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[Display omitted] Lithium metal is deemed a promising anode material for the next-generation batteries with high specific energy. Unfortunately, the growth of Li dendrites and infinite volume change during cycling, caused by the "hostless" feature of metallic Li, have posed a great challenge to the commercialization of Li metal anode. The introduction of appropriate host materials for Li metal is highly desirable. In this work, a N, P dual-doped 3D carbon derived from low-cost quantitative filter paper (NPCQP) is designed and fabricated for direct using as a host for Li metal anode. The resulting NPCQP host achieves a high deposition/stripping Coulombic efficiency of above 97.5 % with a low nucleation overpotential. Moreover, the NPCQP@Li symmetric cells enable an excellent long-term cycling performance (1000 h) with an ultralow voltage hysteresis (12 mV) and stable interface behavior. When paired with the commercial LiFePO 4 cathode, the full cell with NPCQP@Li anode displays impressive long-term cyclic stability and rate capability, outperforming the counter cell with bare Li anode. This contribution sheds light on the rational design of viable host for practical lithium metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous carbon encapsulated non-precious metal nanocatalysts have recently opened the ways towards the development of high-performance water remediation and energy conversion technologies. Herein, we report a facile, scalable and green synthetic methodology to fabricate porous carbon encapsulated transition metal nanocatalysts (M@TP: M = Cu, Ni, Fe and Co) using commercial tissue paper. The morphology, crystalline structure, chemical composition and textural properties of the M@TP nanocatalysts were thoroughly characterized. The catalytic activity of the M@TP nanocatalysts was investigated for the degradation of Congo red (CR) via peroxymonosulfate activation. Co@TP-6 was found to be the most active catalyst allowing 97.68% degradation in 30 min with a higher rate constant of 0.109 min−1. The nanocatalysts also displayed a carbon shell thickness-dependent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity, most likely due to the shielding effect of the carbon layers over the electron transfer (ET) processes at the metal core/carbon interfaces. Remarkably, the Ni@TP-6 electrocatalyst, with the smaller carbon shell thickness, showed the best electrocatalytic performance. They delivered an ultralow onset potential of −30 mV vs RHE, an overpotential of 105 mV at a current density of 10 mA·cm−2 and an excellent electrochemical stability to keep the 92% of the initial current applied after 25000 s, which is comparable with the HER activity of the state-of-the-art Ni-based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a high-active metal-free electrocatalyst for NH 3 production via NO reduction reaction, honeycomb carbon nanofiber achieves an NH 3 yield of 22.35 μmol h−1 cm−2 with a high Faradaic efficiency of 88.33%. [Display omitted] Electrocatalytic NO reduction is a promising technology for ambient NO removal with simultaneous production of highly value-added NH 3. Herein, we report that honeycomb carbon nanofiber coated on carbon paper acts as an efficient metal-free catalyst for ambient electroreduction of NO to NH 3. In 0.2 M Na 2 SO 4 solution, such catalyst achieves an NH 3 yield of 22.35 μmol h−1 cm−2 with a high Faradaic efficiency of up to 88.33%. Impressively, it also shows excellent stability for 10-h continuous electrolysis. Theoretical calculations reveal that the most active center of functional groups is –OH group for NO reduction with a low energy barrier (ΔG of 0.29 eV) for the potential-determining step (*NO + H → *HNO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Component selection is crucial for microwave absorbents. Multi-component absorbers are increasingly useful and can be prepared through the rational design and control of various electrical, magnetic, and other auxiliary components. In this paper, Ni 3 Fe/NiFe 2 O 4 nanospheres with two-phase magnetism were designed for use as a multi-component absorber. Specifically, a Ni 3 Fe/ NiFe 2 O 4 @SPC composite with 3D networks was successfully fabricated by hydrothermal method, high-temperature carbonization for activation, and electrostatic self-assembly. The contact interface and coupling effect between the two magnetic components can promote the attenuation of electromagnetic waves. Moreover, the introduction of porous carbon successfully inhibits the easy aggregation of the magnetic particles. Impressively, with a filling load of 10 wt%, the optimal RL of the prepared Ni 3 Fe/NiFe 2 O 4 @SPC composite reaches −60.6 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth is 5.2 GHz at 2 mm. The combination of two magnetic components and porous carbon in this multiphase microwave-absorbing composite demonstrates a feasible strategy for designing efficient microwave absorbers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The 2H-MoS 2 /nitrogen-doped carbon (2H-MoS 2 /NC) composite is a promising anode material for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Various