High Specific Surface Area Research Articles

Three-dimensional MXene coupled CoFe nanoalloys as sulfur host for long-life room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries

Room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries are potential candidates for next-generation energy storage systems because of low-cost resources, high theoretical capacity, and high energy density. However, their commercialization is hindered by the inherent shuttle effect, insulation of sulfur, and slow catalytic conversion. This study proposes a novel approach involving the design of a C/CoFe alloy catalyst coupled with Ti3C2Tx MXene substrate (C/CoFe-MXene) as a three-dimensional porous conductive sulfur host. Polysulfide adsorption/catalytic experiments and density functional theory calculation confirmed the excellent affinity and strong catalytic conversion ability of the C/CoFe-MXene composite for polysulfides. The heterostructure formed between the CoFe alloy and the MXene substrate promotes Na+ transport and accelerates reaction kinetics of sulfur species. Consequently, the assembled RT Na-S batteries with a C/CoFe-MXene sulfur host (2.0 mg cm-2) deliver a high initial specific capacity of 572 mAh g-1 at 1 C. Even at 5 C, the battery achieves ultralong-term cycling over 5,400 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 61.9%, corresponding to a slow capacity fading rate of 0.0089% per cycle, demonstrating outstanding high-rate tolerance. This work provides new insights into the preparation of three-dimensional porous sulfur cathodes with high specific surface area and excellent catalytic activity using catalysts loaded on MXene substrates in RT Na-S batteries.

Influence of Different Synthesis Methods on the Defect Structure, Morphology, and UV-Assisted Ozone Sensing Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoplates

In this work, room-temperature UV-assisted ozone detection was investigated using ZnO nanoplates synthesized via precipitation, ultrasound-, ultrasonic tip-, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) methods. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of crystalline phases with an ~3.3 eV band gap, independent of the synthesis used. Raman spectroscopy revealed oxygen-related defects. Plate-like morphologies were observed, with the ultrasonic tip-assisted synthesis yielding ~17 nm-thick plates. Electrical measurements showed 10–170 ppb ozone sensitivity under UV. The sample synthesized via the MAH method (ZM) demonstrated superior conductance, with a baseline resistance of ~1.2% for the ultrasound (ZU) sample and less than 50% for the precipitation (ZA) and ultrasonic tip (ZP) samples. Despite the appreciable response in dark mode, the recovery was slow (>>30 min), except for the UV illumination condition, which reduced the recovery response to ~2 min. With top areas of ~0.0122 µm2, ZP and ZU showed high specific surface areas (24.75 and 19.37 m2/g, respectively), in contrast to ZM, which exhibited the lowest value (15.32 m2/g) with a top area of ~0.0332 µm2 and a thickness of 26.0 nm. The superior performance of ZM was attributed to the larger nanoplate sizes and the lower baseline resistance. The ultrasound method showed the lowest sensitivity due to the higher resistance and the depletion layer effect. The results indicate that the synthesis methods presented herein for the production of reactive ZnO nanoplates using NaOH as a growth-directing agent are reliable, simple, and cost-effective, in addition to being capable of detecting ozone with high sensitivity and reproducibility at concentrations as low as 10 ppb.

Superhydrophilic Amidoxime-Modified Poly(vinyl alcohol) Fibers for Enhanced Uranium Extraction from Seawater.

The efficient extraction of uranium from seawater is an important step in the sustainable development of nuclear energy. Polymer-based absorbents are considered to be ideal materials due to their high adsorption properties and industrialization feasibility. Their adsorption performance could be further improved by enlarging the specific surface area and enhancing hydrophilicity. Here, an amidoxime-modified poly(vinyl alcohol) fiber (PVA-g-PAO) with a high specific surface area and superhydrophilicity was prepared by a one-step grafting method. The hydrophilicity was conducive to the infiltration of ions into the adsorbent, and the pore structure constructed by grafting an adsorption functional layer on the surface of fibers increased the specific surface area. The adsorption capacity of PVA-g-PAO can be arrived at 11.3 mg/g in simulated seawater (uranium concentration: 330 ppb) with a high adsorption selectivity of uranium. Furthermore, more than 95% of uranium in a 5 ppm uranium solution can be adsorbed within 6 days, indicating the fast adsorption ability of PVA-g-PAO, which is further confirmed by the fast adsorption capacity in natural seawater (3.37 mg/g for 30 days). Such PVA-g-PAO gel fiber adsorbents with superhydrophilicity and high specific surface area are promising adsorbents for uranium extraction from natural seawater.

