3D Nanocomposites Research Articles

Erratum to: Synthesis of Ag(0)–ZnFeOH 0D–2D Nanocomposite by Successive Ionic Layer Deposition and Its Bactericidal Properties

Erratum to: Synthesis of Ag(0)–ZnFeOH 0D–2D Nanocomposite by Successive Ionic Layer Deposition and Its Bactericidal Properties

Characterization and room temperature ammonia sensing application of hydrothermally synthesized MoS2/RGO nanocomposites

Developing high-performance chemical gas sensor devices based on two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) operating at room temperature is still a challenge due to the long and incomplete recovery. In this work, the hydrothermal technique was used to prepare molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites at various amounts of graphene oxide (GO), and its effect on ammonia sensing has been investigated. For this, the weight percentage of GO to ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate changed to 1 (MG1), 3 (MG3), 5 (MG5), and 10 (MG10). Raman analysis showed that the incorporation of GO causes the growth of the 1 T-MoS2 phase in nanocomposite samples. By examining the gas sensing properties of MoS2, RGO, and their nanocomposites, the optimal value of GO in MoS2 for the best performance of the sensor was achieved. The MG10 sample with the highest response (1.41 %), fastest response (58 s), and recovery (176 s) times under exposure to 500 ppm ammonia is the most suitable sensing material for fabricating ammonia sensors among other samples. This sample also showed excellent selectivity to ammonia compared to ethanol, methanol, and acetone. This study presents a new approach to exploit 2D nanocomposites for the detection of ammonia, as a biomarker in the human breath and also an important gas in industry.

Construction of MXene/Ti membrane electrode with Ti3C2TX via electrophoretic deposition for high-efficient electrochemical degradation of antibiotic wastewater

The introduction of antibiotics into the environment leads to serious environmental problems and public health concerns. Along these lines, in this work, a facile strategy to fabricate the MXene/Ti membrane was developed by loading 2D ultrathin Ti3C2Tx nanosheets on the porous Ti membrane through electrophoretic deposition, which was used as anode material for the degradation of the tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) wastewater in the electrocatalytic membrane reactor (ECMR). From the acquired degradation results, it was demonstrated that the removal efficiency of TCH and total organic carbon (TOC) was nearly 100 % and 90.4 % with the obtained MXene/Ti anode in the ECMR, respectively, under a temperature value of 20 °C, a current density of 0.8 mA cm−2, a residence time of 10 min, an electrolyte Na2SO4 concentration of 15 g L−1, a TCH concentration of 50 mg L−1, and a pH of 7.0 reaction conditions. These values were much higher than that of pristine Ti membrane anode and other reported electrochemical treatment processes, such as electrocatalysis, photo-electrocatalysis process etc. The excellent stability of the MXene/Ti anode was also demonstrated by performing 15 cycles test. The superior removal efficiency of TCH and the mineralization ability of antibiotics could be ascribed to the formation of 2D nanocomposites of Ti3C2Tx and TiO2. Our work paves the way for the utilization of MXene/Ti membrane electrodes and ECMR for the efficient removal of antibiotics from wastewater.

Mechanically resilient, alumina-reinforced carbon nanotube arrays for in-plane shock absorption in micromechanical devices

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are of considerable interest due to their compact size and low power consumption when used in modern electronics. MEMS devices intrinsically incorporate three-dimensional (3D) microstructures for their intended operations; however, these microstructures are easily broken by mechanical shocks accompanying high-magnitude transient acceleration, inducing device malfunction. Although various structural designs and materials have been proposed to overcome this limit, developing a shock absorber for easy integration into existing MEMS structures that effectively dissipates impact energy remains challenging. Here, a vertically aligned 3D nanocomposite based on ceramic-reinforced carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays is presented for in-plane shock-absorbing and energy dissipation around MEMS devices. This geometrically aligned composite consists of regionally-selective integrated CNT arrays and a subsequent atomically thick alumina layer coating, which serve as structural and reinforcing materials, respectively. The nanocomposite is integrated with the microstructure through a batch-fabrication process and remarkably improves the in-plane shock reliability of a designed movable structure over a wide acceleration range (0–12,000g). In addition, the enhanced shock reliability through the nanocomposite was experimentally verified through comparison with various control devices.

