Nanoporous Carbon Research Articles

Collapsed N&S dual-doped carbon nanocages as high-density anode for ultrahigh volumetric performance of Li-ion batteries

Compact lithium-ion batteries for miniaturized devices require high-volumetric-performance anodes. Either the graphite with high density or the porous nanocarbons with high gravimetric performance is limited in volumetric performance. Herein, we construct a series of anode materials, i.e. the collapsed carbon nanocages with different dopants, by capillarity compression, which achieves a high density of ∼0.97 g cm−3 but remains abundant micropores with increased active sites and enlarged interlayer distance. The N&S dual-doping redistributes the charges of sp2 carbon to an optimal status, leading to the high Li-ion capacity, meanwhile facilitates the wettability at the electrode/electrolyte interface, leading to the enhanced Li-ion diffusion coefficient. Accordingly, the collapsed N&S dual-doped carbon nanocages (cNSCNC) anode exhibits a record-high volumetric capacity of 1578 mAh cm−3 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate capability and cycling stability, thus achieving an ultrahigh volumetric energy density of 1087 Wh L−1 at 120 W L−1 for the cNSCNC//LiFePO4 full cell.

2D magnetic nanoporous carbon with bridge-type aptamer assembly for pesticide detection based on a regenerative field-effect transistor biosensor

Field-effect transistor (FET)-based biosensors have garnered attention due to their sensitivity to surface charge changes and advantages in real-time detection. However, these biosensors often suffer from several disadvantages such as their limited sensitivity and a high cost. Here, we reported an ultra-sensitive and reusable nanoporous-based FET biosensor hybridized with bridge-type aptamers. The sensor consisted of a two-dimensional magnetic iron-cobalt nanoparticle-embedded nanoporous carbon (Fe-Co/NPC) functionalized with bridge-type aptamers. The edges of the nanopores exhibited high surface energy and chemical activity, enabling effective interactions with the aptamers. Moreover, the nanoporous structures provided additional space, which could improve molecular recognition sites and sensor sensitivity. Our sensor could be used to detect organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in vegetables down to 100 fM in real time and identify OPs from other pesticides. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of Fe-Co/NPC allowed us to reuse a single sensor chip up to 8 times, which significantly reduced the production cost of our sensors. In this respect, our Fe-Co/NPC-FET sensor could be a powerful tool for practical applications such as food safety detection.

Electrospun Na3MnTi(PO4)3/C film: A multielectron-reaction and free-standing cathode for sodium-ion batteries

With the continuous advancement of renewable energy sources, sodium-ion batteries are currently regarded as highly promising technologies for large-scale electric energy storage. The compound Na3MnTi(PO4)3 has garnered significant attention owing to its exceptional theoretical capacity, robust structural stability, and abundant availability of resources. Herein, hierarchical carbon-decorated Na3MnTi(PO4)3 nanofibers are synthesized via a feasible electrospinning technique followed by pyrolysis, effectively addressing the issue of poor electronic conductivity in phosphate cathodes. The free-standing Na3MnTi(PO4)3/C electrode serves as a cathode for sodium-ion batteries, exhibiting exceptional electronic conductivity and superior Na+ transport capability. Moreover, it demonstrates an impressive reversible capacity of 171.4 mA h g−1 at 0.2C and exhibits outstanding cyclic stability with a capacity retention of 63.7 % after 6300 cycles at 1C. The full cell, assembled with independent Na3MnTi(PO4)3/C cathode and hard carbon anode, exhibits a reversible capacity of 153.7 mA h g−1 at a current density of 10 mA g−1. The in-situ synthesis of nanomaterial particles within interconnected porous nanocarbon fibers can effectively enhance the materials' poor electronic conductivity, thereby further improving their cyclic stability and Na+ transport kinetics.

