Internal Surface Area Research Articles

Metal-organic framework and molybdenum oxide doped highly negative hybridized triboelectric material for self-powered and continuous monitoring of biosignals

Self-powered wearable sensors have broad applications in biomotion and personal healthcare monitoring. However, poor sensing abilities, low power outputs, and limited material selection have significantly constrained their advancement. Herein, a novel orthorhombic molybdenum oxide (α-MoO3) nanowire-doped hybridized metal–organic framework (MOF)-525@silicone@α-MoO3 was prepared and used as a highly negative triboelectric material to construct a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for the first time. The prepared MOF-525@α-MoO3 enhanced the capacitance and provided strong charge accumulation owing to the synergistic effect between the heterostructure network and improved dielectric properties of the nanocomposite. In addition, hybridized tribo-materials increased the charge trapping and charge-inducing ability by including a large internal surface area; thus, they were able to generate a higher negative charge. With the assistance of microstructure modification using a three-dimensional printed template, the resulting TENG exhibited ultrahigh sensitivity (105.18 V/kPa) and power density (18.38 W/m2). TENG can power small electronics as a renewable energy source. A self-powered wearable biomotion sensor based on a TENG was developed for real-time, noninvasive skin-level biomotion sensing and joint-associated activity monitoring. Furthermore, an intelligent respiration and pulse monitoring system was demonstrated using an ultrahigh-stretchability (250 %) TENG. By combining the signal processing unit with TENG, we demonstrated the practical advantages of the device in sensing electromyography signals via smartphone applications and predicting their extensive use in biomedical and personal healthcare.

Supercritical CO2‐assisted formation of metal–organic framework‐loaded porous polystyrene membranes for dye removal

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are efficient adsorbents for the removal of hazardous materials. An MOF based on 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC), Cu3(BTC)2, is prepared via phase separation using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a nonsolvent for the polymer solution. The prepared MOF is then loaded onto microporous polystyrene membranes. To evaluate the performance of Cu3(BTC)2‐loaded microporous polystyrene membranes for pollutant removal from water, they are tested for the separation of methylene blue (MB) dye from an aqueous solution. Prior to the preparation of the Cu3(BTC)2‐loaded microporous polystyrene membranes, Cu3(BTC)2 is activated with scCO2. After the activation with scCO2, the internal surface area of Cu3(BTC)2 and its MB adsorption increase. A toluene solution of polystyrene containing Cu3(BTC)2 particles is prepared, and scCO2 is introduced to induce the phase separation of the polymer solution. A Cu3(BTC)2‐loaded microporous polystyrene membrane is obtained without the collapse of the structure after the release of the CO2 pressure. MB can be readily and rapidly removed from aqueous solutions using Cu3(BTC)2‐loaded microporous polystyrene membranes. The removal efficiencies for aqueous MB solution were high, and removal efficiencies reached 92.8%.

KINETIC MODEL OF THE INITIAL STAGE OF THE PROCESS OF COLLOID RETENTION BY THE PORE SPACE OF SOKYRNITE

The physicochemical phenomena occurring on the surface of sokyrnite grains in complex system "medium grain surface - dispersion medium - surface of suspended particles" have been studied. The framework structure of the sokyrnite structure (rough surface, presence of pores and channels, entrance windows) enables it to work as a "molecular sieve" and to be a highly efficient sorbent-ion exchanger. The porosity of the filter media was determined. Namely: the porosity of the media grains (also called the internal porosity) and the porosity of the intergranular space (media layer). The internal surface area, which is an important quality parameter for sokyrnite as a physical adsorbent, was determined. Several other properties associated with sokyrnite and retained colloidal particles, which affect the strength of the physical adsorption, were investigated. The relationships characterizing the parameters of the zeolite filter media layer were formulated and given. In these studies, the requirements for determining the filter charging time and the optimal technological and design parameters of the filter, according to the operating conditions at a specific water treatment facility, were considered. They determined the need for more detailed research and development of a kinetic model for the initial stage of filtering an aqueous suspension through a filter containing zeolite media. A differential material balance expression for the zeolite filter was formulated. Based on the developed kinetic model, comparative experiments on iron removal from underground natural waters using the above-mentioned filter material were planned and carried out. The mechanism of the distribution of iron ions in the filter space due to the phenomenon of diffusion, in accordance with Fick's first law, is given. The mechanism of iron flake retention by the zeolite media pore space, the consolidation of which occurs during the transition of iron from a divalent to trivalent form, is described. The factors that interfere with autocatalytic processes in iron sediments were described. The dynamics of changes in the concentration of iron in the filtrate after the end of the ion-exchange resource of sokyrnite were studied.