Synthesis of Ag(0)–ZnFeOH 0D–2D Nanocomposite by Successive Ionic Layer Deposition and Its Bactericidal Properties

Synthesis of Ag(0)–ZnFeOH 0D–2D Nanocomposite by Successive Ionic Layer Deposition and Its Bactericidal Properties

Nanostructured Al2O3/graphene additive in bio-based lubricant: A novel approach to improve engine performance

Personal and industrial use of internal combustion engines (ICEs) is projected to continue until 2050 and beyond. Yet demands to reduce global dependence on petrochemicals and fossil fuel-derived lubricants are increasing and environmentally necessary. New strategies for maintaining and enhancing ICE performance by reducing friction, wear, fuel consumption, and exhaust emissions will reduce the depletion of mineral and fossil fuel reserves and environmental pollution. This paper reports the tribological enhancement of nano-bio lubricants formulated using 2D nanocomposites of Al2O3/graphene as novel additives in coconut oil, whose performance as a lubricant compares favorably with the mineral-based engine oil 15W40. Structural, compositional, and morphological characterization of the Al2O3/graphene nanocomposite revealed an ultra-fine particle size (< 10 nm) with spherical/laminar morphology and a rich sp2 domain, exhibiting a consistent colloidal stability when formulated as nanofluid. Through the use of various characterization techniques, including friction and wear analysis we gained valuable insight into the tribological mechanism. Our optimization of this 2D tribological system using coconut oil formulation resulted significant reductions in the coefficient of friction (28 %), specific fuel consumption (8 %), and exhaust pollutant emissions (CO, SO2, and NOx). This work demonstrates the benefits of using nano-bio lubricant formulated using coconut oil and 2D-based hybrids as base stock and additives, delivering solutions to global challenges such as improving fuel consumption while reducing environmental pollution; solutions that can be transferred to other areas where lubricants are a necessity.

Novel nanoarchitecture of 3D ion transfer channel containing nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte membrane based on holey graphene oxide and chitosan biopolymer

In the arena of three-dimensional (3D) nanoarchitecture, holey graphene oxide (HGO)—a class of two-dimensional (2D) graphene oxide porous nanosheet, has emerged as a promising choice of additive material to design advanced 3D nanocomposite for energy and environmental applications. With a facile and cost-effective solution-casting technique, we fabricated here a flexible, wearable, free-standing, and super-thin (∼0.08 mm) solid polymer electrolyte membrane (SPEM) consisting of 2D-HGO, lithium bis(trifluromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer binder, and chitosan (CH) biopolymer. SPEM exhibited impressive ionic conductivity of 2.76 × 10-3 S⋅cm−1 at room temperature (RT = 23 °C) which is comparable to liquid electrolytes. Robust mechanical property (5.87 MPa) and easy lithium-ion diffusion capability of SPEM were identified by the ultra-low activation energy (Ea) of 0.089 eV, which is one of the best values among the reported solid polymer electrolytes. Good lithium-ion transference number (tLi+= 0.76) and wide electrochemical stability window (ESW = 4.4) indicated single ion conduction and stable battery operation voltage capability of SPEM. Moreover, fast ion transfer mechanism of SPEM was proposed according to the comprehensive characterizations; mostly relating to uniform and strong interconnecting novel 3D ion transferring routes. Temperature and frequency responsive charge carrier mobility trend were also investigated with an in-depth dielectric study. Promising RT galvanostatic Li plating-stripping performance was observed at 5 mA⋅cm−2 with a hybrid symmetric cell. Using Li metal as anode, SPEM, and LiCoO2 as cathode in the full cell, a good RT specific discharge capacity of 142.8 mA⋅h⋅g−1 was achieved at 0.1 C rate.

