Large Specific Surface Area Research Articles

Advancements in Carbon-Based Piezoelectric Materials: Mechanism, Classification, and Applications in Energy Science.

The piezoelectric phenomenon has garnered considerable interest due to its distinctive physical properties associated with the materials involved. Piezoelectric materials, which are inherently non-centrosymmetric, can generate an internal electric field under mechanical stress, enhancing carrier separation and transfer due to electric dipole moments. While inorganic piezoelectric materials are often investigated for their high piezoelectric coefficients, they come with potential drawbacks such as toxicity and high production cost, which hinder their practical applications. Consequently, carbon-based piezoelectric materials have emerged as an alternative to inorganic materials, boasting advantages such as a large specific surface area, high conductivity, flexibility, and eco-friendliness. Research into the applications of carbon-based piezoelectric materials spans environmental remediation, energy conversion, and biomedical treatments, indicating a promising future. This review marks the first comprehensive attempt to discuss and summarize the various types of carbon-based piezoelectric materials. It delves into the underlying mechanisms by which piezoelectricity influences catalysis, biomedical applications, nanogenerators, and sensors. Additionally, various potential techniques are presented to enhance the piezoelectric performance. The design principles of representative fabrication strategies for carbon-based piezoelectric materials are analyzed, emphasizing their current limitations and potential improvements for future development. It is believed that recent advances in carbon-based piezoelectric materials will make a significant impact.

Monodisperse Silica Microsphere with Extremely Large Specific Surface Area: Preparation and Characterization.

Monodisperse SiO2 microspheres are widely used in catalysis, separation, adsorption, and drug delivery. Their particle size, uniformity, and specific surface area are crucial for these applications. This study reports the novel preparation of monodisperse SiO2 microspheres using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as the template agent, employing hexadecylamine serving concurrently as a pore-expanding agent and catalyst. By controlling the reactant quantities and reaction conditions, we achieved monodisperse SiO2 microspheres with tunable particle sizes ranging from 800 nm to 2.5 μm with exceptionally large specific surface areas. It is worth mentioning that microspheres with a particle size of 2 μm and extremely uniform size distribution were produced at room temperature. Excitingly, it has a BET specific surface area of 1543 m2/g. Various effects on the preparation of the microspheres were investigated in detail, and the growth mechanism of these microspheres was elucidated.

Exploring the wonders of polysaccharides in porous materials.

Porous materials are a class of materials with abundant micro-nano pore structures, low density, light weight, and large specific surface area, and they have been widely used in various fields. Polysaccharides have the characteristics of designability, adjustability, biodegradability and safety and have been widely and deeply studied by researchers working on porous materials. Based on previous studies and in combination with our own research, this review describes the basic concepts and types of polysaccharide-based porous materials (including aerogels, sponges, foams, porous carbons and hydrogels), summarizes their preparation methods, and offers an in-depth analysis and discussion of their applications in medicine, food, environment and other applications. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of polysaccharides-based porous materials are summarized. This review aims to systematically analyze and summarize the application value of polysaccharide-based porous materials and provide theoretical guidance for their further research.

Insights into cadmium adsorption characteristics and mechanisms by new granular alginate hydrogels reinforced with biochar: Important role of cation exchange.

Insights into cadmium adsorption characteristics and mechanisms by new granular alginate hydrogels reinforced with biochar: Important role of cation exchange.

Preparation and Mechanism Insight of Biodegradable Kippah Vesicles.