Wettability Characteristics of Nanoporous Carbon Bricks Incorporated with Al2O3 Phase and Molten Iron in Sustainable and Low‐Carbon Blast Furnace

Analyzing the wetting behavior between carbon brick and molten iron in a blast furnace is crucial for understanding prolonging the furnace's lifespan. This study investigates the wetting behavior between microporous carbon brick and molten iron. The contact angle between the carbon brick and molten iron is measured at various temperatures and carbon saturation conditions, while the microscopic morphology of the reacted interface is examined. Furthermore, the wetting mechanism of molten iron on the carbon brick surface is elucidated. The findings reveal that both the microporous carbon brick and molten iron remain in a never‐wetting state within the furnace. As the temperature rises from 1150 to 1450 °C, the contact angle decreases from 138° to 128°, whereas the initial carbon content in the molten iron increases from 2.6 wt% to 4.1 wt%. Additionally, the initial contact angles gradually increase from 128.3° to 133.6°, with final equilibrium contact angles of 119.2° to 127.0°, indicating a nonwetting state. The carbon dissolution reaction occurs within the carbon matrix region of the microporous carbon brick prior to carbon saturation in the molten iron. Conversely, the presence of a ceramic phase in the ceramic area hampers both chemical erosion and physical penetration of the molten iron.

Rapid preparation of P/O doped nano-porous carbon by microwave method for high-performance supercapacitors

This paper proposes a simple and rapid microwave-assisted phosphorus-oxygen doped porous carbon (P/O-PC) preparation strategy is proposed using potassium citrate, Phytic acid (PA), and ethanol under air atmosphere. PA can be used as both a phosphorus source and a microwave absorbing agent. The P/O-PC500–0.75 has a large specific surface area of 905 cm2/g. P/O doping introduces defects into the carbon structure, which enhances the capacitance of the porous carbon. The P/O-PC500–0.75 demonstrates excellent capacitance values of 330 F/g and 389.4 F/g in 6.0 M KOH and 1.0 M H2SO4, respectively (1 A/g). In addition, the symmetrical supercapacitors assembled with the P/O-PC500–0.75 exhibit good electrochemical stability over 5000 cycles at 5 A/g, with a capacitance loss of only 3.6%. This microwave-assisted strategy offers simplicity in operation and low energy consumption, providing a new and efficient pathway to prepare carbon materials in a fast and simple manner.

A novel approach for facile synthesis of cost-optimal catalyst for high-performance lithium-air battery

We have developed a novel and efficient cathode for advanced lithium-air batteries by employing a new approach and facile strategy. In this method, we prepared core-shell structured ZIF-8@ZIF-67 crystals with epitaxial growth using a hydrothermal technique. By subjecting these crystals to carbonization at a temperature 200 °C higher than the degradation initiation temperature (i.e. 600 °C according to thermogravimetric results), we successfully obtained functionalized nanoporous hybrid carbon materials. These hybrid carbon materials consist of hierarchical nitrogen-doped carbon @ cobalt anchored/nitrogen doped carbon (NC@CNC), where the nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) serves as the core and the cobalt anchored/nitrogen doped carbon (CNC) forms the shell. It is worth noting that electrochemical characterization data strongly support the superior performance of this nanoporous hybrid carbon material. It combines the advantageous properties of individual mesopores of nitrogen-doped carbon and the catalytic activity of cobalt‑nitrogen doped carbon. In particular, the cathode material, i.e. NC@CNC, exhibits a remarkable specific capacitance of 10,000 mAh·g−1, as calculated from the galvanostatic charge-discharge curves obtained at a current density of 50 mA·g−1. This impressive performance highlights the potential of our developed material in enhancing the efficiency and overall performance of lithium-air batteries.

Fabrication of Nanoporous 3D Carbon Nitride from Poly(ionic liquid)s for Regiospecific Synthesis of Benzimidazole Frameworks

Fabrication of Nanoporous 3D Carbon Nitride from Poly(ionic liquid)s for Regiospecific Synthesis of Benzimidazole Frameworks

Facile Fabrication of Hollow Nanoporous Carbon Architectures by Controlling MOF Crystalline Inhomogeneity for Ultra‐Stable Na‐Ion Storage

AbstractHollow nanoporous carbon architectures (HNCs) present significant utilitarian value for a wide variety of applications. Facile and efficient preparation of HNCs has long been pursued but still remains challenging. Herein, we for the first time demonstrate that single‐component metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) crystals, rather than the widely reported hybrid ones which necessitate tedious operations for preparation, could enable the facile and versatile syntheses of functional HNCs. By controlling the growth kinetics, the MOFs crystals (STU‐1) are readily engineered into different shapes with designated styles of crystalline inhomogeneity. A subsequent one‐step pyrolysis of these MOFs with intraparticle difference can induce a simultaneous self‐hollowing and carbonization process, thereby producing various functional HNCs including yolk‐shell polyhedrons, hollow microspheres, mesoporous architectures, and superstructures. Superior to the existing methods, this synthetic strategy relies only on the complex nature of single‐component MOFs crystals without involving tedious operations like coating, etching, or ligand exchange, making it convenient, efficient, and easy to scale up. An ultra‐stable Na‐ion battery anode is demonstrated by the HNCs with extraordinary cyclability (93 % capacity retention over 8000 cycles), highlighting a high level of functionality of the HNCs.

