Nanocomposite Materials Research Articles

Enhanced Thermoelectric Generator Power Output Based on Electrodeposited Bi2Te3 Nanocomposites with Pt NPs-CNTs Through Multiphysics Simulation

Thermoelectric generators (TEG) possess the potential to transform unused heat into electrical energy, making thermoelectricity a viable alternative for addressing the energy issue. This study provides insight into the enhanced power density of a TEG device when embedded with bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanocomposite. The TEG power density has been analysed under the fluid flow simulation condition by utilizing several Bi2Te3 nanocomposite materials with Pt NPs-CNTs inclusion. The impact of static and steady air flow conditions has been studied using a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) parameter, with flow velocities of 0.01 m/s and 1 m/s. As a main part of the work, the power density of nanocomposites embedded as N-type legs was compared to that of pure material. The Bi2Te3 with hybrid nanocomposite produces the highest power density, precisely combining Bi2Te3 with platinum nanoparticles (Pt Nps) and single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) materials (Bi2Te3/Pt-SWCNTs). At velocity of 1 m/s, the power density was calculated to be 156.85μW/cm2, which increased to 158.86 μW/cm2 at a fluid velocity of 1 m/s, marking an 88% increment compared to the TEG model using pristine Bi2Te3 and higher than that of the previous work about 4 times of increment.

Highly effective photocatalytic decomposition of tetracycline and reduction of Cr(VI) under visible light using Ag/polyoxometalate composite nanomaterials prepared by a mild grinding method

Highly effective photocatalytic decomposition of tetracycline and reduction of Cr(VI) under visible light using Ag/polyoxometalate composite nanomaterials prepared by a mild grinding method

Preparation, characterization, and structural studies of methylcellulose/CuO hybrid materials

Flexible hybrid materials composites of methylcellulose (MC) and CuO are fabricated successfully with solution-casting preparation method as confirmed by the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared methods. The EDX of MC/CuO recorded the peaks of C, O, and Cu with percentage ratios of 49.61%, 47.35%, and 3.04%, which verify the appropriate formation of the MC/CuO. The TEM image shows that the size of CuO is from 11 to 51 nm. The images from the SEM also show that the CuO nanoparticles are evenly distributed throughout the MC/CuO composite. The impact of CuO on MC transparency is also investigated via UV/vis spectroscopy. The optical parameters of the polymer and composites films were recorded. The bandgap energy of MC is reduced from 4.83 to 4.69, 4.33, and 4.2 eV when mixed with 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5% CuO, respectively, while the band tail is increased from 1.6 to 2.93, 3.66, and 4.15 eV. Carbon cluster numbers also rise from 50 for MC to 54, 63, and 67 for the addition of CuO concentrations of 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5%, respectively. The purpose of this work is fabrication of new nanocomposite materials with innovative flexible properties that may find application in high-performance optoelectronics.

Fabrication of a novel bifunctional magnetic nanocomposite for colorimetric detection and removal of glyphosate

Fabrication of a novel bifunctional magnetic nanocomposite for colorimetric detection and removal of glyphosate

Colorimetric sensor array based on metal porphyrin Dye-Modified mesoporous silica nanospheres for quantitative detection of aflatoxin B1 in wheat

This study developed a novel colorimetric sensor array (CSA) based on mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) for the quantitative detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in wheat. First, 12 kinds of nano-composite color-sensitive materials (Nano-CSMs) were prepared based on MSNs combined with metal porphyrin dyes, and their color-sensitive materials (CSMs) were modified. The volatile gas information of wheat samples with different degrees of mold was collected using two different sensor arrays, and the characteristic maps were visualized. Next, the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) were used to screen the optimal characteristic components, and a support vector regression (SVR) model was established to achieve rapid quantitative detection of AFB1. The optimization results show that the SVR model based on Nano-CSA performed best, with a correlation coefficient (Rp) of 0.9754. The results show that the colorimetric sensor array modified by MSNSs has higher sensitivity and efficiency in the detection of AFB1 in wheat.

Amphiphilic pH-responsive core-shell nanoparticles can increase the performances of cellulose-based drug delivery systems.

