Carbon Black Research Articles

This study presents the synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and application of coal-derived carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) for the highly efficient removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), specifically phenanthrene and naphthalene, from aqueous solutions. Subbituminous coals sourced from the Gombe and Kogi regions of Nigeria were transformed into CNPs via a single-step CO₂-assisted solid-state activation process conducted at two distinct temperatures: 550°C and 650°C. The synthesized materials underwent rigorous characterization using proximate/ultimate analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis Differential Thermal Analysis (TGA-DTA), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Characterization results revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles (10-100nm) with high carbon purity (> 90%) and tunable oxygen functionalities. FTIR confirmed the presence of conjugated C = C domains, while TGA-DTA demonstrated superior thermal stability for 650°C-activated samples, exhibiting less than 10% mass loss up to 800°C, indicative of extensive carbonization. Batch adsorption experiments were systematically performed to optimize parameters such as contact time, initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH, and temperature for phenanthrene and naphthalene removal. The 650°C-activated Gombe sample (GomCNp650) exhibited the highest monolayer adsorption capacities (Qmax) of 1.26mg g⁻¹ for phenanthrene and 1.45mg g⁻¹ for naphthalene, achieving equilibrium within 150min and 120min, respectively. Kinetic data fitted pseudo-second-order models (R² > 0.99), and equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm (R² > 0.97), indicating monolayer chemisorption on uniform sites. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that phenanthrene adsorption onto 650°C samples was spontaneous and exothermic (ΔG < 0; ΔH ≈ -8 to -10kJ mol⁻¹), whereas naphthalene uptake required higher temperatures to become favorable due to entropy contributions. The study highlights that activation temperature critically tunes the balance between hydrophobic π-π interactions and surface functionality, influencing adsorption mechanisms. While the observed adsorption capacities are relatively low and reusability showed a significant decline over three cycles, these findings offer valuable insights into the fundamental interactions governing PAH adsorption on coal-derived carbon nanoparticles, informing future material design for enhanced performance.

Abstract Carbon nanoparticles are synthesized by a controlled combustion process of Ghee (dairy-based fat) in a specially designed chamber. The carbon particles are deposited on quartz and silver substrates located at a height of 5mm from the tip to gain maximum yield. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern has confirmed the formation of a disordered layered structure leading to an amorphous phase. The surface morphology obtained using Field Emission- Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and High Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) have revealed a homogeneous distribution of 50-60nm sized carbon nanoparticles. The disordered and graphitic nature of carbon nanoparticles is also evident from the values 0.85 and 0.92 obtained from the ratio of intensities corresponding to D and G bands of Raman active modes. The surface area of particles was determined to be 286.5 m2g-1 and 102.4 m2g-1 for silver and quartz susbstrate respectively, as determined by BET- measurements. The elemental analysis of nanoparticles carried out by X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Carbon-Hydrogen-Nitrogen (CHN) analysis has inferred that silver plays a role in synthesizing high-purity carbon nanoparticles with enhanced physical characteristics. The electrochemical studies were conducted on silver and quartz-derived carbon electrodes. As-prepared carbon nanoparticles deposited on a silver substrate (SS) are used in a successful demonstration of an Electric double-layer capacitor and in a three-electrode system, exhibiting capacitance values of 15 Fg-1 and 134 Fg-1 over 10,000 cycles and 2000 cycles, respectively. This investigation highlights low-temperature synthesis of hydrophobic carbon nanoparticles with a high surface area, utilizing a dairy-based bio-precursor and their application in successfully demonstrating an electric double-layer supercapacitor.

ABSTRACT Conductive natural rubber composites (CNRs) filled with carbon black (CB) are widely explored for flexible sensing applications due to their tunable electrical properties. This study introduces a simulation framework integrating Monte Carlo methods with two representative volume element (RVE) models—uniform (Uni‐RVE) and overlap face‐centered cubic (OFCC‐RVE)—to investigate the electrical conductivity and percolation behavior in CB‐filled CNRs. An onion‐like progressive tunneling effect is introduced to represent the distance‐dependent conductivity more realistically. The OFCC‐RVE model, incorporating particle agglomeration and variable tunneling distances, demonstrates strong agreement with experimental data. A power‐law decay function is applied to capture conductance attenuation at different interparticle distances. The model achieves a mean absolute percentage error of 5.2% when compared with experimental measurements, highlighting its predictive accuracy and efficiency. This approach provides a computationally efficient and physically grounded framework for evaluating and optimizing the electrical performance of conductive rubber composites.

