract: Increasing ambient carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emission has contributed to the growing rate of global land and ocean surface temperature. Various carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies were established to mitigate this impending issue. CO2 adsorption is gaining prominence since unlike traditional chemical absorption, it does not require high energy usage for solvent regeneration and consumption of corrosive chemical solvent. In CO2 adsorption, activated carbons show high CO2 adsorption capacity given their well-developed porous structures. Numerous researches employed oil palm wastes as low-cost precursors. This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of research works available thus far in oil palm-derived activated carbon (OPdAC) for CO2 adsorption application. First, we present the desired OPdAC characteristics and its precursors in terms of their chemical properties, elemental, and proximate compositions. This is followed by an overview of various activation methodologies and surface modification methods to attain the desired characteristics for CO2 adsorption. Then the focus turned to present available OPdAC CO2 adsorption performance and how it is affected by its physical and chemical characteristics. Based on these, we identify the challenges and the potential development in different aspects such as precursor selection, process development, and optimization of parameter. A pilot scale production cost analysis is also presented to compare various activation and surface modification methods, so that the appropriate method can be selected for CO2 adsorption.
TL;DR: In this paper, the porosity, surface area, and functional and surface chemistry were analyzed by means of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, Scanning Electron Microscopy, (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
Abstract: Biomass of agricultural waste is getting increasing attention all over the world as it is a kind of renewable, abundantly available, low cost, and environmentally friendly resource. Preparation of activated carbon from agricultural waste via microwave-assisted chemical agent activation. The porosity, surface area, and functional and surface chemistry were featured by means of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, Scanning Electron Microscopy, (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The best conditions resulted in activated carbon with adsorption capacity of 517.5 mg/g and carbon yield of 80.99%. The activated carbons from carbonized tobacco stem with K2CO3 activation by microwave radiation is highest of surface area, and total pore volume corresponded to 2557 m2/g, and 1.647 cm3/g, respectively, with a high contribution of mesopores, microwave power of 700 W, and irradiation time of 30 min. The results of the review showed that chemical activation could develop both microporosity and mesoporosity. The findings support the potential to prepare high surface area and micropore-activated carbon from agricultural waste by microwave-induced chemical activation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the porosity of porous carbon anodes is taken into account to predict the specific capacity of carbon-based lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes, and a new factor is introduced, which is called normalized surface area.
Abstract: The high level of lithium storage in synthetic porous carbons has necessitated the development of accurate models for estimating the specific capacity of carbon-based lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes. To date, various models have been developed to estimate the storage capacity of lithium in carbonaceous materials. However, these models are complex and do not take into account the effect of porosity in their estimations. In this paper, a novel model is proposed to predict the specific capacity of porous carbon LIB anodes. For this purpose, a new factor is introduced, which is called normalized surface area. Considering this factor, the contribution of surface lithium storage can be added to the lithium stored in the bulk to have a better prediction. The novel model proposed in this study is able to estimate the lithium storage capacity of LIB anodes based on the porosity of porous carbons for the first time. Benefiting porosity value (specific surface area) makes the predictions quick, facile, and sensible for the scientists and experts designing LIBs using porous carbon anodes. The predicted capacities were compared with that of the literature reported by experimental works. The remarkable consistency of the measured and predicted capacities of the LIB anodes also confirms the validity of the approach and its reliability for further predictions.
Abstract: Herein, a facile bottom–up approach for producing nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) was carried out by the hydrothermal treatment of microcrystalline cellulose, in the presence of different nitrogen sources (blank/urea/ammonia water/ethanediamine(EDA)/Hexamethylenetetramine). The result showed that the fluorescence intensity and quantum yields (QYs) of N-CQDs with different nitrogen sources are all higher than that without nitrogen source. Compared with the other three nitrogen sources, N-CQDs prepared by EDA not only have the highest fluorescence intensity but also the largest QYs of 51.39%. Therefore, EDA was chosen as the nitrogen source to prepare N-CQDs. The obtained N-CQDs are uniform spherical particles with a diameter of 2.76 nm. The N-CQDs also exhibit excitation-dependent and long-wave emission properties. The emission range of N-CQDs is 470–540 nm. Moreover, N-CQDs as fluorescent agents successfully acted on purple LEDs (λem = 365 nm) to achieve white LEDs light emission. At the same time, a fluorescent thin layer chromatography plate was successfully prepared using N-CQDs, silica gel G and Sodium carboxymethylcellulose as raw materials. The separation trajectory of mixed sample of Sudan red III and kerosene on the fluorescent TLC plate is obviously clearer than that of the TLC plate.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) coating in the presence of polyethyleneimine (PEI) of different molecular weights (MW) on the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of carbon fiber/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and carbon fiber composites was investigated.