transition metal doping has been adopted to optimize the poor intrinsic electronic conductivity and lack of active sites in the intralayer of 2H-MoS 2. However, its optimization mechanisms have not been well probed. In this paper, using Cobalt (Co) as an example, we aim to investigate the influence of transition metal doping on the electronic and mechanical properties and electrochemical performance of 2H-MoS 2 /NC via first-principles calculation. Co doping is found to be effective in improving the electronic conductivity and the areas of active sites on different positions (C surface, interface, and MoS 2 surface) of 2H-MoS 2 /NC. The increased active sites can optimize K adsorption and diffusion capability/processes, where general smaller K adsorption energies and diffusion energy barriers are found after Co doping. This helps improve the rate performance. Especially, the pyridinic N (pyN), pyrrolic N (prN), and graphitic N (grN) are first unveiled to respectively work best in K kinetic adsorption, diffusion, and interfacial stability. These findings are instructive to experimental design of high rate 2H-MoS 2 /NC electrode materials. The roles of different N types provide new ideas for optimal design of other functional composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fig. 3 Overview of the application of BDC materials in VRFB. [Display omitted] Biomass-derived carbon (BDC) materials are suitable as electrode or catalyst materials for vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB), owing to the characteristics of vast material sources, environmental friendliness, and multifarious structures. A timely and comprehensive review of the structure and property significantly facilitates the development of BDC materials. Here, the paper starts with the preparation of biomass materials, including carbonization and activation. It is designed to summarize the lastest developments in BDC materials of VRFB in four different structural dimensions from zero dimension (0D) to three dimension (3D). Every dimension begins with meticulously selected examples to introduce the structural characteristics of materials and then illustrates the improved performance of the VRFB due to the structure. Simultaneously, challenges, solutions, and prospects are indicated for the further development of BDC materials. Overall, this review will help researchers select excellent strategies for the fabrication of BDC materials, thereby facilitating the use of BDC materials in VRFB design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The development of highly efficient piezocatalysts has attracted widespread attention for energy conversion and pollution abatement. This paper reports for the first time exceptional piezocatalytic properties of a Zn- and N -codoped porous carbon piezocatalyst (Zn-N x -C) derived from the zeolitic imidazolium framework-8 (ZIF-8) for both hydrogen production and degradation of organic dyes. The Zn-N x -C catalyst has a high specific surface area of 810.6 m2/g and retains the dodecahedron structure of ZIF-8. Under ultrasonic vibration, the hydrogen production rate of Zn-N x -C has achieved 6.29 mmol/g/h, surpassing most recently reported piezocatalysts. Additionally, the Zn-N x -C catalyst demonstrates a 94% degradation efficiency for organic rhodamine B (RhB) dye during 180 min of ultrasonic vibration. This work sheds new light on the potential of ZIF-based materials in the field of piezocatalysis and provides a promising avenue for future developments in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Fluorescent solid-state carbon dots have drawn significant attention because of their intriguing optical properties, e.g., broad absorption, stable fluorescence, etc. However, obtaining the fluorescent solid-state carbon dots with a long-wavelength emission is still a challenging problem due to the notorious aggregation-induced quenching problem. In this paper, a technically feasible and low-cost approach for preparing fluorescent solid-state carbon dots is presented. The carbon dots are encapsulated in the nanoporous glass using the solution-phase-doping method. The size of nanoporous glass is tuned to 4.95 nm by regulating the ratio of boron to silicon to match the prepared CDs. Owing to the physical isolation and chemical connection of the -C-O-Si functional groups, the CDs are dispersed uniformly into the nanochannels of nanoporous glass. In this way, the aggregation-induced quenching problem of carbon dots is solved. The experiment results show that the photoluminescence has the excitation-independent emission at 609 nm, i.e., the prepared solid-state carbon dots are with orange fluorescence. More importantly, the solid-state carbon dots preserve orange fluorescence after heating treatment (400 °C) in the ambient atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and construction of advanced electrode materials is important to the development of high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices. In this paper, V-doped 1T MoS 2 nanosheets with a large layer spacing are grown on carbon cloth (CC) via a one-step hydrothermal method. The resulting material features abundant edge sites and