Air pollution, particularly from fine and ultrafine particulate matter (PM), has been increasingly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Ultrafine carbon, a component of ultrafine PM widely used in industrial settings, is both an environmental and occupational hazard. But the cardiac toxicity of repeated inhalation exposure to ultrafine carbon black (CB) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated how repeated inhalation of CB affects cardiac mitochondrial function, focusing on metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms involved in energy production. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to either filtered air or CB aerosols (10 mg/m3) for four consecutive days. Cardiac tissues were collected and analyzed to assess changes in metabolic enzyme activity, protein expression, and mitochondrial function using Western blotting, enzymatic assays, and immunoprecipitation. Despite there being few changes in overall protein expression levels, we observed significant impairments in fatty acid oxidation, increased glucose oxidation, and disrupted electron transport chain (ETC) supercomplex assembly, particularly in Complexes III and IV. These changes were accompanied by increased hyperacetylation of mitochondrial proteins and elevated levels of GCN5L1, a mitochondrial acetyltransferase. We also found increased lipid peroxidation and hyperacetylation of antioxidant enzyme SOD2 at the K-122 site, which reflects reduced enzymatic activity contributing to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that repeated CB inhalation leads to mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart by dysregulating substrate utilization, impairing ETC activities, and weakening antioxidant defenses primarily through lysine acetylation. These findings reveal a potential role of key post-translational mechanisms in environmental particulate exposure to mitochondrial impairment and provide a potential therapeutic target for CB-induced cardiotoxicity.

Understanding how nanomaterial properties drive acute lung inflammation is critical for the development of safer materials, but for low solubility carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) the initiation of the inflammatory response is still poorly understood. Leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse lungs, 12 h after intratracheally instillation with different CBN spherical carbon nanoparticles (CNP), tangled double-walled (DWCNT), and rigid multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as positive control, we identified 41 cell states and delineated material-specific molecular initiation events at single-cell resolution. CBN doses were chosen to cause equal levels of moderate inflammation, assessed by airspace neutrophilia, and exposure-triggered cellular activation was tested for in vitro reproducibility. To advance future development of cell-based assays, we developed a webtool, ToxAtlas, mapping CBN-specific gene responses of interest. Despite chemical similarity, CBN elicited distinct inflammatory cytokine and cell responses via different modes of action. CNP triggered neutrophilia through alveolar epithelial activation and Cxcl1 and Csf2 expression but without apparent cell damage or macrophage activation. In contrast, CNT induced epithelial and macrophage damage, with alarmin release (IL-1α, IL-33) dominating the MWCNT response. DWCNT caused alveolar epithelial injury, and pro-inflammatory macrophage and fibroblast-derived monocyte attractant (Ccl2, Ccl7) activation. Our initiating cell circuits identify epithelial as well as early fibroblast activation, especially from alveolar type 2 cell-adjacent lipofibroblasts, as central to orchestrating the initiation of CBN-induced inflammation. These findings support the role of mesenchymal cells in early pulmonary defense, eventually priming chronic inflammation, a known cause of MWCNT exposure.

Abstract Chloride-ion batteries (CIBs) utilizing the chlorine redox reaction (ClRR, Cl0/Cl-) are promising candidates for high-performance energy storage, owing to their high redox potential and substantial theoretical capacity. However, the inherent gas-liquid phase transition associated with ClRR and the inadequate immobilization of chlorine species can lead to Cl2 gas evolution, compromising battery reversibility. To address this challenge, we employed selenium (Se) and anthraquinone (AQ) as chemical chlorine anchoring agents, combined with the physical adsorption capability of carbon black (CB), establishing a dual-anchoring strategy to enhance chlorine retention. This approach enables the battery to deliver a specific capacity of 150 mAh/g, achieve a maximum coulombic efficiency of 95%, and sustain stable operation for over 1000 cycles. Notably, the precursors used for Se and AQ are considerably more cost-effective than conventional precious metal catalysts, offering significant potential for reducing battery manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the coordination chemistry involving sulfur-containing halogens between the selenium electrode and chlorine provides new mechanistic insights for developing reversible and efficient batteries based on halogen redox reactions.