Kippah vesicles, fully collapsed polymersomes formed during the self-assembly process, are characterized by a bowl-shaped nanostructure with a large specific surface area, high loading capacity, and an internal void. Current research shows that these structural features have primarily been achieved using non-biodegradable block copolymers, while the fundamental mechanism behind their formation is not well understood. Thus, designing biodegradable kippah vesicles and elucidating their formation mechanism is critical. In this study, a tetraphenylethylene (TPE) moiety - a luminogen with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties - is strategically introduced into the block copolymer side chain-, yielding the novel polypeptidepoly(ethylene glycol)45-block-poly[(glutamic acid-TPE)26-stat-(glutamic acid)29] [PEG₄₅-b-P(GATPE₂₆-stat-GA₂₉)]. This polypeptide could self-assemble into kippah vesicles driven by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and morphological characterization across different aggregation states. Notably, the intrinsic fluorescence of these kippah vesicles exhibited high cellular internalization efficiency and excellent cytocompatibility, highlighting their potential for biomedical applications such as bioimaging and targeted cellular delivery.

Ping pong chrysanthemum-like Bi-BiOI and ternary core-shell structured Pd@AuPt based dual-electric signal outputs biosensor for accurate detection of CA19 - 9.

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19 - 9) can be used as a biomarker for pancreatic cancer. Measuring the concentration of CA19 - 9 in serum is essential for screening pancreatic cancer patients. In this paper, a dual-electric signal outputs biosensor based on ping pong chrysanthemum-like Bi-BiOI and ternary core-shell structured Pd@AuPt was constructed for ultra-sensitive detection of tumor marker CA19 - 9 using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry (i-t). Ping pong Chrysanthemum-like Bi-BIOI was prepared via one-pot hydrothermal method. To realize the covalent bonding of bismuth-based materials with MWCNT, bismuth-based materials were functionalized by amino groups. MWCNT-NH2-Bi-BIOI with large specific surface area and remarkable electrical conductivity was used as the sensing platform. Ternary core-shell structured Pd@AuPt with peroxide-like activity and enhanced biocompatibility immobilized massive antibodies through covalent Au-N and Pt-N bonds, thus broadening the linear range of the immunosensor. Based on the above materials, a dual-electric signal outputs biosensor was constructed for detecting CA19 - 9. Under optimal conditions, the detection range of DPV and i-t is 0.001-150 U/mL, the detection limit of DPV is 0.0003 U/mL, and that of i-t is 0.00024 U/mL. In addition, the dual-electric signal outputs immunoassay excels in anti-interference, splendid reproducibility and high recovery in actual sample detection, indicating that the immunosensor is a promising approach to be applied tothe detection of CA19 - 9 in clinical diagnosis.

Combination of Cu-BTC- and FeCo-MOF-Derived Carbon Enhanced Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensor for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Benomyl in Fruits and Vegetables

The development of sensitive and selective methods for detecting pesticide residues has become paramount for ensuring food safety. In this work, a high-performance molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on the composite of Cu-BTC- and FeCo-ZIF-derived N-doped carbon (FeCo@NC), synthesized by pyrolysis and electrodeposition, was developed for Benomyl (BN) detection. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In this sensing system, the Cu-BTC/FeCo@NC composite used as the electrode substrate displayed a large specific surface area, high electronic conductivity, and rich active catalytic sites, demonstrating excellent electrocatalytic ability toward BN oxidation. Meanwhile, Cu-BTC, with its abundant surface functional groups, facilitated strong hydrogen bonding interactions with the imprinted template molecule of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), promoting the formation of a uniform molecularly imprinted membrane on the substrate material surface. The introduced MIP-PEDOT could enhance the selective recognition and enrichment of the target BN, leading to an amplified detection signal. Thanks to the synergistic effects between Cu-BTC/FeCo@NC and MIP-PEDOT, the proposed sensor achieved a low detection limit of 1.67 nM. Furthermore, the fabricated sensor exhibited high selectivity, reproducibility, and interference resistance in detecting BN. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of BN in vegetable and fruit samples, indicating its potential for use in practical applications.