active centers, and its large layer spacing facilitates the interlayer shuttle of Na+. Doping with V buffers the volume change and maintains the integrity of MoS 2. The layered structure of the composite featuring CC as a conductive substrate effectively prevents the agglomeration of MoS 2 during the electrochemical process. When used as an anode material for a Na+ battery, the material displays a high first-cycle irreversible discharge specific capacity of 1234.9 mAh g−1. A specific capacity of 453.2 mAh g−1 is obtained after 100 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g−1. This work provides an effective and eco-friendly route toward obtaining superior MoS 2 electrodes for high-performance Na+ storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel N and B co-doped double-layered mesopore-rich hollow carbon microspheres (B, N -DHCM) is prepared. • The B, N -DHCM shows enhanced capacitive properties compared to undoped DHCM. • B and N co-doping offers pseudocapacitance for enhancing the capacitive properties. • Unique double-layered mesopore-rich hollow structure gives good capacitive properties. In this paper, double-layered mesopore-rich hollow carbon microspheres (DHCM) were prepared by a Stöber method using tetraethyl orthosilicate, resorcinol and formaldehyde as precursor materials, and further utilized as carbon sources to prepare the boron and nitrogen co-doped double-layered mesopore-rich hollow carbon microspheres (B, N -DHCM) by hydrothermal approach utilizing ammonium tetraborate tetrahydrate (NH 4 B 5 O 8 ·4H 2 O) as boron and nitrogen sources. Compared with the undoped DHCM, the as-obtained B, N -DHCM displays improved capacitive properties with a high specific capacitance (221.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), good rate performance (104.1 F g−1 at 20 A g−1) and superior cycle life (91% of capacitance retention at 3 A g−1 after 10,000 cycles). The outstanding capacitive performances result from the synergistic effect of the unique double-layered mesopore-rich hollow structure contributing to the rate property and cycle stability and the modification of B and N co-doping providing pseudocapacitance for the enhancement of specific capacitance. Therefore, the excellent capacitive behaviors render the B, N -DHCM promising electrode materials for application in supercapacitors and other energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bimodal porous carbon with high specific surface area was synthesized. • BPC is beneficial to improve the electrochemical performance of Li-S battery. • The BPC/S cathode exhibits outstanding cyclic stability and rate performance. With the advantages of excellent theoretical specific capacity and specific energy, lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is regarded as one of promising energy storage systems. However, poor conductivity and shuttle effect of intermediate electrochemical reaction products limit its application. As good sulfur carriers, porous carbon materials can effectively remit these shortcomings. In this paper, a combination of a hydrothermal KOH activation and successive pyrolysis of biomass reed flowers is proposed to prepare a bimodal porous carbon (BPC) material with high specific surface area (1712.6 m2 g−1). The as-obtained low-cost BPC/S cathodes exhibit excellent cycling performance (908 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C after 100 cycles), good rate capability and cyclability (663 mAh g−1 at 1 C after 1000 cycles), as well as a high areal capacity (6.6 mAh cm−2 at 0.1 C after 50 cycles with a sulfur loading of 8.3 mg cm−2). Such excellent electrochemical performance was mainly ascribed to a specific bimodal porous structure with high specific surface area and plenty spaces for sulfur impregnating, which significantly reduces the escape of polysulfides during cycling and guarantees a good cycling stability. Moreover, the secondary class pores (mesopores and micropores) of the material offer plenty of small channels to improve the electronic and ionic transfer rate and, consequently, to enhance the rate capability. The as-synthesized BPC material presents a great potential as a sulfur carrier material for Li-S battery applications. In this work, we also demonstrate a simple route to develop low-cost carbon materials derived from renewable biomass which may expand and promote their use in energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) nanoplates (CNNP) have become a hot research topic in photocatalysis due to their small thickness and large specific surface area that favors charge transport and catalytic surface reactions. However, the wide application of 2D g-C 3 N 4 nanoplates prepared by ordinary methods suffers from increased band gaps with a poor solar harvesting capability caused by the strong quantum confinement effect and reduced conjugation distance. In this paper, a facile approach of exfoliation and the following fast thermal treatment of the bulk g-C 3 N 4 is proposed to obtain a porous few-layered g-C 3 N 4 with nitrogen defects. Due to the preferable crystal, textural, optical and electronic structures, the as-obtained porous CNNP demonstrated a significantly improved