Carbon rich media for luminescence-based surface dosimetry and study of associated surface defects

The present study continues research into the utilisation of carbonaceous media for medical radiation dosimetry, focusing on the effects of surface area-to-volume ratio and carbon content on structural interaction alterations and dosimetric properties in sheet- and bead-type graphitic materials (with the respective carbon content of ∼98 wt% and ∼90 wt%). Using 60Co gamma-rays and doses from 0.5 Gy to 20 Gy, the study has been made of the response of commercially available graphite in the form of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm thick sheets, also of activated carbon beads. Confocal Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy have been employed, examining radiation-induced structural interaction alterations. Dose-dependent variation in the Raman intensity ratio ID/IG relates to the varying dominance of defect generation and dose-driven defect annealing. Of the various thickness graphite sheets, the 0.1 mm thick medium possesses the greatest surface area-to-volume ratio. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it also exhibits the greatest thermoluminescence (TL) yield compared to that of the other carbonaceous sheet foils used herein. Moreover, the second greatest mass-normalised TL yield has been observed to be that of the porous beads, reflected in the greater defect density (ID/IG > 2) when compared to the other media, due in part to their inherent feature of large internal surface area. Considering the challenge posed in matching skin thickness with skin dose, the near tissue equivalent graphite sheets show particular promise as a skin dosimeter, sensitive as a function of depth.

Thermal Performance of a Novel Non-Tubular Absorber with Extended Internal Surfaces for Concentrated Solar Power Receivers

A non-tubular prototype cavity receiver absorber with extended internal surfaces (fins) is proposed to enhance heat transfer in Stirling engine-based Concentrated Solar Power systems. There is limited research on the realization of downsized absorbers in terms of their design and manufacturing. The objective of the absorber solution proposed in this paper is to address the issue of inadequate comprehension regarding the impacts of the geometric and flow parameters on thermohydraulic efficiency. These impacts are numerically investigated in a 100 mm long heat transfer channel with a 10 mm × 10 mm section. The prototype absorber is fabricated using a wire electrode-discharging manufacturing approach, and is experimentally investigated using the enthalpy method. Numerical results indicate that heat transfer to the working fluid in the novel absorber can reach 482 W at the reasonable cost of 0.391% pressure drop per 100 mm (air flow at 0.0015 kg/s and 5 bar). In the experimental investigation, the prototype realizes a 1113.033 W heat transfer rate at 8 bar and 12 kg/h. This implies that a non-tubular design with extended internal surfaces can increase the internal surface area to enhance heat transfer while downsizing the volume to reduce heat loss.

Amplified Performance of Charge Accumulation and Trapping Induced by Enhancing the Dielectric Constant via the Cyano Group of 3D-Structured Textile for a Triboelectric Multi-Modal Sensor.

To further improve the output performance of triboelectric devices, reducing charge attenuation and loss has become a hot research topic. Particularly, textiles have emerged as one of the promising research directions for triboelectric devices owing to their special internal structure and large specific surface area. In the present work, polyacrylonitrile fibers are fabricated with two distinct structures to provide a higher dielectric constant due to the strong polar properties brought about by higher dipole moment of the CN group. In addition, the complex and closely connected structure of the textile increases specific internal surface area. As a friction layer, the output voltage is shown to increase to 625% of the initial value (from 8 to 60V) after the application of friction for a short time due to accumulation property. When acting as a trapping layer, the charge loss after injection is effectively prevented due to excellent charge trapping effect. After 24h, the triboelectric output performance remains at ≈70% of the initial value (decreasing from 320 to 220V), which is more than 20 times that of the polytetrafluoroethylene film, which decreases from 125 to 19V. The device is realized for the advanced application of multi-modal sensors.