Polymer and nanoparticles (NPs) together are able to form nanocomposite materials that combine the beneficial properties of the traditional single systems. In this work, we propose a stimuli-responsive nanocomposite system which combines pH-responsive NPs with cellulose. Ring opening polymerization (ROP) followed by two reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization steps were performed to synthetize ((PHEMA-graft-LA12)-co-PMAA)-b-PDEGMA copolymer characterized by tailored molecular weights and low polydispersity values. Uniform NPs were obtained by nanoprecipitation of the so-obtained copolymer in water. Moreover, drug release studies (using rhodamine b, fluorescein isothiocyanate, pyrene and 5-fluorouracil) at different pHs demonstrated the pH-responsivity of NPs, revealing a significant improvement of hydrophobic molecules release at acidic conditions. In vitro tests verified the biocompatibility of NPs and the efficacy in decreasing cancer cell viability. Finally, NPs were loaded into hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose-C12 matrix to obtain the final polymer-NPs composite system. The composite systems showed the ability to sustain the release of low steric hindrance drugs loaded with NPs and high steric hindrance ones loaded within the polymeric network. Overall, the proposed pH-responsive drug delivery system represents a co-delivery device which could be applied for localized treatment in different combined therapeutic program.

An ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensing platform based on t-dust poly-aniline for the rapid detection of the nitrite residues in real sample

ABSTRACT A Graphite carbon electrode/TdustPolyaniline-15 nanocomposite(GCE/TdPA-15 nanocomposite) prepared by the facile synthesis method and applied for nitrite sensor. Several characterization techniques were carried out for TdPA-15 nanocomposite material. Notably, the electro catalytic properties of GCE/TdPA-15 nanocomposite towards the nitrite sensing were determined utilizing Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV). The GCE/TdPA-15 nanocomposite can detect nitrite concentrations from 0.875 μM to 85.75 μM, with a detection limit of 0.781 μM and a sensitivity of 4.7514 μA mM-¹ cm-². Additionally, the GCE/TdPA-15 nanocomposite shows great potential for real-time applications.

Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Assisted Exfoliation and Grafting Modification of Boron Nitride Nanosheets with a High Aspect Ratio via a Continuous Production Method for Energy Storage and Thermal Management.

Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) integrating many extraordinary properties are usually combined with polymers to fabricate multifunctional dielectric materials for energy storage and thermal management. Unfortunately, the existing technologies for producing BNNS generally have the disadvantages of inefficiency and low product quality, which significantly hinder the wide application of high-value nanocomposites. Herein, a novel poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-assisted pan-milling method based on the innovative solid-state shear milling (S3 M) technology is reported for the production of high-quality BNNS. The uniform three-dimensional (3D) shear force field generated by pan milling not only ensured the high aspect ratio of BNNS (the average lateral size of ∼954 nm and the average thickness of ∼3.7 nm) but also induced the mechanochemical reaction between PVA and BNNS to achieve in situ grafting modification on the BNNS surface. The simultaneous high-quality exfoliation and surface modification of BNNS positively contributed to the mechanical, dielectric, and thermal conduction properties of BNNS/PVA nanocomposites. At the BNNS content of 10 wt %, the BNNS/PVA composite film exhibited excellent robustness (Young's modulus of 5305 MPa and the tensile strength of 83 MPa), with a satisfactory breakdown strength (Eb of 134.7 MV/m) and dielectric constant (∼5 at 1000 Hz). In addition, the substantial improvement of thermal conductivity (from 0.88 to 5.59 W·m-1·K-1) guaranteed the stability of the dielectric properties of the nanocomposites at high temperatures. This pan-milling method characterized by green and efficiency is highly scalable to other two-dimensional (2D) layered materials, providing a practical strategy for the industrial fabrication of nanocomposites in elevated-temperature energy storage.