photocatalytic activity towards water splitting than the bulk g-C 3 N 4 and even the 3 nm-thick CNNP obtained by sugar-assisted exfoliation of the bulk g-C 3 N 4. The difference in the enhancement factors between the H 2 O splitting and organic decomposition has revealed the effect of N defects. This study offers insightful outlooks on the scalable fabrication of a porous few-layered structure with a promoted photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water splitting is a promising way to promote the utilization of renewable energy. Designing and fabricating electrocatalysts with low cost, high catalytic activity and robust stability is desirable. In response, we prepared carbon shells encapsulating ultrafine β-Mo 2 C nanoparticles with N and P dual-doping as advanced electrocatalyst used for HER in both acidic and alkaline mediums. This paper gives a discussion on element doping and porosity which have influence on the HER performance. As introducing heteroatoms into carbon matrix to create active sites and enhance electron transfer capacity, the as-prepared electrocatalyst exhibits high catalytic activity with low overpotential of 117 mV and 121 mV to achieve current density of 10 mA cm−2 in acidic and alkaline solutions. Due to the strategy of carbon shells encapsulating, the catalyst presents robust stability for a long time at various applied potential. Furthermore, the design idea of using multiple strategies preparing catalysts may serve some inspiration to fabricate advanced electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we investigate the effects of surface mediation on the adsorption behavior of argon at different temperatures on homogeneous graphitized thermal carbon black and on heterogeneous nongraphitized carbon black surface. The grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation is used to study the adsorption, and its performance is tested against a number of experimental data on graphitized thermal carbon black (which is known to be highly homogeneous) that are available in the literature. The surface-mediation effect is shown to be essential in the correct description of the adsorption isotherm because without accounting for that effect the GCMC simulation results are always greater than the experimental data in the region where the monolayer is being completed. This is due to the overestimation of the fluid–fluid interaction between particles in the first layer close to the solid surface. It is the surface mediation that reduces this fluid–fluid interaction in the adsorbed layers, and therefore the GCMC simulation results accounting for this surface mediation that are presented in this paper result in a better description of the data. This surface mediation having been determined, the surface excess of argon on heterogeneous carbon surfaces having solid–fluid interaction energies different from the graphite can be readily obtained. Since the real heterogeneous carbon surface is not the same as the homogeneous graphite surface, it can be described by an area distribution in terms of the well depth of the solid–fluid energy. Assuming a patchwise topology of the surface with patches of uniform well depth of solid–fluid interaction, the adsorption on a real carbon surface can be determined as an integral of the local surface excess of each patch with respect to the differential area. When this is matched against the experimental data of a carbon surface, we can derive the area distribution versus energy and hence the geometrical surface area. This new approach will be illustrated with the adsorption of argon on a nongraphitized carbon at 87.3 and 77 K, and it is found that the GCMC surface area is different from the BET surface area by about 7%. Furthermore, the description of the isotherm in the region of BET validity of 0.06 to 0.2 is much better with our method than with the BET equation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A thermodynamic approach is developed in this paper to describe the behavior of a subcritical fluid in the neighborhood of vapor–liquid interface and close to a graphite surface. The fluid is modeled as a system of parallel molecular layers. The Helmholtz free energy of the fluid is expressed as the sum of the intrinsic Helmholtz free energies of separate layers and the potential energy of their mutual interactions calculated by the 10–4 potential. This Helmholtz free energy is described by an equation of state (such as the Bender or Peng–Robinson equation), which allows us a convenient means to obtain the intrinsic Helmholtz free energy of each molecular layer as a function of its two-dimensional density. All molecular layers of the bulk fluid are in mechanical equilibrium corresponding to the minimum of the total potential energy. In the case of adsorption the external potential exerted by the graphite layers is added to the free energy. The state of the interface zone between the liquid and the vapor phases or the state of the adsorbed phase is determined by the minimum of the grand potential. In the case of phase equilibrium the approach leads to the distribution of density and pressure over the transition zone. The interrelation between