Facile Fabrication of Hollow Nanoporous Carbon Architectures by Controlling MOF Crystalline Inhomogeneity for Ultra-Stable Na-Ion Storage.

Hollow nanoporous carbon architectures (HNCs) present significant utilitarian value for a wide variety of applications. Facile and efficient preparation of HNCs has long been pursued but still remains challenging. Herein, we for the first time demonstrate that single-component metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) crystals, rather than the widely reported hybrid ones which necessitate tedious operations for preparation, could enable the facile and versatile syntheses of functional HNCs. By controlling the growth kinetics, the MOFs crystals (STU-1) are readily engineered into different shapes with designated styles of crystalline inhomogeneity. A subsequent one-step pyrolysis of these MOFs with intraparticle difference can induce a simultaneous self-hollowing and carbonization process, thereby producing various functional HNCs including yolk-shell polyhedrons, hollow microspheres, mesoporous architectures, and superstructures. Superior to the existing methods, this synthetic strategy relies only on the complex nature of single-component MOFs crystals without involving tedious operations like coating, etching, or ligand exchange, making it convenient, efficient, and easy to scale up. An ultra-stable Na-ion battery anode is demonstrated by the HNCs with extraordinary cyclability (93 % capacity retention over 8000 cycles), highlighting a high level of functionality of the HNCs.

Structural and electrophysical properties of nanoporous carbon materials obtained from apricot pits

The dependencies of the electrophysical characteristics of nanoporous carbon material (NCM) on the compaction degree of its particles have been investigated in the presented study. It has been found that the maximum value of the electrical conductivity is achieved at a pressure of 2.5 MPa. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the formation of O-compounds on the surface of the studied materials leads to a decrease in electrical conductivity. The correlation between structural-adsorption and electrical-conductive properties of NCMs has been established. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that an increase in the amount of potassium hydroxide results in a decrease in electrical conductivity due to the breakdown of small carbon particles and an increase in contact resistance, while the specific surface area enlarges due to the development of porosity and an increase in the total pore volume.

Dual-Limit Growth of Large-Area Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides.

The large-scale growth of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) films is a determinant for the implementation of two-dimensional materials in industrial applications. However, the simultaneous realization of uniform monolayer thickness and large-area coverage is still a challenge, because it requires precise control of reaction kinetics in both space and time dimensions. Herein, we achieve a variety of large-area monolayer TMDCs films by a dual-limit growth (DLG) that is realized through nanoporous carbon nanotube (CNT) films. In the DLG, a precursor-loaded CNT film placed face-to-face with a substrate provides a space-limited environment facilitating the monolayer growth, while the byproducts formed in the CNT film timely limits the supply of precursors released from nanopores of the CNT film, inhibiting the growth of multilayer TMDCs on the substrate. Consequently, large-area monolayer TMDC films are grown in a wide range of reaction times and show good homogeneity in thickness, optical properties, and device performance over the entire substrate. The DLG strategy is widely applicable for the growth of a variety of TMDC films including WSe2, MoS2, MoSe2, WS2, and ReS2. Our work provides a universal strategy to attain large-area monolayer TMDC films that can be used in practical applications of integrated circuits.

Disjoining Pressure Decay Length in Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids: A Molecular Simulation Study.

We present all-atom molecular simulations to investigate the behavior of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMIM][BF4]) in negatively charged carbon nanopores of different widths (h = 5÷15 nm) and lengths (l = 4÷10 nm). The goal of our study was to determine how the disjoining pressure varies as a function of the pore width at different lengths and to understand the influence of edge effects. Our results show that the edge effect decreases as the pore length increases. Using an exponential function, we can approximate the disjoining pressure at large pore widths and use this approximation to estimate the decay length that can correlate with the electrostatic screening length. The results agreed well with those of previous experimental studies.