Enhancement of drought stress tolerance in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) through the application of carbon nanoparticles.

Toughness measures in solid-state composites of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

Multifunctional polysulfone composite membranes via constructing electrically conductive gradient and magnetic-core/electric-shell dual-gradient microstructures: A strategy to tackle multiple hazards.

Design of an ultrasensitive electrochemical sensor using a carbon black/zinc-organic framework nanocomposite for quantifying quercetin in fruits.

Microwave absorption properties of TiO2/MoO3 and its composites with biomass-derived activated carbon and carbon black

Biomass-derived activated carbon and ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles for high-performance supercapacitors

ABSTRACT Traditional nanoparticle‐based structural colors are hindered by poor color uniformity, limited durability, and fabrication processes that cannot easily be scaled, restricting their practical applications. In the present study, a spray‐coated Mie paint for highly uniform and durable noniridescent structural coloration is demonstrated. Polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) are employed as Mie resonators and embedded in a sodium silicate matrix with a carbon black (CB) additive. The sodium silicate immobilizes the PSNPs in a disordered structure that prevents self‐assembly, while the CB suppresses multiple scattering, ensuring that the coloration is governed by backscattering from PSNPs. Because structure factors have no effect, variation in the reflectance of less than 1.2% and a CIEDE2000 color difference ( ΔE 00 ) of less than 0.26 are achieved, indicating excellent color uniformity. The Mie paint withstands the hardest 6H pencil, and its ΔE 00 remains below the acceptability threshold after abrasion, UV irradiation, and solvent immersion testing, indicating a negligible change in color. Thus, the proposed Mie paint offers uniformity, durability, and scalability, qualities that have often been lacking for both traditional photonic structures and commercial paints. Our strategy thus lays the groundwork for the development of sustainable, high‐performance color coatings.

Sustainable development of PVA/cellulose/PALF-based composites coated with nano-BaCO₃ for enhanced X-ray radiation shielding aprons.

Pyrolysis has emerged as a commercially viable material recovery process that supports circularity in the tyre industry. Here, it is demonstrated that a high degree of control can be imparted over the UK tyre waste stream and that statistically different feedstocks can be used to produce different grades of rCB based on their ash contents. The lower ash content rCB produced from truck tyres had superior in-rubber properties, closely matching those of the N550 reference. Silica, when not paired with a coupling agent, is known to be less reinforcing than CB, lowering the reinforcing behaviour of the high ash content rCB variant produced from car tyres. This justifiably places ash content within the classification and specification development discussion. However, a proximate analysis of UK waste tyres suggests that the typical rCB ash specifications of &lt;20 wt% are unrealistic. Such limits would force producers to consider modifying process conditions to allow the deposition of carbonaceous residues to artificially dilute the ash content. This study investigates this process philosophy but conclusively demonstrates that carbonaceous residue is more detrimental to rCB performance than ash content. As such, carbonaceous residue content demands far more attention from the industry than it is currently afforded.

ABSTRACT Adhesives are widely used for engineered wood products to bond materials together. Despite their insulating nature, improved electrical properties can be implemented using electrically conductive fillers. This bifunctionality could be particularly valuable in wood constructions by paving the way for integrated in-situ monitoring system. However, adding conducting fillers might change adhesives properties and therefore needs structure-property evaluations. In this study, it is shown that a combination of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and carbon black (CB) enhances the electrical conductivity of melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) adhesive while maintaining its rheological and mechanical properties. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy, the dispersion of fillers within the liquid adhesive and the solid-state bondline was characterized to relate with the macroscopic properties, including direct current (DC) electrical resistance, tensile shear strength assessed by lap joints samples, and viscosity. Understanding these structure-function relationships aids in optimizing electrically conductive adhesives to achieve defined bondline properties in engineered wood products.