Toward Rational Design of Carbon-Based Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors are electrical energy storage devices renowned for their high power density and long cycle life. However, their low energy density has limited their broader application, particularly in electric vehicles. Carbon nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes and graphene, are among the most promising electrode materials for enhancing energy density due to their unique structures, excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, large specific surface area, and chemical inertness in both acidic and alkaline environments. Significant progress has been made in the development of high-performance carbon-based supercapacitors. In this Review, we begin by exploring the origin and mechanisms of charge storage in supercapacitors. We then summarize the current advancements in enhancing the capacitive performance. The theory and primary strategies for designing high-performance supercapacitors are discussed to provide guidance on electrode material selection and design. Finally, future research directions and perspectives are presented with the aim of advancing the development of efficient carbon-based supercapacitors.

Bioinspired Interlocked Nanostructured Piezoresistive Composite for Monitoring of Renal Pelvic Pressure.

Inspired by the structure of Setaria viridis and based on guidance of molecular dynamics simulations, a hierarchical nanospike structure on micrometer-sized coaxial fibers has been designed at the molecular scale. A piezoresistive composite membrane of in situ-grown PDA-PPy on a TPU@PES coaxial fiber has been prepared, exhibiting good anticreep performance, high sensitivity, and fast response. The matrix material is designed as coaxial fibers, which consist of an inner PES core that provides anticreep mechanical support and an outer thermoplastic polyurethane shell that offers a large specific surface area and rich graft reaction sites. The nanospike semiconductor phase constructs an interlocking structured composite by forming a multihierarchical conducting network. The piezoresistive sensor constructed with this composite exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity (27.1 kPa-1) and quick response (23.1 ms response time and 26.3 ms recovery time). Furthermore, the chemical grafting process ensures a stable interface between the semiconductor phase and matrix material by creating covalent and hydrogen bonds. This interface not only prevents instability but also demonstrates excellent signal recovery performance and dynamic stability (10,000 cycles). Monitoring changes in renal pelvic pressure with a 3D-printed artificial renal pelvis was performed, confirming its practicality for medical monitoring.

Catalytic Conversion of Xylo-Oligomers to Furfural in Pulping Pre-Hydrolysis Liquor Using a Hydroxyl-Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework

With the rapid development of biorefinery technology, the efficient conversion of lignocellulose into high-value platform chemicals is of great significance for enhancing the value of renewable carbon resources. In this study, a hydroxyl-functionalized covalent organic framework (COF), TAPB-DHPA, was synthesized via an in situ method and innovatively applied to the catalytic conversion of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) into furfural. The results demonstrated that TAPB-DHPA possesses a large specific surface area, a well-developed porous structure, and excellent thermal stability, with abundant Brønsted acid (B acid) sites, exhibiting outstanding catalytic activity. Under optimal conditions, including a catalyst loading of 0.16 wt%, a reaction temperature of 180 °C, and a reaction time of 3 h, a furfural yield of up to 65.4% was achieved. The high selectivity was primarily attributed to the p-π conjugation effect between the benzene ring and the phenolic hydroxyl group, which enhanced the ionization ability of hydroxyl hydrogen, thereby effectively promoting the hydrolysis of XOS and subsequent dehydration. Furthermore, TAPB-DHPA exhibited excellent recyclability and stability, maintaining a furfural yield of over 59.9% after six cycles. This study provides new insights into the application of functionalized COF in biomass catalytic conversion and contributes to the green transformation of the pulp and paper industry into a biorefinery-based model.

Oxygen-rich carbon cloth as a lithium deposition host for stable lithium metal anodes.

Li metal is known as the most ideal anode material for Li-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity (3860 mA h g-1) and low redox potential (-3.04 V vs. SHE). However, the dendrite growth and volume expansion caused by inhomogeneous and loose Li deposition limit the practical application of Li metal anode. Herein, oxidized carbon cloth (OCC) modified with oxygen-containing functional groups (-COOH, -C-OH, C[double bond, length as m-dash]O) is prepared by oxidation in a water bath environment. The polar oxygen-containing functional groups enhance the adsorption capacity of Li+, reduce the nucleation barrier, and effectively regulate the uniform distribution of Li+ on carbon fiber. Meanwhile, the large specific surface area of carbon fiber can reduce the local current density and inhibit dendrite formation. The sufficient internal space of the OCC can store the deposited Li, effectively easing the volume expansion. As such, the OCC‖Li half-cells exhibit a high coulombic efficiency (98.2%) after 250 cycles at 1 mA cm-2. Besides, the OCC‖LiFePO4 full cell capacity is 117 mA h g-1 after 300 cycles at 1C. The experimental results show that the OCC prepared by a simple and efficient oxidation method plays a positive role in exploring high energy density Li metal batteries.