Electrochemical biosensor for rapid and sensitive monitoring of sulfadimethoxine based on nanoporous carbon and aptamer system

In this study, a straightforward electrochemical aptasensor was developed to detect sulfadimethoxine (SDM). It included a glassy carbon electrode decorated by boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) and aptamer-functionalized nanoporous carbon (APT/CZ). CZ was first synthesized by calcinating a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8). Then, the electroactive dye methylene blue (MB) was entrapped inside its pores. By attaching aptamer to the CZ surface, APT/CZ acted as a bioguard, which prevented the MB release. Therefore, the electrochemical signal of the entrapped MB was high in the absence of SDM. Introducing SDM caused the conformation of aptamers to change, and a large number of MB was released, which was removed by washing. Therefore, the detection strategy was done based on the change in the electrochemical signal intensity of MB. The aptasensor was applied to detect SDM at a concentration range of 10−17 to 10−7 M with a detection limit of 3.6 × 10−18 M.

Co-hydrothermal carbonization of polystyrene waste and maize stover combined with KOH activation to develop nanoporous carbon as catalyst support for catalytic hydrotreating of palm oil

Plastic waste is massively generated daily from households, mainly as packaging material, causing serious surrounding ecological problems. The development of plastic waste for higher value-added applications instead of landfilling and incineration has received consideration interest in bioenergy and material science research. Herein, a nanoporous carbon support of nickel phosphide catalyst for palm oil hydrotreating was developed from blended polystyrene waste and maize stover via the Co-hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) coupled with the KOH activation process. The Co-HTC parameters, such as temperature, reaction time, and PS percentage, were studied on the properties of co-hydrochar feedstocks for further activation using the Box behnken design. From the comprehensive characterization results, response surface methodology (RSM) results showed that the rising polystyrene proportion significantly exhibited the higher production yield and fixed carbon of co-hydrochar products, an essential characteristic for porous carbon manufacturing. After activation step, the final nanoporous carbon derived from the co-hydrochar (PMPC) exhibited the highest specific surface area of 1033.58 m2/g with total pore volume of 0.45 cm3/g. Moreover, the PCMC-supported nickel phosphide catalysts were successfully synthesized and tested for the catalytic hydrotreating of palm oil as alternative catalyst. The NiP-PMPC catalyst represents an impressive liquid hydrocarbon yield of 74.68 % with a high green diesel selectivity of 85.92 % at 100 % palm oil conversion. The findings of this study might help develop and utilize blended plastic waste and agricultural waste as an alternate catalytic support for various processes in biofuel and biochemical synthesis.

Multiplex signal amplification for ultrasensitive CRP assay via integrated electrochemical biosensor array using MOF-derived carbon material and aptamers

Accurate and precise detection of disease-associated proteins, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), remains a challenge in biosensor development. Herein, we present a novel approach－an integrated disposable aptasensor array－designed for precise, ultra-sensitive, and parallel detection of CRP in plasma samples. This integrated biosensing array platform enables multiplex parallel testing, ensuring the accuracy and reliability in sample analysis. The ultra-sensitivity of this biosensor is achieved through multiplex signal amplification. Leveraging the superior conductivity and extensive surface area of MOF-derived nanoporous carbon material (CMOF), the biosensor enhances recognition elements (aptamers) by catalyzing the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) label enzyme reaction to multiply the number of probe molecules. Optimized conditions yielded exceptional performance, exhibiting high accuracy (relative standard deviation, RSD≤10.0 %), a low detection limit (0.3 pg/mL, S/N = 3), ultra-sensitivity (0.16 μA/ng mL−1 mm−2), and a rapid response (seven parallel tests within 60 min). Importantly, this multi-unit integrated disposable aptasensor array accurately quantified CRP in human serum, demonstrating comparable results to commercial enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This technology showcases promise for detecting various biomarkers using a unified approach, presenting an appealing strategy for early disease diagnosis and biological analysis.