CFD comparison of water based SiO2 nanofluid with benchmark MEA amine solution for CO2 capture through porous membrane contactor

Abnormal emission of environmentally-hazardous greenhouse pollutants (mainly CO2) to the atmosphere have motivated global researchers to develop green, affordable and effective techniques to maximize their separation from different feed. To reach this aim, application of more effective and greener absorbing solutions is of great importance to decrease the harmful disadvantages of benchmark amine solutions like corrosion, eco-detriment and complexity of operation. In the current decades, nanofluids have shown great ability of application in membrane-based separation industries owing to their outstanding privileges like high specific surface area, great stability and feasibility of employment in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic membranes. The main novelty of this scientific investigation is the efficiency comparison of SiO2-based nanofluid with monoethanolamine (MEA) benchmark solution for CO2 capture in gas-liquid membrane contactor (MC) using CFD approach. Analysis of the results showed the approximately similar performance of SiO2-based nanofluid compared to MEA for separating CO2 (98.8% using SiO2-based nanofluid VS 99.5% using MEA). Despite lower efficiency, SiO2-based nanofluid can be well identified as an environmentally-friendly and efficient alternative absorbent for use in CO2-separation industries instead of chemically-detrimental MEA solutions. Additionally, effects of some membrane/module parameters like number of fibers, module length and gas velocity on the separation of CO2 are explained, comprehensively.

Multidimensional Nanostructures Design of Poly-Imidazolium Salts Derived N-Doped Carbon Materials for Electromagnetic Microwave Absorption.

Poly-imidazolium salt (PIS) combines the merits of abundant nitrogen sources, excellent chemical and thermal stability and adjustable morphology, making it a promising precursor for Nitrogen-doped (N-doped) carbon material. Herein, multidimensional PIS are synthesized via a facile solvent-induced strategy. Then, PIS are converted into nanofibers, nanoribbons and microspheres composed of N-doped carbon. The effects of microstructure, N-doping degree and defects on microwave absorption properties are investigated in depth. As a result, the 2D nanoribbon CN-2-700 features a high specific surface area, significant N-doping and moderate conductivity, thereby allowing it to sustain perfect conductive networks and the optimal impedance matching at a low filler content (8 wt.%). CN-2-700 demonstrates a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -50.15dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.06GHz (10.44-17.50GHz). Overall, this work offers a novel path for developing multi-dimensional electromagnetic microwave absorbing materials with a simple process and remarkable performance.

Preparation and properties of erythritol form-stable phase change materials supported by composite aerogels derived from cellulose and silica.

Preparation and properties of erythritol form-stable phase change materials supported by composite aerogels derived from cellulose and silica.

Tuning the Hydrophobicity of Laser-Annealed rGO Thin Films Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has captivated the scientific community due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, high specific surface area, and excellent mechanical strength. The physical properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are strongly dependent on the presence of different functional groups in its structural framework, along with surface roughness. In this study, laser annealing was employed by a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser to investigate the impact of varying laser energies on the wettability and conductivity of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) samples grown by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The rGO films were annealed with different laser fluences, such as 10, 20, 30, 38, 48, 55, and 250 mJ/cm2. Our results reveal a notable transition in wettability, transforming the initially hydrophobic rGO samples into a hydrophilic state. Hydrophilic graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) surfaces have significant potential for use in biomedical applications due to their unique combination of properties, including biocompatibility, high surface area, and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups. Along with wettability properties, conductivity changes were also observed. The presented findings not only contribute to the understanding of laser-induced modifications in rGO but also highlight the potential applications of controlled laser annealing in tailoring the surface properties of graphene-based materials for diverse technological advancements.

Autonomous and Ultrasensitive Low-Power Metal Oxide Nanofiber Gas Sensor for Source Tracking and Localization.

Current toxic gas detection methods in industrial and environmental settings are limited by their reliance on manual monitoring and stationary sensors. Here, we present an autonomous mobile gas sensing system offering real-time monitoring and precise gas source localization without the need for human intervention. Room-temperature gas sensors based on high specific surface area indium gallium zinc oxide nanofibers (IGZO NFs) are developed, which exhibit low power consumption (∼0.5 mW), exceptional sensitivity (∼1290% ppb-1), and a low detection limit of 20 ppb for toxic NO2. When integrated into an autonomous mobile platform and supported by adaptive biologically inspired algorithms, the system exhibits a source localization efficiency of ∼1.5 m min-1, offering a remote, scalable, and efficient solution for detecting and localizing toxic gas leaks.