the collision diameter and the potential well depth was determined by the surface tension. It was shown that the distance between neighboring molecular layers substantially changes in the vapor–liquid transition zone and in the adsorbed phase with loading. The approach is considered in this paper for the case of adsorption of argon and nitrogen on carbon black. In both cases an excellent agreement with the experimental data was achieved without additional assumptions and fitting parameters, except for the fluid–solid potential well depth. The approach has far-reaching consequences and can be readily extended to the model of adsorption in slit pores of carbonaceous materials and to the analysis of multicomponent adsorption systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the carbon-doped boron nitride nanoplate (C-BNNP) was prepared by pyrolyzing the precursor under N 2 and served as an excellent adsorbent for removal of Rhodamine B (RhB). The structure and composition of C-BNNP were characterized and its adsorption behavior for RhB was investigated. Compared with boron nitride nanoplate (BNNP) which was synthesized under NH 3 , C-BNNP displayed an enhancement of the adsorption capacity for RhB (833 mg/g). The adsorption activity was comprehensibly studied by kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics. The adsorption kinetics followed pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium adsorption data agreed well with the Langmuir isotherm. And the thermodynamics indicated that the adsorption process was a spontaneous, exothermic and physisorption process. In addition, the density functional theory was proposed that doping carbon in the BNNP decreased the chemical hardness of the adsorbent and enhanced the adsorption capacity of C-BNNP for RhB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the importance of the texture and surface chemistry of waste tyre activated carbons in the adsorption of commercial dyes. The adsorption of two commercial dyes, Basic Astrazon Yellow 7GLL and Reactive Rifafix Red 3BN on activated carbons made up of reinforcing fibres from tyre waste and low-rank bituminous coal was studied. The surface chemistry of activated carbons was modified by means of HCl–HNO 3 treatment in order to increase the number of functional groups. Moreover, the influence of the pH on the process was also studied, this factor being of great importance due to the amphoteric characteristics of activated carbons. The activated carbons made with reinforcing fibre and coal had the highest S BET , but the reinforcing fibre activated carbon samples had the highest mesopore volume. The texture of the activated carbons was not modified upon acid oxidation treatment, unlike their surface chemistry which underwent considerable modification. The activated carbons made with a mixture of reinforcing fibre and coal experienced the largest degree of oxidation, and so had more acid surface groups. The adsorption of reactive dye was governed by the mesoporous volume, whilst surface chemistry played only a secondary role. However, the surface chemistry of the activated carbons and dispersive interactions played a key role in the adsorption of the basic dye. The adsorption of the reactive dye was more favored in a solution of pH 2, whereas the basic dye was adsorbed more easily in a solution of pH 12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the results of several prior studies to highlight how the concept of the metal–organic framework/graphite oxide (MOF/GO) composites was developed towards their application as separation media for small molecule gases at ambient conditions. The studies are analyzed from a surface engineering standpoint. The MOF/GO composites have been developed considering both the advantages and drawbacks of the composite components: MOF provided a high porosity and reactive centers and GO a dense array of carbon atoms to increase dispersive interactions. The resulting materials showed a significant enhancement in porosity owing to the formation of pores at the interface of GO and MOF crystals. GO oxygen groups were identified as nucleation sites for the formation of the MOF crystals. Other heteroatoms like N also contributed to that effect and could positively enhance the composites structural/chemical heterogeneity. That heterogeneity governed the excellent performance of the composites as reactive adsorbents of NH 3 , H 2 S, NO 2 and physical adsorbents of CO 2 at ambient conditions. While the MOF structure collapsed upon exposure to toxic gases, it was preserved after CO 2 adsorption indicating the recyclability of these materials. Systematic studies of the composite properties showed that such factors as the GO level of oxidation, flake sizes of a graphite precursor and the geometry of MOF crystals are of paramount importance dictating the final morphology of the composite. The properties of the composites make them potentially suitable for gas sensing or energy harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality carbon nanoparticles with controlled viscosity and high aqueous stability were prepared by liquid-phase laser ablation of a graphite target in deionized water. The