Solid-state, reagent-free and one-step laser-induced synthesis of graphene-supported metal nanocomposites from metal leaves and application to glucose sensing

The laser-induced method to prepare three-dimensional (3D) porous graphene has been widely used in many fields owing to its low-cost, easy operation, maskless patterning and ease of mass production. Metal nanoparticles are further introduced on the surface of 3D graphene to enhance its property. The existing methods, however, such as laser irradiation and electrodeposition of metal precursor solution, suffer from many shortcomings, including complicated procedure of metal precursor solution preparation, strict experimental control, and poor adhesion of metal nanoparticles. Herein, a solid-state, reagent-free, and one-step laser-induced strategy has been developed for the fabrication of metal nanoparticle modified-3D porous graphene nanocomposites. Commercial transfer metal leaves were covered on a polyimide film followed by direct laser irradiation to produce 3D graphene nanocomposites modified with metal nanoparticles. The proposed method is versatile and applicable to incorporate various metal nanoparticles including gold silver, platinum, palladium, and copper. Furthermore, the 3D graphene nanocomposites modified with AuAg alloy nanoparticles were successfully synthesized in both 21 Karat (K) and 18K gold leaves. Its electrochemical characterization demonstrated that the synthesized 3D graphene-AuAg alloy nanocomposites exhibited excellent electrocatalytic properties. Finally, we fabricated LIG-AuAg alloy nanocomposites as enzyme-free flexible sensors for glucose detection. The LIG-18K electrodes exhibited the superior glucose sensitivity of 1194 μA mM−1 cm−2 and low detection limits of 0.21 μM. The LIG-21K nanocomposite sensors showed two linear ranges from 1 μM to 1 mM and 2 mM–20 mM with good sensitivity. Furthermore, the flexible glucose sensor showed good stability, sensitivity, and ability to sense in blood plasma samples. The proposed one-step fabrication of reagent-free and metal alloy nanoparticles on LIG with excellent electrochemical performance opens up possibilities for diversifying potential applications of sensing, water treatment and electrocatalysis.

Self-assembly of cell-embedding reduced graphene oxide/ polypyrrole hydrogel as efficient anode for high-performance microbial fuel cell

A three-dimensional (3D) macroporous reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole (rGO/Ppy) hydrogel assembled by bacterial cells was fabricated and applied for microbial fuel cells. By taking the advantage of electroactive cell-induced bioreduction of graphene oxide and in-situ polymerization of Ppy, a facile self-assembly by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1and in-situ polymerization approach for 3D rGO/Ppy hydrogel preparation was developed. This facile one-step self-assembly process enabled the embedding of living electroactive cells inside the hydrogel electrode, which showed an interconnected 3D macroporous structures with high conductivity and biocompatibility. Electrochemical analysis indicated that the self-assembly of cell-embedding rGO/Ppy hydrogel enhanced the electrochemical activity of the bioelectrode and reduced the electron charge transfer resistance between the cells and the electrode. Impressively, extremely high power output of 3366 ± 42 mW m−2 was achieved from the MFC with cell-embedding rGO/Ppy hydrogel rGO/Ppy, which was 8.6 times of that delivered from the MFC with bare electrode. Further analysis indicated that the increased cell loading by the hydrogel and improved electrochemical activity by the rGO/Ppy composite would be the underlying mechanism for this performance improvement. This study provided a facile approach to fabricate the biocompatible and electrochemical active 3D nanocomposites for MFC, which would also be promising for performance optimization of various bioelectrochemical systems.

3D Nanocomposite with High Aspect Ratio Based on Polyaniline Decorated with Silver NPs: Synthesis and Application as Electrochemical Glucose Sensor.