Quercetin loaded-magnetic zeolite nano-composite material and evaluate its anti-cancer effect.

Quercetin (QUR) is a major flavonoid that is abundantly present in the human diet, and has various therapeutic effects, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Of note, high doses of free QUR can be dangerous to normal cells. Furthermore, a considerable amount of free QUR would be metabolized until reaching cancerous cells. On one hand, chemotherapy drugs have some side effects towards normal cells. Besides, nano zeolite clinoptilolite (NZ-CP), a drug delivery system (DDS), has high specific surface area and is non-toxic. By applying magnetic zeolite nano-composite (MZNC), purposeful mobility of high doses of QUR, considering acidic microenvironment of tumor, is possible. The aim of this work is to evaluate and compare the anti-cancer impacts of QUR-loaded MZNC with doxorubicin (DOX) as an anti-cancer drug on HepG2 cell line as a human cancer cell line. Various concentrations of NZ-CP at different times to evaluate its safety in normal cells were assessed. Also, to assess the cell survival of the HepG2 cell line, various amounts of QUR-loaded MZNC, DOX, and NZ-CP within cell viability assay were investigated. Based on results of normal cells assay, it was revealed that NZ-CP has no toxicity toward normal cells. Furthermore, according to evaluations of cell viability assay, it was determined that specific concentrations (100 and 200mg/L) of QUR have a similar anti-cancer effect to DOX. Eventually, it was exhibited that NZ-CP has capability of controlled QUR release until reaching cancerous cells demonstrating its aptitude for drug delivery.

Wheat straws-derived hierarchical porous carbon as electrode material for supercapacitor

Hierarchical porous carbon materials hold great potential in electrochemical energy storage, yet their efficient fabrication still faces numerous challenges. Herein, we successfully prepared hierarchical porous carbon materials with high specific surface area, broad pore size distribution, and interconnected pore structures by direct co-pyrolysis of wheat straw and potassium hydroxide, leveraging the natural reticular structure of wheat straw. As an electrode material for symmetric supercapacitors, CS-800 exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, retaining 96.94% of its initial capacity after 20,000 cycles at the current density of 1 A g⁻1 and achieving nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency. Furthermore, to expand its application scope, we assembled a zinc-ion capacitor using CS-800 as the cathode, which delivered a specific capacity of 173 mAh g⁻1 at a current density of 1 A g⁻1. The hierarchical porous structure and interconnected channels significantly enhanced ion transport and storage capabilities and optimized the adsorption and desorption processes of charge carriers. This study demonstrates that the preparation of high-value-added electrode materials from biomass waste holds broad application prospects.

Rheological and Environmental Implications of Recycled Concrete Powder as Filler in Concrete 3D Printing

3D printing with concrete has been accounted as a foremost strategy to mitigate low productivity, workforce shortage, and high waste generation in the construction industry. However, substantial environmental impacts related to high cement content in printable mixtures have received minor concern so far. An interesting prospect is the use of recycled concrete powders (RCP) to decrease cement content through their fineness and high specific surface area, which can potentially enhance rheological properties for 3D printing. However, their effects on cementitious mixtures greatly depend on their origin. This research investigated two distinct RCPs to replace 50% of Portland cement in pastes. On cementitious pastes, rotational rheometry, isothermal calorimetry, and a Life Cycle Inventory assessment were conducted. Printability tests on mortars evaluated the effects of RCP on extrudability and buildability. The results showed intensified early hydration for RCP pastes and up to a three-fold increase in static yield stress and higher dynamic yield stresses, regardless of origin. The viscosity of RCP pastes varied in relation to packing density. Extrudability and buildability can be compromised using RCP due to higher yield stress. The LCI assessment indicated a potential decrease of up to 62% in CO2 emissions using RCPs. Therefore, if adequate rheological adjustments are employed in the mix design of RCP mixtures, this material emerges as a feasible strategy to formulate 3D printable mixtures with a lower environmental footprint.