Abstract: The effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) coating in the presence of polyethyleneimine (PEI) of different molecular weights (MW) on the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of carbon fiber/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and carbon fiber/epoxy composites was investigated. The IFSS between the carbon fiber and the polymer was evaluated by means of single fiber microbonding test. The results indicated that uses of the carbon fibers uncoated and coated with pristine, low MW PEI-treated, and high MW PEI-treated MWCNT significantly influenced the IFSS of both thermoplastic and thermosetting carbon fiber composites as well as the carbon fiber surface topography. The incorporation of low MW (about 1300) PEI into the carboxylated MWCNT was more effective not only to uniformly coat the carbon fiber with the MWCNT but also to improve the interfacial bonding strength between the carbon fiber and the polymer than that of high MW (about 25,000) PEI. In addition, carbon fiber/epoxy composite exhibited the IFSS much higher than carbon fiber/ABS composite due to the chemical interactions between the epoxy resin and amine groups existing in the PEI-treated MWCNT.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the banana peel waste to produce activated carbon (ACBP) by NaOH activation followed by pyrolysis at 400°C to remove methylene blue (MB).
Abstract: The discharge of dye-containing industrial effluents such as methylene blue (MB) in water bodies has resulted in severe aquatic and human life problems. In addition to this factor, there is the accumulation of banana peel wastes, which can generate ecological damage. Thus, this research purpose a different method from the literature using the banana peel waste (BP) to produce activated carbon (ACBP) by NaOH activation followed by pyrolysis at 400 °C to remove methylene blue (MB). The material was characterized by TGA, XRD, SEM, BET, and FTIR. The influence of dye concentration (10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg L−1) was investigated. ACBP presented a well-developed pore structure with a predominance of mesopores and macropores. This morphological structure directly influences the MB removal capacity. The highest efficiency for dye removal was in the MB initial concentration of 25 mg L−1, sorbent of 0.03 g, and contact time of 60 min, which were 99.8%. The adsorption isotherms were well defined by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. The Langmuir model represented the best fit of experimental data for ACBP with a maximum adsorption capacity of 232.5 mg g−1. This adsorbent showed a comparatively high performance to some previous works. So, the banana peel waste is an efficient resource for producing activated carbon and the adsorption of methylene blue.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the effects of micro-crystallinity and macro-orientationcrystalline properties of graphite on the initial efficiency, discharge capacity, and rate performance of anodic materials.
Abstract: This study examined the effects of micro- (crystallinity) and macro (orientation)-crystalline properties of graphite on the initial efficiency, discharge capacity, and rate performance of anodic materials. Needle coke and regular coke were selected as raw materials and pulverized to 2–25 μm to determine the effects of crystalline properties on particle shape after pulverization. Needle coke with outstanding crystallinity had high initial efficiency, and smaller particles with larger specific surface areas saw increased irreversible capacity due to the formation of SEI layers. Because of cavities existing between crystals, the poorer the crystalline properties were, the greater the capacity of the lithium ions increased. As such, regular coke had a 30 mAh/g higher discharge capacity than that of needle coke. Rate performance was more affected by particle size than by crystalline structure, and was the highest at a particle distribution of 10–15 μm.
TL;DR: In this article, activated carbon (AC) was incorporated onto aluminum substrate via doctor blade method to produce an all-solid-state supercapacitor, which was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Abstract: In this report, we incorporate activated carbon (AC) onto aluminum substrate via doctor blade method to produce an all-solid-state supercapacitor. The electrochemical properties of the all-solid-state supercapacitor were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Galvanostatic charge/discharge tests also were carried out to exhibit stability of the AC-based supercapacitor. The impedance and charge/discharge curves of the all-solid-state supercapacitor showed good capacitive behavior after functionalized AC. The highest specific capacitance obtained for the AC-based supercapacitor was 106 F g−1. About 160% of specific capacitance increased after functionalization of the AC, which indicated that modification of the AC by nitric acid was able to introduce functional groups on the AC and improve its electrochemical performances.