Molybdenum disulfide carbon composite material using hydrothermal method as electrode material for supercapacitors

MoS₂ has excellent properties but low conductivity, limiting its use in supercapacitors. Carbon’s high conductivity and stability enhance MoS₂’s electrochemical performance and cycling stability. This study prepared MoS₂/C composites via a one-step hydrothermal method, exploring the effects of solvents and carbon content. Deionized water as a solvent resulted in composites with large specific surface areas and good electrochemical properties. Increasing carbon content improved electrochemical performance, peaking at a glucose content of 0.28 mmol, achieving a specific capacitance of 202.6 F/g. However, excessive carbon content led to decreased performance.

Negative Photoconductivity in Nanowires/QDs Heterojunction Network for Neuromorphic Visual Perception

AbstractNeuromorphic visual systems, integrating image information acquisition, processing, and storage, hold significant potential for applications in smart security, healthcare, and other fields. Currently, commercial human visual prosthetic systems primarily utilize Si‐based CMOS logic circuits to simulate synaptic functions. Compared to traditional Si‐based materials, metal oxide nanowires offer unique advantages, such as a larger specific surface area and sustained photoconductivity. However, artificial synaptic devices based on metal oxide nanowires can only achieve unidirectional photoresponse enhancement, posing challenges in mimicking hyperpolarization behavior of cone and rod cells and further developing image classification and recognition functions. Herein, an artificial photo‐synaptic device with negative photoconductivity based on metal oxide nanowires/perovskite quantum dots heterojunction fabricated via low‐cost electrospinning is proposed. The carrier dynamics process is investigated using advanced characterization techniques. It is revealed that the negative photoconductivity is induced by heterojunction‐associated conduction carrier consumption. Based on the device array, the optical encryption function is achieved. The array with adjustable conductivity is used to develop an artificial vision system, reducing redundant data and noise while improving recognition accuracy from 51% to 99%. This study highlights the promising potential of optoelectronic synaptic devices based on metal oxide nanowires and perovskite heterojunctions for artificial visual systems.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Cementitious Activity of the Magnesium Silicate Hydrate and Calcium Silicate Hydrate from Coal Gangue

Coal gangue, a prevalent solid waste in the coal industry, has long been a significant concern due to its substantial production volume and potential environmental hazards. However, it contains valuable components such as silica and alumina, making it a promising raw material for synthesizing cementitious materials. This study focused on the synthesis of coal gangue-based magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) through mechanical–thermal–chemical composite activation treatment. The cementitious activity of coal gangue samples and the characterization of the resulting cementitious materials were analyzed using ICP-AES, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and DSC-TG. Results indicated that calcination temperature, calcination time, the Ca/Si molar ratio, and the Mg/Si molar ratio were key factors influencing the cementitious activity of coal gangue, exhibiting a positive correlation with the dissolution amounts of Si4+ and Al3+. When kaolin in coal gangue was fully decomposed into active Al2O3 and SiO2, the cementitious activity of coal gangue reached its peak. M-S-H and C-S-H were successfully synthesized after 7 days of curing at room temperature, significantly reducing the synthesis time. The synthesized M-S-H and C-S-H exhibited large specific surface areas, good mechanical properties, and well-developed pore structures, making them suitable as mesoporous materials that provide numerous active sites for adsorbing metal ions.