The Development Prospects and Potential of High Specific Surface Area Materials: A Review of the Use of Porous Framework Materials for the Capture and Filtration of Ammonia

Ammonia is one of the most widely produced inorganic chemicals, with extensive applications in the military, agricultural, and industrial sectors. However, its strong stimulation and corrosive properties pose significant health risks, as long-term exposure to ammonia environments can lead to respiratory tract damage, loss of consciousness, and even cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Over the years, researchers have focused on exploring suitable materials for ammonia adsorption fields such as activated carbon and zeolites. Porous framework materials (PFMs), including metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks, have emerged as possible ammonia adsorption materials due to their high specific surface area, pore size, and structural adjustability. This review focuses on the research and application of materials with excellent adsorption based on PFMs for ammonia adsorption, highlighting their potential applications and providing insights into future developments in this field.

The Journey and Modes of Action of Therapeutic Nanomaterials in Cells.

Over past decades, a wide range of nanomaterials have been synthesized and exploited to augment the efficacy and biocompatibility of disease theranostics and nanomedicine. The unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, such as high specific surface area, tunable size and shape, and versatile surface chemistry, enable the controlled modulation of nanomaterial-biosystem interactions and, consequently, more precise interventions, particularly at the cellular level. The selective modulation of nanomaterial-cell interactions can be leveraged to regulate cellular internalization, intracellular trafficking and localization, and cellular clearance of nanomaterials to enhance the disease therapeutic efficacy and minimize potential cytotoxicity. Herein, we provide an overview of our recent understanding of the journey and modes of action of therapeutic nanomaterials in cells. Specifically, we highlight the various pathways of cellular internalization, trafficking, and excretion of these nanomaterials. The different modes of action of therapeutic nanomaterials, especially controlled release and delivery, photothermal and photodynamic effects, and immunomodulation, are also discussed. We conclude our review by offering some perspectives on the current challenges and potential opportunities in this field.

PH-Sensitive Sulfasalazine Release from Green-Synthesized Mesoporous Fe3O4@SiO2 Nanocomposites using Opuntia ficus-indica Extract.

pH-Sensitive Sulfasalazine Release from Green-Synthesized Mesoporous Fe3O4@SiO2 Nanocomposites using Opuntia ficus-indica Extract.

One-step mechanochemical method in preparing graphene materials from spent lithium-ion battery anode graphite for electrochemical application

The recycling of anode graphite plays a crucial role in the overall recycling process of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study an environmentally friendly and cost-effective recycling method was proposed. The spent graphite (SG) from LIBs was used to prepare graphene nanoplates (GNP) materials through a mechanochemical process without any additives. To figure out the mechanochemical mechanism within, we set the control group with pure graphite (PG). Characterization of SG and PG produced materials using XRD, Raman, XPS, IR, and BET analyses revealed the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of SG-based GNP materials, along with a high specific surface area of 275.4 m2/g and pore volume of 0.568 cm3/g. Through an in-depth investigation of the electrochemical capacity of the GNP materials fabricated by SG, the specific capacitance per unit area of the graphite material is 10.10μF/cm2, revealing the intricate pore structure of GNP materials primarily contributes to the electrochemical capacity.

Ultrasmall Manganese Nanospinels Produced via an Alcohol Reduction Method and Their Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reactivity.

Green hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting extensively demands the development of cost-effective and highly efficient electrocatalysts for the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Nanosized spinel nanoparticles (nanospinels) are potential candidates as electrocatalysts for the OER because of their very high specific surface areas. This work systematically investigated the influence of the A-site metals in the Mn-based nanospinels, i.e., LiMn2O4, MgMn2O4, ZnMn2O4, NiMn2O4, CuMn2O4, and CoMn2O4. Evaluation of their OER activities then indicated that higher OER activities for NiMn2O4 and CoMn2O4 than those of ZnMn2O4, LiMn2O4, CuMn2O4, MgMn2O4, and NiMn2O4 nanospinels possessed the best OER activity among the Mn-based nanospinels. Additionally, the NiMn2O4 nanospinel exhibited a dramatically improved OER performance compared with NiMn2O4 synthesized by the conventional sol-gel process with a much larger particle size, which indicated the advantage of employing nanospinels as an OER electrocatalyst. Also, the NiMn2O4 nanospinel was one of the best OER electrocatalysts among the previously reported bimetal spinel oxides. Finally, operando XAFS measurements using an in-house electrochemical cell unveiled that the surface of the NiMn2O4 nanospinel was electrochemically transformed to Mn-Ni hydroxide under an OER potential, and the generated compound was preferable for the OER process. This work uncovered that nanospinels are promising candidates as OER electrocatalysts and provided a guideline for the selection of metal components for nanospinel design.