Understanding the influence of configurations and intermolecular interaction on thermomechanical and dynamics properties of polymer–clay nanocomposites via molecular dynamics simulations

AbstractPolymer‐clay nanocomposites (PCNs) have emerged as highly versatile structural materials that possess exceptional thermomechanical and dynamic properties, all the while retaining their inherent attributes of being lightweight and optically clear. The fabrication of nanocomposites involves the incorporation of carefully calibrated quantities of clay nanofillers into polymer matrixes. Current research expands upon existing coarse‐grained (CG) models of nanoclay and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and utilize molecular dynamics simulations to methodically explore the thermomechanical characteristics of PCNs. Specifically, the effects of exfoliated and stacked configurations of nanoclays, as well as variations in intermolecular interactions between the nanoclay and polymer constituents were tested. Tensile and shear simulations, as well as interfacial behaviors, are conducted. The intermolecular interaction could have significant influences on Shear Modulus and Young's Modulus, and those influences have their characteristics due to different configurations and different force directions, such as in most cases, exfoliated structures exhibit higher mechanical modulus compared with stacked configurations at varying interaction strengths. Additionally, in the in‐plane direction, they demonstrate stronger resistance effects compared with the out‐of‐plane direction. The interaction between PMMA and nanoclay slows down the global dynamics of PMMA, with a stronger effect observed for higher interaction strength. The impact of nanoclay on the segmental dynamics of PMMA decreases as we move away from the nanoclay layers toward the pure PMMA matrix. These findings provide molecular insights into the arrangement of components in PCNs during deformation and highlight the significance of nanoclay and the interface in determining their mechanical and dynamic properties.Highlights Variation patterns of mechanical modulus with interactions and configurations. The property difference in mechanical modulus due to configurations. Positive correlation between polymer Tg and intermolecular interaction. Global and local confinement effects on molecular stiffness during tension. Dynamical heterogeneity behavior on different interactions and temperatures.

The Electronic Properties and Adsorption Performance of LDH/Graphene, and LDH/g-C3N4 for the Removal of Pharmaceutical Contaminants: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Water shortages and pharmaceutical pollution are two interconnected crises that pose severe threats to global health, environmental sustainability, and economic stability. Pharmaceutical pollution is widespread and has reached potentially toxic levels in over 258 rivers in 104 countries. So far, more interest has been paid towards efficient water treatment processes in recent years. In this study, we explore the efficacy of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites with graphene and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as promising adsorbents of pharmaceutical contaminants. The LDH nanocomposite has been designed and simulated for the first time, consisting of two layers of sodium hydroxide with a layer of graphene and g-C3N4. We investigated the adsorption performance of LDH, specifically LDH/graphene and LDH/g-C3N4, for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants including acetaminophen (AC), caffeine (CAF), and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ). Through comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations using the reactive forcefield (ReaxFF) software, we investigated the adsorption mechanisms, kinetics, and adsorption capacity of pharmaceutical contaminants onto these nanocomposite surfaces. Our findings showed that the combination of LDH/graphene had a higher adsorption capacity for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants than LDH/g-C3N4. At 70 Picoseconds (Ps), 124, 129, and 142 molecules of each of the pharmaceutical contaminants AC, CAF and SMZ, respectively, had been adsorbed by LDH/graphene, with a higher exothermic energy equating to −1111, −1015, and −1150 × 103 kJ/mol, respectively. On the other hand, for LDH/g-C3N4 at 70 Ps, 108, 110, and 120 molecules of AC, CAF and SMZ, respectively, had been adsorbed, with exothermic energy equating to −978, −948, and −1173 × 103 kJ/mol, respectively. Finally, we calculated the electronic properties, including the band gap and density of state of the nanocomposite materials, to check their effect on the adsorption process. In addition, the results showed that the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order model, while the adsorption isotherms for AC, CAF and SMZ adhered to the Langmuir model.

Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries, Nanocomposite Materials and Applications

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are pivotal in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage systems. The broader adoption of LIBs hinges on advancements in their safety, cost-effectiveness, cycle life, energy density, and rate capability. While traditional LIBs already benefit from composite materials in components such as the cathode, anode, and separator, the integration of nanocomposite materials presents significant potential for enhancing these properties. Nanocomposites, including carbon–oxide, polymer–oxide, and silicon-based variants, are engineered to optimize key performance metrics, such as electrical conductivity, structural stability, capacity, and charging/discharging efficiency. Recent research has focused on refining these composites to overcome existing limitations in energy density and cycle life, thus paving the way for the next generation of LIB technologies. Despite these advancements, challenges related to high production costs and scalability remain substantial barriers to the widespread commercial deployment of nanocomposite-enhanced LIBs. Addressing these challenges is essential for realizing the full potential of these advanced materials, thereby driving significant improvements in the performance and practical applications of LIBs across various industries.