Air‐ and Moisture Robust Surface Modification for Ni‐Rich Layered Cathode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries (Small 25/2023)

Li-Ion Batteries In article number 2206576, Pilgun Oh and co-workers report a novel air- and moisture robust surface modification for LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 via the sol-gel coating method that selectively coats the internal surface area of the secondary particles. The LiCoO2-coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 exhibits high-capacity retention after exposure to all tested environments, due to the internal surface coating that prevents the penetration of harmful compounds into the polycrystalline structure.

Assessment of adsorption materials for carbon capturing and storage in the context of carbon neutrality

In order to avoid the harm caused by global warming, carbon capture and store (CCS) technology has become a global hot topic. CO2 adsorption materials are an important basis for the realization of CCS. This paper explores the CO2 adsorption mechanisms of the currently widespread shale reservoirs, metal-organic framework (MOF), covalent-organic framework (COF), activated carbon and evaluated the relevant factors affecting their adsorption capacity. Through the exchange of CO2 and CH4, shale reservoir is a natural material with great CO2 adsorption and storage potential. However, due to the high implementation cost and the uncertainty of porosity, this technology is considered to be immature. MOF and COF have different chemical bonds, but they are both crystalline compounds with tunable porosity and internal surface area. They are very ideal CO2 adsorption materials. However, the main disadvantage of MOF and COF lies in their instability. Moreover, activated carbon is considered to be the adsorption material with the lowest production cost among the four. The adsorption performance of activated carbon is related to its raw materials, internal surface area, pore properties and external functional groups. However, activated carbon ashes are likely to cause secondary environmental pollution. In the future, it is necessary to improve the prediction accuracy of the adsorption potential of shale reservoirs, solve the unstable characteristics of MOF and COF, and maximize the adsorption performance of activated carbon in an environmentally friendly manner. The significance of this article is to provide theoretical support for the optimization and development of physical adsorption materials in the future.

Free-form multi-level porous model design based on truncated hierarchical B-spline functions

Porous structures have been widely applied in aerospace, paramedical, transportation, and other fields owing to their high interconnectivity, low weight, and extensive internal surface areas. Multi-level porous structures with different hole shapes and distributions at varying scales have shown excellent biological and mechanical performances compared with single-level porous structures. However, designing multi-level porous models with complex topological and geometric structures is a challenge. In this work, we propose a multi-level porous model design framework. Given a model represented by a trivariate B-spline solid and porous structures represented by implicit functions, we design the porous model in the parametric domain. We use threshold distribution fields represented by truncated hierarchical B-spline (THB-spline) functions to control the pore shapes, locations, and number of levels. Furthermore, the proposed THB-spline least squares progressive-iterative approximation algorithm can flexibly adjust the porous model. The model meets the expected porosity through the proposed optimization algorithm. The porous structure in the parametric domain is finally mapped to the trivariate B-spline solid to generate the final model. Moreover, we define a new storage space-saving file format to store multi-level porous models. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the method and the superior performance of the new storage format.

UV-Excited Luminescence in Porous Organosilica Films with Various Organic Components.

UV-induced photoluminescence of organosilica films with ethylene and benzene bridging groups in their matrix and terminal methyl groups on the pore wall surface was studied to reveal optically active defects and understand their origin and nature. The careful selection of the film's precursors and conditions of deposition and curing and analysis of chemical and structural properties led to the conclusion that luminescence sources are not associated with the presence of oxygen-deficient centers, as in the case of pure SiO2. It is shown that the sources of luminescence are the carbon-containing components that are part of the low-k-matrix, as well as the carbon residues formed upon removal of the template and UV-induced destruction of organosilica samples. A good correlation between the energy of the photoluminescence peaks and the chemical composition is observed. This correlation is confirmed by the results obtained by the Density Functional theory. The photoluminescence intensity increases with porosity and internal surface area. The spectra become more complicated after annealing at 400 °C, although Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy does not show these changes. The appearance of additional bands is associated with the compaction of the low-k matrix and the segregation of template residues on the surface of the pore wall.

Intertidal habitat complexity influences the density of the non-native crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus.