The Stereolithography 3D Printing of a Gyroid TPMS Sheet: Manufacturing, Properties and Applications

Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) represents a class of porous architectures characterized with continuous curved surface and periodic repetition, demonstrating significant potential for industrial applications requiring high specific surface area. In this work, a Gyroid-type TPMS sheet has been designed and manufactured with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin via stereolithography 3D printing. The printed surface microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the printing accuracy. Both the quasi-static compression test as well as the numeric finite element analysis were performed to study the mechanical response. Compared with the strut-based Re-entrant lattice, the Gyroid TPMS demonstrated a superior combination of high load-bearing and energy-absorption properties. Comparative analysis of compressive load-displacement curves and cracking behaviors elucidated the distinct deformation mechanisms between TPMS and Re-entrant structures. To validate the practical applicability, a prototype helmet liner with Gyroid TPMS structure was successfully manufactured with ABS resin using the studied printing procedures. These findings substantiate the promising implementation potential of TPMS structures in lightweight engineering and impact protection systems requiring synergistic mechanical performance.

High Optical Performance TiO₂- and SiO₂-Based Composites with CuO and SrO Additions

Our research aims to determine the optical properties of binary composites based on TiO2 and SiO2 oxides combined with additional metal oxides such as CuO and SrO. The inclusion of CuO and SrO together with TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles is driven by their ability to introduce intermediate energy levels in the forbidden band, acting as electron traps that reduce the recombination rate and increase the efficiency of solar conversion. Morphological and structural characterization of the materials was carried out to evidence the homogeneity of the final composite materials as well as their high specific surface area. Additionally, an extensive characterization of the optical properties was performed, revealing that the optical parameters of the studied samples depend on their composition. The results indicate that the optical performance of TiO2-CuO and SiO2-SrO composites is significantly superior to that of the pure sample. Therefore, these materials are proposed as promising candidates for enhancing the efficiency of solar cells.

Flow electrooxidation of chiral alcohols with high enantioselectivity via integrated metal‐organic frameworks and aminoxyl radicals

AbstractChiral compounds play a pivotal role in pharmaceutical chemistry, and the oxidation of chiral alcohols to corresponding carboxylic acids is a crucial step. However, the enantioselectivity is susceptible to degradation due to sensitivity to enol isomerization and racemization. In this study, Ru/S‐Ni‐MOFs electrocatalysts with high specific surface area were synthesized. After undergoing electrochemical reconfiguration, which combined with 4‐acetamido‐TEMPO (ACT) as co‐catalysts to achieve efficient oxidation of chiral alcohols, with enantioselectivity reaching 99% at industrial‐grade current density of 500 mA/cm2. Additionally, 100 g of chiral acid were successfully synthesized with a yield of 98% and an enantioselectivity of 99% in the large‐scale electrolyzer. In situ experiments and theoretical calculations demonstrated that S doping shifts the center of d‐band toward the Fermi level, which stabilizes ACTH and inhibits the dissociation of OH, thereby enhancing electrocatalytic activity. This study presents an efficient synergistic electrocatalytic strategy for practical large‐scale electrosynthesis of chiral carboxylic acid compounds.

Effect of Mn/Cu Molar Ratios on CO Oxidation Activity of Mn-Cu Bimetallic Catalysts

The steel manufacturing industry is a major source of global air pollution, with sintering processes contributing over 70% of emissions, primarily carbon monoxide (CO), a significant uncontrolled pollutant. This study explores Mn-Cu bimetallic catalysts as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to noble metal-based systems, addressing the urgent need for efficient CO oxidation catalysts. Mn-Cu catalysts with different Mn/Cu molar ratios were synthesized via hydrothermal methods and systematically characterized using XRD, XPS, BET, H2-TPR, etc., to assess their physicochemical properties and catalytic performance. The Mn4Cu1 catalyst demonstrated the highest CO oxidation activity, achieving complete conversion at 175 °C. This performance is attributed to its optimal Mn/Cu molar ratio, high specific surface area, abundant oxygen vacancies, and superior redox properties. The catalyst’s enhanced performance is further supported by its low reduction temperature and high Mn3+ and Cu+ content, which promote efficient electron transfer and oxygen activation. These findings highlight the crucial role of Mn/Cu molar ratios in optimizing catalytic performance and offer valuable insights for designing high-efficiency, low-cost catalysts to reduce CO emissions in industrial applications.