Significantly improved energy storage performance of polyetherimide-based dielectric composites via employing core-shell organic-semiconductor@BaTiO3 nanoparticles

With fast development of modern industries and electrical systems, polymer dielectrics are urgently demanded to have high discharged energy density (Ud) in elevated temperature. In this paper, novel core-shell poly [2-((3,6,7,10,11-pentakis (hexyloxy) triphenylene-2-yl) oxy) ethyl methacrylate] (PHT) coated barium titanate nanoparticles (BT) (denoted as PHT@BT) are prepared, and then incorporate into polyetherimide (PEI) matrix via solution blending method. Semi-conductive organic shell layer can not only promote the dispersion and compatibility of BT nanoparticles but also construct deep trap. As a result, 0.3 wt% PHT@BT/PEI composites achieve maximal Ud of 7.62 J cm−3 at 641 MV m−1 and room temperature, which is 1.93 times that of pure PEI film (3.93 J cm−3 at 461 MV m−1). Importantly, the Ud of 4.86 J cm−3 is obtained at 150 °C. This work provides superior interfacial modifier for inorganic nanofiller, which is of great significance for the fabrication of polymer-based nanocomposites with superior Ud.

Recent Progress on the Synthesis, Morphological Topography, and Battery Applications of Polypyrrole-Based Nanocomposites

Recent Progress on the Synthesis, Morphological Topography, and Battery Applications of Polypyrrole-Based Nanocomposites

MOF incorporated Polyethersulfone/Polylactic Acid ultrafiltration membranes for the catalytic removal of dyes via persulfate activation

This study synthesized novel nanocellulose/zeolitic Imidazolate Framework nanocomposite blended Polyethersulfone/Polylactic Acid (PES/PLA-CNF@ZIF-8) membranes through a modified phase inversion process. This is the first time that a nanocellulose-MOF composite catalytic nanomaterial has been synthesized and used as an additive in polymeric membranes. The morphology and chemical structure of the membranes and nanoparticles were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) respectively. Membrane wettability and crystalline structure were characterised by contact angle, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis respectively. CNF@ZIF-8 modified membranes showed improved contact angle which decreased from 76° in the pristine membranes to 40° in 2 wt% membranes, bulk porosity increased from 74.3.3 % to 81.06 % while the pure water flux increased from 208.30 Lm-2h−1 to 348.73 Lm-2h−1. Further, the modified membranes showed an increase in surface roughness reaching 84.14 nm in 2 wt% membranes. The synthesized membranes have been used as catalysts in the activation of persulfate to degrade Rhodamine B dye. The modified membranes displayed a high catalytic effect (>90 %) in activating persulfate to degrade RhB dye when compared to pristine membranes which showed a degradation efficiency of < 35 %. The study found that the optimum parameters for pH, membrane (catalyst) dosage, oxidant and initial dye concentration were 5, 0.3 g, 0.4 mM and 10 ppm respectively. Quenching experiments showed that •SO4- and •OH radicals were responsible for the dye degradation, with •SO4- radicals playing a major role in the oxidative degradation of the RhB dye. The synthesized membranes showed good stability when tested within five cycles, with the membranes showing degradation efficiency ranging from 92.1 % in the 1st cycle to 91.9 % in the 3rd cycle, before decreasing to 75.3 % in the 5th cycle. This study has therefore shown that the synthesized PES/PLA-CNF@ZIF-8 membranes have potential for use as catalysts in the degradation of cationic dyes in wastewater treatment through persulfate activation.

Fabrication of CuS-MoO3 nanocomposite for high-performance photocatalysis and biosensing

The design and development of highly efficient nanostructure materials for photocatalytic and electrochemical applications is very necessary. In this study, CuS-MoO3 nanocomposite (NCs) was fabricated using a simple wet impregnation process and the photodegradation potential for 8 major hazardous dyes and electrochemical sensing of Dopamine was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform - Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were employed for characterization. Fabricated NCs are made up of CuS in the hexagonal phase and MoO3 in the orthorhombic phase, both of which react to UV light. Optical and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results show that improved photocatalytic performance is related to increased UV light spectrum sensitivity, inhibited charge carrier recombination, and decreased band gap energy in the NCs. Experimental findings showed that CuS-MoO3 (CMS) NCs had substantially more photocatalytic degradation activity than pure MoO3 and CuS nanoparticles (NPs). The prepared CMS NCs were then used for electrochemical analysis of Dopamine (DA). Electroanalytical results showed that the CMS NCs had enhanced electrochemical activity towards DA. The constructed sensor has a limit of detection of (6.61 µM) and proved that it is capable of being a sensor.