In this paper, we present a new methodology for creating 3D ordered porous nanocomposites based on anodic aluminum oxide template with polyaniline (PANI) and silver NPs. The approach includes in situ synthesis of polyaniline on templates of anodic aluminum oxide nanomembranes and laser-induced deposition (LID) of Ag NPs directly on the pore walls. The proposed method allows for the formation of structures with a high aspect ratio of the pores, topological ordering and uniformity of properties throughout the sample, and a high specific surface area. For the developed structures, we demonstrated their effectiveness as non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors on glucose in a concentration range crucial for medical applications. The obtained systems possess high potential for miniaturization and were applied to glucose detection in real objects-laboratory rat blood plasma.

Tuneable Piezoresistance of Graphene‐Based 2D:2D Nanocomposite Networks

AbstractPiezoresistive nanocomposites are an important class of materials that allow the production of very sensitive strain sensors. Herein, a new class of piezoresistive nanocomposites prepared by mixing different types of 2D nanosheets is explored. In this way, three distinct types of nanocomposite are produced by mixing conducting and insulating nanosheets (graphene, Gr and boron nitride, BN), conducting and semiconducting nanosheets (graphene and tungsten diselenide, WSe2 or tungsten disulfide, WS2) as well as mixing two different types of conducting nanosheets (graphene and silver, Ag). For each nanocomposite type, a different dependence of composite conductivity on filler volume fraction is observed although all behaviors can be fully described by percolation theory. In addition, each composite type shows different piezoresistive properties. Interestingly, while the conductor insulator composites show the standard monotonic relationship between gauge factor and conductivity, both conductor:semi‐conductor and conductor:conductor composites show very unusual behavior, in each case displaying a peak engage factor at the percolation threshold. In each case, percolation theory is used to develop simple equations for gauge factor as a function of both volume fraction and conductivity that fully describes all experimental data. This work expands the understanding of piezoresistive nanocomposites and provides a platform for the engineering of high‐performance strain sensors.

Preparation and model construction of novel 2D nanocomposite of Zn-P-GCNN and its mechanisms of synergistic adsorption for Cu(II) and methylene blue

In this study, a novel two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin Zn-P-g-C3N4 nanocomposite (Zn-P-GCNN) with a large specific surface area was synthesized by using graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) as the raw material and P, Zn as the dopants. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanocomposite were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet–visible (UV) spectroscopy, fluorescence (PL) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and first-principles calculations. The results revealed that compared with GCN, the thickness of Zn-P-GCNN decreased from 22 to 5 nm, and the specific surface area increased from 26.98 to 96.85 g/m2. The adsorption capacity of Zn-P-GCNN for Cu(II) and methylene blue (MB) reached 114.68 and 265.50 mg/g, respectively, under the optimal adsorption conditions (25 mg adsorbent, pH 5.8, 25 °C, 60 min). To explore the synergistic adsorption effect of Cu(II) and MB, the adsorption kinetics, isothermal curves, and regeneration performance of Zn-P-GCNN were investigated. Even after five cycles, the adsorption rates of MB and Cu(II) remained above 94.0% and 57.0%, respectively. This indicated the potential of Zn-P-GCNN as a cost-effective and convenient adsorbent. Further, first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) were utilized to establish an adsorption model, which can accurately predict the distribution, conformational changes, and adsorption energy of MB and Cu(II) on the adsorbents. The adsorption energy of one MB molecule on Zn-P-GCNN was lower than that on GCN, due to which the adsorption capacity of Zn-P-GCNN was improved. Overall, this study proposed a novel 2D Zn-P-GCNN, which can be potentially used for the treatment of environmental pollutants such as heavy metals and organic dyes in sewage environments.