Habitat structural complexity can provide protection from predators, potentially affecting population density of native and non-native prey. The invasive Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, occurs in variable densities in the rocky intertidal zone of eastern North America and northern Europe, often in densities greater than in its native range. The present study examined the influence of habitat complexity on the density of H. sanguineus. Artificial shelters of concrete pavers with stones arranged in increasing complexity were deployed in the intertidal zone along a rocky shore in southeastern Massachusetts, USA, for 21 consecutive weekly intervals in 2020. Crabs consistently reached the highest densities in the most complex shelters despite their lower internal surface area. In addition, crabs exhibited shelter selectivity based on body size, with large crabs occupying artificial shelters in greater numbers than adjacent natural substrate. In a subsequent lab study, crab activity over 1 h was observed in the presence of the same artificial shelters, under simulated tidal conditions. Shelter complexity had little influence on the number of crabs under the pavers although crabs were more active when submerged in water than exposed to air. These results show that crab density increases as habitat complexity increases, and complexity may serve as a predictor of H. sanguineus density but not short-term behavior.

Preparation of Mesoporous Si Nanoparticles by Magnesiothermic Reduction for the Enhanced Reactivity.

In this study, mesoporous silicon nanoparticles (M-Si) were successfully prepared by a magnesiothermic reduction of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which were synthesized by a templated sol-gel method and used as the precursors. M-Si exhibited a uniform size distribution with an average diameter of about 160 nm. The measured BET surface area was 93.0 m2 g-1, and the average pore size calculated by the BJH method was 16 nm. The large internal surface area provides rich reaction sites, resulting in unique interfacial properties and reduced mass diffusion limitations. The mechanism of the magnesiothermic reduction process was discussed. The reactivity of prepared M-Si was compared with that of commercially available non-porous Si nanopowder (with the average diameter of about 30 nm) by performing simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry in the air. The results showed that the reaction onset temperature indicated by weight gain was advanced from 772 °C to 468 °C, indicating the promising potential of M-Si as fuel for metastable intermolecular composites.

The significance of granular activated carbon pore structure in modeling dissolved organic carbon removal in fixed-bed filters

A reliable model that describes DOC removal during biological-active granular activated carbon filtration for advanced wastewater treatment has to cover several aspects that influence biological and adsorptive removal processes. For this purpose, this work introduces a two-domain internal diffusion approach to a multicomponent adsorption model, which is combined with a traditional biofilm model for the first time. DOC was divided into fictive components according to biodegradability and adsorbability to calculate multicomponent adsorption equilibrium based on the ideal adsorbed solution theory. Adsorption kinetics included external mass transfer (diffusion through a boundary layer and a biofilm) and internal mass transfer (fast pore diffusion in the larger pores and slow surface diffusion in the micropores). Mass transfer in the micropore domain was implemented by adjusting the adsorptive driving force depending on the available internal surface area for DOC adsorption based on an empirical surface diffusion model. Simulated DOC breakthrough curves were sensitive to model parameters related to the pore structure of the granular activated carbon (GAC). The model was validated with two GAC types and empty bed contact times ranging between 6 and 33 min. The model results showed a good agreement with measured DOC breakthrough curves over the entire operation time, demonstrating the applicability and transferability of the model. In particular, the initial DOC breakthrough was well represented. However, some systematic deviations between measured and simulated DOC breakthrough curves were observed, which are probably due to the level of detail of the implemented biofilm model.

Adsorption of 17α-methyltestosterone onto silica-based porous materials: Effect of porosity and functionalization, reversible kinetics, and the coexistence of tannic acid

This study investigated the impacts of porosity and the surface functional groups of silica-based porous materials on the adsorption of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) in low concentration ranges (μg L−1), including the role of coexisting tannic acid (TA). The reversible adsorption kinetics of MT revealed that it was preferentially adsorbed by the mesoporous cylindrical pores of Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 (SBA-15) rather than by the wormhole-like pores of hexagonal mesoporous silica and the micropores of NaY. Furthermore, the increasing pore diameter of SBA-15 from 5.8 nm to 19.9 nm (SBA-CHX) could inhibit reverse desorption and maintain the accessibility of MT through the internal surface area. Due to its high hydrophobicity, the grafted triethoxyoctyl- group had an influential role in hydrophobic partitioning, enhancing the adsorption of MT, especially when grafted on the extended pores of SBA-CHX. The adsorption mechanisms of MT on silica-based adsorbents might involve hydrophobic partitioning, π–π interaction, hydrogen bonding, and ion-dipole interaction. The presence of TA could enhance the selective adsorption of MT onto hydrophobic functionalized SBA-15 s via the increase of hydrophobic partitioning. In conclusion, the large pore diameter of SBA-15 (above 5.8 nm) and grafting with the triethoxyoctyl- group could provide the highest MT adsorption capacity and effectively reject the coexisting TA.