Fluka and microshield simulation assessment of nuclear radiation attenuation by binary nanocomposites

In this work, a theoretical simulation study using the FLUKA software was implemented to estimate the diverse values of radiation shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, μm, mean free path, MFP, atomic cross-section, σa, effective removal cross-sections for fast neutrons, ΣR, effective electron density, Neff, and effective atomic number, Zeff, for various composition concentrations of nano bentonite doped with N–HgO. The prepared nanocomposite materials were characterized by using XRD, and SEM to establish the morphological and structural properties. It was found that both the value of density and, μm, increase by increasing the concentration of N–HgO. The study focused on the prepared composite's computerized shielding behavior in the region of 81 to 2.614 × 103 keV. The mass attenuation coefficient was determined at different photon energies for example at 1173 keV for 0% N–HgO μm was 0.054 but cm2/g it was found to be 0.058 cm2/g for 40% N–HgO, and at 1332 keV was 0.055 cm2/g for 0% N–HgO, and 0.050 cm2/g for 40% N–HgO. On the other hand the attenuation toward neutrons was established and the effective removal cross-sections for fast neutrons ΣR values increased as the following; 0-Hg (0 wt %) (0.0932 cm−1) < 1-Hg (10 wt %) (0.0948 cm−1) < 2-Hg (20 wt %) (0.0983 cm−1) < 3-Hg (30 wt %) (0.0988 cm−1) < 4-Hg (40 wt %)(0.1019 cm−1). The fact that the 4-Hg (40 wt %) N–HgO within nano bentonite samples has the highest ΣR may be due to the large elemental composition of high-Z. It was concluded that the proposed composite may be used in nuclear safety applications as radiation exposure protection.

Structure and Properties of Poly(Ethylene-co-vinyl Acetate) Nanocomposites with Dual-Functionalized Dolomite Nanoparticles

Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVAc) is a copolymer that consists of non-polar polyethylene (PE) and a polar polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) monomer. PEVAc has high elasticity and is resilient, making it suitable for a variety of applications. However, the tensile strength of this copolymer needs to be improved for specific applications that require enough strength to tolerate high external tension or stress. This study proposed the use of dual-functionalized dolomite nanoparticles (DF-DNPs) composed of polar and non-polar nano-dolomite (P-DNPs and NP-DNPs) as nanofillers to reinforce the PEVAc. PEVAc/DF-DNP film appears to have a more homogeneous mixture, which is better for forming an optimal nanocomposite material. It also exhibits the highest tensile strength (10.48 MPa), elongation at break (1175.73%), and tensile toughness (62.12 MPa), which are higher by increments of 46.8%, 9.4%, and 20.3%, respectively, as compared to the neat PEVAc. The result proved that using DF-DNPs as a nanofiller can improve the strength of PEVAc while maintaining its flexibility to avoid brittleness of the nanocomposite film. Furthermore, its thermal characteristics were also successfully enhanced. A biostability assessment showed that the use of DF-DNPs as nanofiller caused the PEVAc copolymer to achieve the best water resistance, as it only exhibited a 2.63% weight increase, the lowest reduction in tensile properties among the studied fillers, and the best retention in surface degradation upon 3-month exposure to the in vitro environment. These findings indicate that the DF-DNPs help in developing a homogeneous nanocomposite by interacting with PE and PVAc.