A 3D nanocomposite of NiCo2S4/CuCo2S4 heterostructure synthesized by chemical precipitation for asymmetric supercapacitors

In recent years, transition metal sulfides have been regarded as a promising energy storage material for supercapacitors, due to their high theoretical specific capacity and conductivity compared with other similar metal oxides and hydroxides. However, the sluggish diffusion dynamics and low capacitance impede its practical implement application. Herein, an advanced 3D nanocomposite of NiCo2S4/CuCo2S4 heterostructure was designed via a time-saving, safe and efficient approach. The mass transfer kinetics of NiCo2S4/CuCo2S4 nanocomposite has been significantly promoted owing to this novel heterostructure. Therefore, the NiCo2S4/CuCo2S4 electrode materials reveal a superior specific capacitance (180.8 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1) and excellent rate properties (84.7% capacitance retention from 2 to 20 A g−1). The asymmetric supercapacitor device assembled with NiCo2S4/CuCo2S4 and activated carbon has an energy density of 37.0 Wh kg−1 at 400 W kg−1 and outstanding cyclic stability (93.3% remained after 10,000 cycles at 10 A g−1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculation further proves the electronic structure and the charge transfer can be tuned by the heterostructure of NiCo2S4 and CuCo2S4. This work offers a new perspective to design a high-performance electrode material in the field of supercapacitors.

Improved dielectric and electromagnetic interference shielding performance of materials by hybrid filler network design in three-dimensional nanocomposite films

A nanoscale stretching-induced one-dimensional (1D) nanofiller orientation in a three-dimensional (3D) film (the films form cell walls of foamed materials) is beneficial for improving the dielectric and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of composite systems. However, nanoscale stretching may cause nanofiller separation, negatively impacting their properties. In this study, a two-dimensional (2D) nanofiller was introduced into a carbon nanofibre/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (CNF/PVDF) nanocomposite system to improve the nanoscale confined-space stretching effect. As a result, the degree of in-film orientation of the CNFs was significantly improved. Based on this effect, boron nitride was used as a 2D dielectric nanofiller to improve the degree of in-plane orientation of CNFs and to prepare 3D nanocomposite films with improved dielectric properties (improved by 54.3 %). Furthermore, 2D conductive nanofiller graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were employed to improve the degree of in-film orientation of CNFs for the preparation of CNF/GNP/PVDF nanocomposite foams with improved electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance (increased by 89.4 %, from 18.8 to 35.6 dB·g−1·cm3 at 10 GHz). A Monte Carlo simulation was used to verify that the 2D nanofiller improved the 1D nanofiller orientation in the 3D nanocomposite film. This study provides a guide for the design of high-performance foamed nanocomposite materials.

Dielectric and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Nanocomposites with Varied Particle Diameter.

3D printed nanocomposites provide a method for generating high-performance radio frequency devices. Limited work has been done to investigate the influence the nanoparticle diameter has on the performance of 3D printable nanocomposites. We describe here the development of a family of 3D printable nanocomposite inks formulated from nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 30 to 300 nm. Relative permittivity values for the printed nanocomposites were unaffected by nanoparticle diameter whereas loss tangent, glass transition temperature, and elastic modulus were altered. This work provides a framework for designing 3D printable nanocomposites and highlights the importance that nanoparticle diameter plays in formulation strategy.

The exfoliation of bulk MoS2 by a three-roller mill for high-performance potassium ion batteries

Due to the large radius and the high diffusion barrier, it is difficult to perform a large-scale application without finding suitable anodic materials. In this work, the MoS2@C nanosheets are obtained by a three-roller grinder. With this technology, the bulk MoS2 can be thinned to form a nanosheet structure, and the phenolic resin attached to the MoS2 surface can form a carbon layer after carbonization to ultimately obtain MoS2@C. As the anode for potassium ion batteries (KIBs), the MoS2@C electrode shows a highly reversible discharge capacity of 382 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g after 50 cycles. This efficient preparation method opens a new path for 2D nanocomposites with the high-performance K+ storage applications.