Preparation of Nanoporous Carbon from Rice Husk with Improved Textural Characteristics for Hydrogen Sorption

This study proposes a method to control the pore-forming process by performing preliminary mechanical activation of the initial rice husk before carbonization. Preliminary mechanical activation of the initial rice husk leads to the loosening of the intercellular substance and its partial depolymerization, thereby increasing the availability of its internal structure for pore formation during carbonization and chemical activation. Using the method described above, nanoporous carbon was obtained with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET)-calculated specific surface area of 2713 m2/g, a micropore specific surface area calculated by using the Dubinina–Radushkevich (D-R) method of 3099 m2/g, and a total pore volume calculated by using the Barett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) method of 1.625 cm3/g. Due to these characteristics, the adsorption capacity in the obtained sample was for hydrogen 3.7 wt.% at a temperature of −190 °C and a pressure of 9 kgf/cm2, which is 29.7% higher than the adsorption capacity of nanoporous carbon obtained based on rice husk without mechanical activation. The composite “carbon–platinum” NC-2/Pt10%, at a temperature of 20 °C and a pressure of 9 kgf/cm2, showed an increase in sorption capacity of 27% compared to pure nanoporous carbon NC-2, which is explained by the emergence of the spillover effect.

Highly exposed active sites of MOFs-derived N-doped nanoporous carbon decorated with platinum for enhanced energy storage application

The depletion of traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, has prompted the direct synthesis of materials with high-capacity performance for energy storage applications. Nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) derived from Zeolite imidazole framework ZIF-8 stands out as a prime candidate for the development of electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) due to their high stability and versatile morphology. In this study, the surface of NPC supported onto nickel foam (NF) was decorated with platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using an efficient and cost-effective electrodeposition method. The electrodeposition conditions were evaluated in the form of deposition potential and time. PtNPs-decorated NPC electrode deposited at −0.4 V for 120 s shows outstanding properties compared to other electrodes. The electrochemical properties of fabricated electrodes were assessed in 6 M KOH using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The PtNPs-NPC at −0.4 V electrode demonstrated a remarkable characteristic specific capacitance (Cs) of 1700 ± 1.12 F g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. This electrode displayed high cyclic stability, with only a 2.0 % reduction in its capacitance retention over 5000 cycles. The Cs of PtNPs-NPC at −0.4 V smoothly declined in the first 1000 cycles from 1164.73 ± 1.02 to 1153.20 ± 1.16 F g−1, with a retention of 99.01 %. Even after 5000 cycles, it becomes 1142.25 ± 1.16 F g−1 with a retention of 98.07 %. PtNPs-decorated NPC at −0.4 V also showcased the highest energy density (E) and power density (P) of 80 ± 1.11 Wh kg−1, and 1038.42 ± 1.32 W kg−1, respectively. In contrast, the pristine NPC exhibited an E, and P of 25.0 ± 1.92 Wh kg−1, and 882.0 ± 1.52 W kg−1, respectively. Our strategy demonstrates a new strategy for decoration of NPC surface, opening up possibilities for further exploration of different NPs to engineer promising electrode materials for supercapacitor (SCs) applications.

Self-Supporting Nanoporous Carbon Films with Single-Atom Co–N–C Sites as Hosts for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Self-Supporting Nanoporous Carbon Films with Single-Atom Co–N–C Sites as Hosts for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

The electrical switching and the non-linear conduction of nanoporous carbon based on organic xerogel

The electrical switching and the non-linear conduction of nanoporous carbon based on organic xerogel

Short-Time Magnetron Sputtering for the Development of Carbon-Palladium Nanocomposites.

In recent nanomaterials research, combining nanoporous carbons with metallic nanoparticles, like palladium (Pd), has emerged as a focus due to their potential in energy, environmental and biomedical fields. This study presents a novel approach for synthesizing Pd-decorated carbons using magnetron sputter deposition. This method allows for the functionalization of nanoporous carbon surfaces with Pd nano-sized islands, creating metal-carbon nanocomposites through brief deposition times of up to 15 s. The present research utilized direct current magnetron sputtering to deposit Pd islands on a flexible activated carbon cloth substrate. The surface chemistry, microstructure, morphology and pore structure were analyzed using a variety of material characterization techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, gas sorption analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed Pd islands of varying sizes distributed across the cloth's carbon fibers, achieving high-purity surface modifications without the use of chemicals. The synthesis method preserves the nanoporous structure of the carbon cloth substrate while adding functional Pd islands, which could be potentially useful in emerging fields like hydrogen storage, fuel cells and biosensors. This approach demonstrates the possibility of creating high-quality metal-carbon composites using a simple, clean and economical method, expanding the possibilities for future nanomaterial-based applications.