Rhodamine-B degradation, chromium removal and bactericidal potential of Cu–ZnO@ZrO2 nanoneedles fabricated via green route

Nanoparticles are being used for diverse environmental as well as biomedical applications due to their versatile features. In current work, a facile green synthesis route was employed for the fabrication of Cu–ZnO@ZrO2 nano-needles (NNs) using Momordica charantia (MC) stem extract and ZrO2 was used as a precursor along with CuCl2 and ZnCl2. UV–Vis and FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of Cu–ZnO@ZrO2 NNs. XRD studies confirmed orthorhombic geometry and FE-SEM images confirmed needle like structure of the prepared Cu–ZnO@ZrO2. Catalytic potential of the synthesized NNs was evaluated in terms of its efficiency towards degradation of rhodamine-B (Rh–B) dye. Degradation was achieved up to 98 % in 14 min in the presence of NNs. Conditions were optimized for the maximum removal of the dye using ascorbic acid (AA) as a reducing agent. Synthesized NNs sample was tested against another toxic pollutant i.e. Cr (VI) that was removed up to 65 % from aqueous medium. Promising antibacterial activity of the NNs was recorded against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. The results of the current study revealed promising features of NNs suggesting its use for the removal of microorganisms, organic and metallic pollutants. Authors would strongly suggest the fabrication of nanocomposites of same composition for the treatment of toxic pollutants in aqueous medium.

Investigation of mechanical and electrical properties of photopolymer nanocomposites reinforced with carbon‐based nanoparticles produced by digital light processing 3D printing technique

AbstractDigital Light Processing (DLP) techniques are being increasingly investigated to create advanced composite materials with improved properties by incorporating a variety of nanoparticles. In this study, the mechanical and electrical properties of photopolymer nanocomposite materials reinforced with carbon‐based nanoparticles produced by DLP were investigated. The nanocomposites were produced by incorporating varying proportions of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT), reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO), and combinations of Carbon Black and Carbon Nanotubes (CB/CNT) into the photopolymer matrix. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were assessed by tensile testing, while their electrical conductivity was determined using the four‐point probe technique. This study was the first to investigate the most effective concentrations of three distinct carbon‐based nanoparticles and the impact of their homogeneous distribution on the performance of composites with a holistic approach. The morphological analysis of the composites, conducted using optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), revealed the critical role of nanoparticle distribution in determining composite properties. The findings indicate that the incorporation of nanoparticles at low proportions (up to 0.5 wt%) resulted in a significant improvement, with up to an 82% increase in the ultimate tensile strength of the photopolymer. Nevertheless, as the nanoparticle ratio increased, a rise in material brittleness and a decrease in mechanical strength were observed. On the other hand, electrical conductivity showed a significant increase when the percolation threshold was exceeded in the composites reinforced with MWCNT (0.5%wt) and CB/CNT (0.75%wt).Highlights The properties of DLP composites with carbon nanoparticles are investigated. SEM analysis shows nanoparticle dispersion's key role in composite performance. 0.5% rGO reinforcement boosts tensile strength by up to 82%. Conductivity surges at 0.5% MWCNT, surpassing the percolation threshold. High nanoparticle ratios increase composite brittleness.

Fabrication of magnetic Cu2O nanocomposites for enhanced iodide removal: Adsorption properties, mechanism and application

The presence of iodine in water poses significant health risks to humans and aquatic ecosystems, necessitating the development of efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. Here, we present Fe3O4/Ti3C2Tx/Cu2O-Cu nanocomposites as high-performance adsorbents for iodide removal. A multistep process was utilized in the fabrication of the nanocomposite, which involved the modification of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with polydopamine (PDA) and the assembly of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, followed by the growth of Cu2O/Cu nanoparticles. The nanocomposites showed a maximum iodide adsorption capacity of 41.34 mg/g at 25 °C, following quasi second-order adsorption kinetics and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. A thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous. Additionally, the nanocomposite displayed excellent selectivity for iodide despite competing anions and retained over 50 % of its adsorption capacity after two washing cycles. A mechanistic investigation indicated that the removal of iodide was primarily due to the formation of insoluble CuI under acidic conditions and surface complexation between Cu2O and iodide under neutral conditions. Owing to its high adsorption capacity, good selectivity, magnetic separability, and reusability, the Fe3O4/Ti3C2Tx/Cu2O-Cu nanocomposite offers great promise for the effective remediation of iodide-contaminated water. This study provides valuable insights into the development and application of advanced functional materials for addressing the critical issue of water pollution due to iodine.