Electron Transfer‐Induced Metal Spin‐Crossover at NiCo2S4/ReS2 2D–2D Interfaces for Promoting pH‐universal Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

AbstractThe development of an efficient pH‐universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst is essential for practical hydrogen production. Here, an efficient and stable pH‐universal HER electrocatalyst composed of the strongly coupled 2D NiCo2S4 and 2D ReS2 nanosheets (NiCo2S4/ReS2) is demonstrated. The NiCo2S4/ReS2 2D–2D nanocomposite is directly grown on the surface of the carbon cloth substrate, which exhibits excellent HER performance with overpotentials of 85 and 126 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slopes of 78.3 and 67.8 mV dec−1 under both alkaline and acidic conditions, respectively. Theoretical and experimental characterizations reveal that the chemical coupling between NiCo2S4 and ReS2 layers induces electron transfer from Ni and Co to interfacial Re‐neighbored S atoms, enabling beneficial H atom adsorption and desorption for both acidic and alkaline HER. Simultaneously, an electron transfer‐induced spin‐crossover generates high‐spin interfacial Ni and Co atoms that promote water dissociation kinetics at the NiCo2S4/ReS2 interface, which is the origin of the superior alkaline HER activity. NiCo2S4/ReS2 also shows decent catalytic activity and long‐term durability for oxygen evolution reaction, and finally bifunctionality for overall water splitting. This study suggests a rational strategy to enhance water dissociation kinetics by inducing spin‐crossover via electron transfer.

Si nanoparticle decorated Bi2O2CO3 2D nanocomposite synthesized by femtosecond laser ablation of solids in liquids and aging

Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets were obtained by aging of bismuth nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by laser ablation in liquids (LAL) using a femtosecond laser and deionized water as the liquid medium. The resulting colloidal nanosheets were decorated with silicon NPs, using the same syntesis technique, to the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that the Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets was decorated using this synthesis method. The size and morphology of the nanosheets were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Chemical composition was determined by Raman microspectroscopy, and the optical properties of the colloids were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy. Our results show the evolution from metallic Bi nanoparticles to Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets and their subsequent succesfull decoration with small silicon nanoparticles (<10 nm).

Probe-Integrated Label-Free Electrochemical Immunosensor Based on Binary Nanocarbon Composites for Detection of CA19-9.

Convenient and sensitive detection of tumor biomarkers is crucial for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Herein, we present a probe-integrated and label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on binary nanocarbon composites and surface-immobilized methylene blue (MB) redox probes for detection of carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA19-9), which is closely associated with gastric malignancies. Nanocarbon composites consisting of electrochemically reduced graphene oxides and carbon nanotubes (ErGO-CNT) are electrodeposited onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface to form a 3D nanocomposite film, which could provide high surface area to immobilize abundant MB probes, facilitate the electron transfer of MB, and therefore, improve sensitivity. Polydopamine (PDA) served as a bifunctional linker is able to immobilize anti-CA19-9 antibodies and stabilize the inner probe, conferring the sensing interface with specific recognition capacity. Electrochemical detection of CA19-9 is achieved based on the decrease of the redox signal of MB after specific binding of CA19-9 with a wide linear range of 0.1 mU/mL to 100 U/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.54 nU/mL (S/N = 3). The constructed electrochemical immunosensor has good selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. Furthermore, determination of CA19-9 in human serum samples is also realized.

Roles of interface engineering in performance optimization of skutterudite‐based thermoelectric materials

AbstractInterface engineering has prevailed in the thermoelectric field for decades, and related performance has achieved great progress. Therefore, an in‐depth understanding of the impacts of the interface effect on the thermoelectric transport parameters is of vital importance. In this paper, taking skutterudite‐based thermoelectric materials as typical examples, the formation mechanism and preparation process of various interface types, including 1D dislocations, 2D grain refinement, 3D nanocomposites, and micro‐nanopores, are briefly summarized. In addition, we also systemically highlight recently striking achievements related to interfacial design to reveal the distinctive effect of each interface structure on the transport behavior of carriers and phonons. Finally, existing challenges in the thermoelectric performance optimization achieved by interface engineering are pointed out, and an outlook for further thermoelectric research is presented.