Achieving rapid hemorrhage control and management of infection risks under complex wound environments remains challenging. This study prepares finely dispersed N, S-doped carbon nanoparticles (KNC) through co-hydrothermal carbonization of keratin and PVP composite for sufficient adsorption and in situ reduction of Fe3+, achieves the formation of multifunctional nanoenzyme (Fe/KNC), which exhibits high procoagulant, peroxidase, and photothermal activity. The Fe/KNC nanoenzyme is doped into a hydrogel (Fe/KNC@KP) prepared from keratin and pullulan, which has excellent fluid absorption capability to aid sufficient blood absorption and aggregation of the blood cells, synergistically promoting fibrin production to achieve rapid hemostasis in a mice hemorrhage mode, and also exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation by a dual mechanism of localized hyperthermia and catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species from H2O2. The biosafety of Fe/KNC@KP is demonstrated by cytotoxicity and blood safety assays. As a kind of novel antibacterial hemostatic multifunctional material, the Fe/KNC@KP hydrogel has great application potential in emergency hemostasis management and bacteriostasis.

This work presents the development and characterization of alumina–carbon black (ACB) composite membranes for enhanced hydrogen separation performance. A series of membranes containing 0–3.0 wt.% carbon black was fabricated via high-temperature sintering and systematically investigated with respect to their structural, morphological, mechanical, and gas separation properties. The addition of carbon black significantly influenced membrane microstructure, promoting pore network formation, increasing specific surface area, and enhancing gas transport. Gas permeation tests using H2 and N2 revealed that all ACB membranes exhibited higher hydrogen permeance than the pure Al2O3 membrane. Notably, the ACB3.0 specimen demonstrated the highest H2 permeance of 508 × 10−6 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 at 303 K, which is nearly four times greater than the unmodified membrane. At an elevated temperature (773 K), H2/N2 selectivity improved with increasing carbon black content, with ACB3.0 achieving a maximum selectivity of 3.82, exceeding the theoretical Knudsen value, suggesting a synergistic contribution of Knudsen diffusion and surface diffusion. These results demonstrate that carbon black is a cost-effective and versatile additive for modifying ceramic membranes, offering a promising route for advancing hydrogen purification technologies in industrial applications.

Abstract Smart textiles require conductive polymer filaments that balance electrical performance with industrial processability. This study presents a hybrid nanofiller approach combining branched carbon nanotubes (bCNTs) and carbon black (CB) in polyamide 6 (PA6), enabling scalable melt spinning of high‐performance conductive filaments. Comparative analysis of PA6/bCNT, PA6/CB, and PA6/bCNT/CB systems established structure–property–processing relationships essential for smart textile applications. Rheological characterization reveals that the hybrid system merges the strong conductive network of bCNTs with the improved spinnability provided by CB, ensuring industrial‐scale processability. The optimized PA6/3 wt.% bCNT/3 wt.% CB composite achieved low resistivity (≈50 Ω·cm) while maintaining stable spinning at winding speeds up to 1000 m min −1 . A structural evolution model is proposed, showing how CB particles act as bridging agents between aligned bCNTs, stabilizing conductive pathways under high draw ratios. Complementary microscopy, thermal, and mechanical analyses validated this mechanism and confirmed the balance of conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical performance. By integrating material design, process optimization, and functional validation, this work overcomes key barriers limiting commercial conductive filaments. The developed hybrid technology offers cost‐effective, scalable solutions for next‐generation smart textiles in wearable electronics, strain sensing, and electromagnetic shielding.

Carbon nanoparticles are highly valued for applications in electronics, energy storage, and catalysis, yet their synthesis from methane is hindered by its chemical stability and the difficulty of controlling carbon bonding in reactive environments. In the present study, methane was dissociated using a non-thermal plasma in an argon environment at reduced pressure. The effects of plasma power and residence time on the nanoparticles were investigated through extensive characterization, showing that the plasma power controlled both the deposition rates and crystallinity of the samples, while residence time appeared to have little influence over nanoparticle characteristics. Importantly, these experiments showed a narrow set of conditions under which crystalline graphitic nanoparticles were formed. These conditions were correlated with a rotational gas temperature, as estimated through optical emission spectroscopy of the C2 Swan band spectral region, of 970 °C. Nanoparticle characterization under varied synthesis conditions also revealed the dynamic relationship between bond hybridization and surface hydrogen. By selecting conditions that yield the highest quality crystalline graphite nanoparticles, stable photoluminescence from the nanoparticles was observed. These results point to the capability of non-thermal plasmas for controlling not only the functional properties of nanomaterials but also for selective bond hybridization.