Study on the effect of different porous materials on the solidification of peppermint-lemon-gramineus volatile oil

Chinese herbal volatile oils (VOs) have important roles in analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, insecticidal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, and are widely used in food safety, beauty care, and even pharmaceutical industries. However, the development of oral formulations and clinical applications is limited due to its special characteristics. Porous media adsorption technology, characterized by large specific surface area, large pore volume and strong adsorption capacity, is of great significance for the study of improving the stability of the volatile oil components in traditional Chinese medicine. The curing effect of porous starch (PS), porous calcium carbonate (PCC), cross-linked povidone (PVPP), and mesoporous silica 350FCP (350FCP) on volatile oil (VO) was comprehensively investigated through the indexes of material dosage, volatilization rate, and adsorption rate, in which it was found that: the optimal preparation ratios of each carrier material were VO:PS=2:4, VO:PCC=3:4, VO:PVPP=3:4, and VO:350FCP=7:4 and that PS and cross-linked polyvinyl ketone were effective in VO component retention. It provides valuable references for further development and resource utilization of VO.

High-entropy alloy nanoparticles functionalized with reduced graphene oxide as a high-performance cathode for lithium-oxygen batteries.

One of the cruxes of developing high-performance lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) is the rational design and controllable synthesis of a promising cathode catalyst. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have been considered as prospective catalytic materials for LOBs due to their adjustable composition and excellent catalytic performance. Herein, ∼50 nm PtFeCoNiCu HEA NPs with uniformly distributed elements embedded on few-layer reduced graphene oxide (PtFeCoNiCu@rGO) were successfully synthesized via a high-temperature annealing route. The LOBs with the PtFeCoNiCu@rGO cathode exhibited a high initial discharge capacity of 13 949 mA h g-1, a low overpotential of 0.77 V, and remarkable cycling stability over 148 cycles with a limited capacity of 500 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1. The dominant discharge product was Li2O2, and no by-products were detected. These excellent electrochemical performances arose from the combined effects of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and HEA NPs. Reduced graphene oxide, with a large specific surface area and omnipresent pores with diverse size distribution, provided sufficient storage space for Li2O2 and facilitated transport channels for Li+ and O2, while the highly conductive HEA NPs, with optimized catalytic efficiency, further accelerated the kinetics of ORR/OER. This work presents a feasible alternative HEA-based catalyst design strategy for applicable LOBs.

Monolithic capillary electrochromatographic system based on gold nanoparticles and chitosan chiral molecularly imprinted polymers for enantioseparation of metolachlor and separation of structural analogs.

Anovel monolithic capillary column (AuNPs@CMIP(poly-Chitosan)@capillary) with hybridized chiral molecular imprinted polymers (CMIPs) as stationary phase was prepared using S-metolachlor(S-MET) as template, chitosan as functional monomer, glutaraldehyde as cross-linker, and aminated-gold nanoparticles (NH2-AuNPs) as nanocarriers. The capillary electrochromatography (CEC) system constructed by AuNPs@CMIP(poly-Chitosan)@capillary achieved the efficient chiral separation of MET (resolution (Rs) = 9.83) as well as separation of its various structural analogs (Rs > 1.58). In addition, AuNPs@CMIP(poly-Chitosan)@capillary exhibits satisfactory reproducibility and stability. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of migration times and Rs for intra-day, inter-day, and inter-column were all less than 6.1%, and no significant decline in separation performance was observed after 21 days of storage. NH2-AuNPs, with their large specific surface area and stable structure, can provide abundant binding sites and play a supporting role, reducing the deformation and collapse of CMIPs' cavities, and further ensuring the structural stability and separation performance of the stationary phase. Finally, parameters such as imprinting factor and selectivity factor were calculated by adsorption experiments, and the CEC separation mechanism was discussed. The chitosan CMIPs-based capillary monolithic column developed in this work has rarely been reported and is an innovative attempt, providing a feasible and promising approach for the development of CEC chiral monolithic stationary phases.