Large-scale morphometry of the subarachnoid space of the optic nerve

BackgroundThe meninges, formed by dura, arachnoid and pia mater, cover the central nervous system and provide important barrier functions. Located between arachnoid and pia mater, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled subarachnoid space (SAS) features a variety of trabeculae, septae and pillars. Like the arachnoid and the pia mater, these structures are covered with leptomeningeal or meningothelial cells (MECs) that form a barrier between CSF and the parenchyma of the optic nerve (ON). MECs contribute to the CSF proteome through extensive protein secretion. In vitro, they were shown to phagocytose potentially toxic proteins, such as α-synuclein and amyloid beta, as well as apoptotic cell bodies. They therefore may contribute to CSF homeostasis in the SAS as a functional exchange surface. Determining the total area of the SAS covered by these cells that are in direct contact with CSF is thus important for estimating their potential contribution to CSF homeostasis.MethodsUsing synchrotron radiation-based micro-computed tomography (SRµCT), two 0.75 mm-thick sections of a human optic nerve were acquired at a resolution of 0.325 µm/pixel, producing images of multiple terabytes capturing the geometrical details of the CSF space. Special-purpose supercomputing techniques were employed to obtain a pixel-accurate morphometric description of the trabeculae and estimate internal volume and surface area of the ON SAS.ResultsIn the bulbar segment, the ON SAS microstructure is shown to amplify the MECs surface area up to 4.85-fold compared to an “empty” ON SAS, while just occupying 35% of the volume. In the intraorbital segment, the microstructure occupies 35% of the volume and amplifies the ON SAS area 3.24-fold.ConclusionsWe provided for the first time an estimation of the interface area between CSF and MECs. This area is of importance for estimating a potential contribution of MECs on CSF homeostasis.

Air- and Moisture Robust Surface Modification for Ni-Rich Layered Cathode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries.

The mainstream of high-energy cathode development is focused on increasing the Ni-ratio in layered structured cathode materials. The increment of the Ni portion in the layered cathode material escalates not only the deliverable capacity but also the structural degradation. High-Ni layered cathodes are highly vulnerable to exposure to air that contains CO2 and H2 O, forming problematic residual lithium compounds at the surface. In this work, a novel air- and moisture robust surface modification is reported for LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 (NCM811) via the sol-gel coating method that selectively coats the internal surface area of the polycrystalline morphology secondary particles. Bare-, Li2 SnO3 -coated and LiCoO2 -coated NCM811 are exposed to different ambient environments (air, hot-air, and moisture-air) to systematically investigate the correlation between the internal/external coating morphology and performance degradations. The LiCoO2 -coated NCM811s exhibit high-capacity retention after exposure to all environments, due to the internal surface coating that prevents the penetration of harmful compounds into the polycrystalline NCM811. On the other hand, the Li2 SnO3 -coated NCM811s exposed to the ambient environments show gradual capacity fading, implying the occurrence of internal degradation. This paper highlights the impact of the internal degradation of polycrystalline NCM811 after environmental exposure and the correct coating mechanisms required to successfully prevent it.

A novel synthesis of highly active and highly stable non-noble-nickel-modified persulfated Al2O3@ZrO2 core-shell catalysts for n-pentane isomerization

The non-noble metal modified sulfated zirconia was found easy to deactivate. Herein, highly active and highly stable non-noble core-shell Ni-S2O82−/Al2O3@ZrO2 catalysts (Ni-SA@Z-x, x = Al content in wt%) have been successfully prepared and investigated for n-pentane isomerization. The results showed that the core-shell Ni-SA@Z-30 provided a sustained high isopentane yield (63.1%) with little or no deactivation within 5000 min at a mild reaction pressure of 2.0 MPa, which can be attributed to the following factors: (i) carbon deposition was greatly suppressed by the large pore size and huge pore volume; (ii) the loss of sulfur entities was suppressed because the small and highly dispersed tetragonal ZrO2 particles can bond with the S species strongly; (iii) strong Brønsted acidity can be maintained well after the isomerization. The pore structures and acid nature of the core-shell Ni-SA@Z-x are entirely different from those of the normal structure Ni-S2O82−/ZrO2-Al2O3, even though the Al content and the compositions of the individual components are the same. The Al2O3 cores endow the catalysts with high internal surface area and high mechanical strength. Meanwhile, the ZrO2 shell, which consists of more and smaller tetragonal ZrO2 particles because of the large surface area of the Al2O3 core, promotes the formation of more stable sulfur species and stronger binding sites.