Recent Advances in Materials, Synthesis, and Reaction Model of Particle Adsorbent for Flue Gas Desulfurization

Particle adsorbents have gained significant traction in flue gas desulfurization applications, primarily attributed to their high structural homogeneity and large specific surface area. To address the multifaceted requirements of industrial sectors regarding the structural configurations and physicochemical properties of particle adsorbents while promoting sustainable manufacturing practices, this study systematically evaluates and critically appraises contemporary advancements in particle desulfurizing agent technologies. The synthesis of these findings establishes a theoretical framework to facilitate technological innovation and industrial progress within the particle desulfurizer domain. The research systems of particle adsorbents, encompassing active components, inert carriers, preparation methodologies, and gas–solid reaction models, were comprehensively reviewed. The advantages and current limitations of these systems were then systematically summarized. Finally, the fundamental principles and research trajectories in the application fields of distinct particle adsorbent research systems were elucidated. An analysis of the developmental trends indicated that enhancing the utilization efficiency of active components and improving the cyclic stability of adsorbents remained critical engineering challenges. It is posited that the pursuit of high reaction activity, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and superior anti-aggregation/sintering performance constitutes key directions for the advancement of particle adsorbents in China’s flue gas desulfurization industry.

Engineering High‐Rate Anode Materials via Montmorillonite‐Derived Silicon Nanosheets

Abstract2D Silicon (Si) based materials are promising high‐rate anode candidates due to the short Li+ diffusion pathways and uniform stress distribution during lithiation. However, the complex preparation process, high cost, and side reactions triggered by the large specific surface area limit its application. Herein, a one‐step method is developed to synthesize 2D Si nanosheets from the abundant layered silicate mineral montmorillonite (MMT), via a salt‐assisted magnesiothermic reduction. Then, through spray granulation and high‐temperature pyrolysis, a high‐sphericity Si/C composite (C‐SiNS) is finally prepared. The internal structure of C‐SiNS consists of stacked Si nanosheets with a carbon shell formed by PVP on the surface. The customized structure promotes a high Li+ diffusion rate, effectively alleviates volume expansion, and minimizes side reactions. Benefiting from the robust structural design, C‐SiNS demonstrates excellent rate performance (509.78 mAh·g−1 at a rate of 20 A·g−1) and outstanding long‐term cycling stability (606.80 mAh·g−1 after 500 cycles at 2 A·g−1). The feasibility of its practical application is validated through lithium‐ion full batteries assembled with commercial LiFePO4 cathodes (106 mAh·g−1 after 250 cycles at 0.2 C). The work presents an efficient synthesis strategy for high‐rate anode materials and also provides high‐value utilization potential options of MMT.

Dual-Mechanism Anchoring of Iodine Species by Pitch-Derived Porous Carbon for Enhanced Zinc-Iodine Battery Performance.

Aqueous Zn-I2 battery is an overwhelming candidate for sustainable energy storage systems due to its high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the serious self-discharge and the shuttle effect initiated by soluble polyiodides significantly hinder further development. Herein, a pitch-derived carbon (PPCMK) with a unique micro-/mesopores structure and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups is prepared, with dual-mechanism anchoring of iodine species to effectively confine the polyiodides for alleviating the above problems. The rich micropores of PPCMK (0.62nm) function to inhibit the formation of I3 -, and the large specific surface area enables a high I2 uptake of 64.51%. Moreover, oxygen-containing functional groups of PPCMK further enhance the interaction with I3 - to strengthen the polyiodide confinement. Therefore, the Zn-I2 batteries exhibit a high specific capacity of 236.76mAhg-1 (4mgiodinecm-2) with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.73% at 1 C, low self-discharge rate of 18.18% capacity loss after one-week resting, and superior durability of 20000 cycles at 20 C with 95.08% retentive capacity. Especially, the pouch cell exhibits a superior area capacitance of 5.51mAhcm-2 at a high-loading (30mgiodine cm-2). This study provides an economically effective solution for the large-scale production of high-performance Zn-I2 batteries.