Synthesis of Hollow Leaf-Shaped Iron-Doped Nickel–Cobalt Layered Double Hydroxides Using Two-Dimensional (2D) Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Catalyzing Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been reported as one of the most effective materials for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts, which are prone to hydrolysis and oxidation under OER conditions. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials with high crystallinity and internal surface area. The design of LDHs based on MOFs has attracted increasing attention owing to their high surface area, exposed catalysis sites, and fast charge/mass transport kinetics. Herein, we report a novel approach to fabricate a leaf-shaped iron-doped nickel–cobalt LDH (L-Fe-NiCoLDH) derived from a two-dimensional (2D) zeolitic imidazolate framework with a leaf-like morphology (ZIFL). Iron doping played a significant role in enhancing the specific surface area, affecting the OER performance. L-Fe-NiCoLDH showed high OER performance with an overpotential of 243 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and high durability after 20 h. The design of LDHs based on the leaf morphology of MOFs offers tremendous potential for improving OER efficiency.

Ultrafiltration Pd-immobilized catalytic membrane microreactors continuously reduce nitrophenol: A study of catalytic activity and simultaneous separation

Catalytic membrane microreactors (CMMRs) are an exciting new technology that combine catalysis with membranes by seeding the high internal surface area of membranes with catalysts. This enables the continuous purification and production of organic compounds with high catalytic activity, while maintaining nanocatalyst size and stability. This study reports a simple two-step batch reaction approach for synthesizing stable Pd-immobilized catalytic membranes to transform 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in a flow-through CMMR system. The product (4-AP) is an essential intermediate for the polymer and solvent chemical industry. Pd-immobilized membranes exhibited strong catalytic activity for 4-NP reduction in the presence of NaBH4, with 4-fold higher reduction (79.7%) and 2-fold higher reduction rate (1.08 mol m−2h−1) as compared to control membranes without catalysts. The catalytic mechanisms were elucidated, such that the catalytic reduction processes were conducted via a sequential hydrogenation reaction where Pd nanocatalysts facilitated H* transfer from BH4- to 4-NP. Ultimately, the 4-AP product was gradually desorbed from the catalytic sites, achieving continuous reduction with high reduction efficiency. Furthermore, by combing ultrafiltration and catalysis, Pd-immobilized membranes showed >99% of 4-NP conversion and >90% of 1 MDa PEO rejection, demonstrating a great potential to be applied in high-efficient wastewater treatment processes.

Metal oxide encapsulated by 3D graphene oxide creates a nanocomposite with enhanced organic adsorption in aqueous solution.

The presence of organic contaminants (OCs) in aquatic systems is a threat to ecological and human health. Adsorption by graphene-based adsorbent is a promising technique for OC removal and we previously fabricated crumpled graphene balls (CGBs), via a novel nano-spray drying technique, which show robust adsorptive performance. Yet, since CGBs contain non-accessible surface area due to 2D graphene stacking, the goal of this research was to investigate the efficacy of maximizing the accessible CGB surface by synthesizing a nanocomposite composed of metal oxide nanoparticles encapsulated by crumpled graphene oxide (MGC). The metal oxides reduce graphene oxide stacking, expand the internal adsorptive surface area, and boost the adsorptive capacity of the MGC. MGC (fumed SiO2 or SiO2) exhibit an enhanced Langmuir adsorption capacity (qm, normalized by the % carbon) for an OC model, methylene blue (MB), achieving improvements of 60-86% compared to CGB, 3-4 fold compared to powder activated carbon (PAC) and 6-7 fold compared to granular activated carbon (GAC). MGCs display rapid adsorption reaching equilibrium after 9-12min of contact and remaining stable in wastewater effluent /surface water. A cost-efficiency comparison reveals MGCs achieve one ton of MB removal at similar or lower material costs than that of PAC/GAC.