size distribution was found to vary from 5 nm to 50 nm with mean size of 18 nm, in the absence of any reducing chemical reagents. Efficient generation of short chain polyynes was recorded for high laser repetition rates. Homogeneous and stable nanoparticle suspensions with viscosities ranging from 0.89 to 12 mPa.s were obtained by suspending the nanoparticles in different solvent mixtures such as glycerol–water and isopropanol–water. Optical properties were investigated by absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy confirmed graphitic-like structure of nanoparticles and the surface chemistry was revealed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrating sufficient electrostatic stabilization to avoid particle coagulation or flocculation. This paper present an exciting alternative method to engineer carbon nanoparticles and their potential use as a ligand-free nano-ink for ink jet printing (jetting) applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) derivatives with amphiphilic side chains composed of polar ester and non-polar alkyl groups (PHEMA#C, #=9, 11, 13, 15, and 17), where # is the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl side groups, were synthesized. In this paper, the influence of ester and alkyl groups on the molecular structure and wettability of the polymers were studied through varying # in the alkyl side groups. PHEMA#Cs with relatively longer alkyl side groups (#⩾15) show bilayer lamellar structures with well aligned side chains giving rise to the very low surface energies, calculated from advancing contact angles, in the range of 22.7–22.8mN/m. In contrast, PHEMA#Cs with shorter alkyl side groups with #⩽13 have disordered structures on the polymer surfaces and stick–slip behavior was observed when water was used as the test liquid for the advancing contact angle measurements. Furthermore, the alignment behavior of nematic liquid crystal, 5CB on the PHEMA#C films could be correlated with the molecular structure and wettability of the polymers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Activated carbons remove waterborne bacteria from potable water systems through attractive Lifshitz–van der Waals forces despite electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged cells and carbon surfaces. In this paper we quantify the interaction forces between bacteria with negatively and positively charged, mesoporous wood-based carbons, as well as with a microporous coconut carbon. To this end, we glued carbon particles to the cantilever of an atomic force microscope and measured the interaction forces upon approach and retraction of thus made tips. Waterborne Raoultella terrigena and Escherichia coli adhered weakly (1–2 nN) to different activated carbon particles, and the main difference between the activated carbons was the percentage of curves with attractive sites revealed upon traversing of a carbon particle through the bacterial EPS layer. The percentage of curves showing adhesion forces upon retraction varied between 21% and 69%, and was highest for R. terrigena with positively charged carbon (66%) and a coconut carbon (69%). Macroscopic bacterial removal by the mesoporous carbon particles increased with increasing percentages of attractive sites revealed upon traversing a carbon particle through the outer bacterial surface layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports the results of the adsorption performance of As(V) removal by a commercial carbon black and its H2SO4-modified form in a single-ion situation. The influence of different process parameters and the physicochemical principles involved were studied in detail. Acid modification caused morphological changes in the virgin carbon black as evidenced by BET surface area measurements and SEM study. FTIR spectra showed the introduction of sulfonic acid group in the parent carbon due to H2SO4 treatment. TGA analysis revealed higher weight loss characteristics of the modified carbon, demonstrating the creation of functional groups. The point of zero charge (pHpzc) of the modified carbon black is highly acidic (3.5) compared to commercial carbon black (6.4). It directly infers the generation of acidic functional moieties in the carbon black. The adsorption experiments were carried out following batch equilibrium techniques. The kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption were investigated to unveil the mechanism and nature of the adsorption process, respectively. The kinetic parameters of different models were calculated and discussed. The kinetics of adsorption can be expressed by a pseudo-second-order model and intraparticle diffusion was not the rate-determining step. Dependence of pH on adsorption showed maximum metal uptake in the range of 4–5 and inferred surface complexion as the principal mechanism of adsorption. The equilibrium adsorption data were modeled using Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubinin–Kaganer–Radushkevich (DKR) isotherm equations and the corresponding isotherm parameters were calculated and discussed in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By using a surface-modified templating method, Fe2O3@polypyrrole (PPy) core/shell spindles have been successfully prepared in this paper. The Fe2O3 particles with spindle morphology were initially fabricated as core materials. After the PVP modification, the Fe2O3 spindles were subsequently coated with a tunable thickness layer of PPy by in situ deposition of the conducting polymer from aqueous solution. Hollow PPy spindles were produced by dissolution of the Fe2O3 core from the core/shell particles. High-temperature treatment under vacuum condition covert the hollow PPy spindles into carbon capsules by carbonization of the PPy shell. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of the Fe2O3@PPy core/shell particles, PPy and carbon capsules with spindle morphology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the interaction among soil organic matter components with kaolinite, an important clay mineral present in tropical soils, especially in Brazil. XPS data show that the soil organic matter adsorbed on kaolinite has aromatic and aliphatic structures, with phenolic and/or alcoholic functions and carbonyl carbons (Cde and/or carboxylic groups. The N1s spectrum of the kaolinite shows an asymmetric peak that is assigned to amide and protonated ammines probably from humin. The interaction between them is strong enough to resist chemical oxidative or reductive attack besides loose amide functionalities. EPR data show that reductive treatment reduces some Fe3+ of the kaolinite structure, loosing organic components. A schematic representation of the reduction of structural Fe3+ in the concentrated domains and consequently increased concentration of Fe3+ ions in diluted domains of the spectrum is presented. This reinforces the hypothesis that humin is a stable carbon sink in soils when adsorbed to clays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we report the use of binary carbon supports (carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and active carbon) as a catalyst layer for fabricating gas diffusion electrodes. The electrocatalytic properties for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were evaluated by polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in an alkaline electrolyte. The binary-support electrode exhibits better performance than the single-support electrode, and the best performance is obtained when the mass ratio of carbon nanotubes and active carbon is 50:50. The results from the electrode kinetic parameters indicate that the introduction of carbon nanotubes as a secondary support provides high accessible surface area, good electronic conductivity, and fast ORR kinetics. Furthermore, the effect of CNT support on the electrocatalytic properties of Pt nanoparticles for binary-support electrodes was also investigated by different loading-reduction methods. The electrocatalytic activity of the binary-support electrodes is improved dramatically by Pt loading on CNT carbon support, even at very low Pt loading. Additionally, the EIS analysis results indicate that the process of ORR may be controlled by diffusion of oxygen in the electrode thin film for binary-support electrodes with or without Pt catalyst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper is an attempt to explain the mechanism of water adsorption on carbonaceous adsorbents with high-energy centers (surface or cation-exchange groups). The equations formulated previously by Dubinin et al. and Barton et al. are analyzed. Thus, four types of empirical factors defining the decrease in adsorption site concentration are taken into account. The isotherms of water adsorption measured on two microporous activated carbons containing various densities of hydrophilic sites are described by the above-mentioned theoretical isotherm equations. It is shown that none of these models provides an adequate description of the experimental data, especially at low relative pressures. This leads to the conclusion that with regard to the Dubinin and Serpinsky theory, the chemisorption of water at very high-energy adsorption sites needs to be taken into account. In view of the above, a new theoretical relationship is proposed which includes a correct description of the decreasing number of active sites. As a consequence, a good correlation between the new theoretical model and experimental data is observed over the whole range of relative pressures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presented paper recapitulates the results of 6 years'' study concerning the effect of carbon surface chemical composition on adsorption of paracetamol, phenol, acetanilide, and aniline from dilute aqueous solutions on carbons. Adsorption–desorption isotherms, enthalpy, and kinetics of adsorption data are shown for the measurements performed at three temperatures (300, 310, and 320 K) at two pH levels (1.5 and 7) on commercial activated carbons. The data were obtained for four carbons: the initial carbon D43/1 and forms modified by applying concentrated HNO3, fuming H2SO4, and gaseous NH3. The modification procedures do not change the porosity in a drastic way, but lead to drastic changes of the composition of carbon surface layer. By applying MOPAC (a general-purpose semiempirical molecular orbital package), the physicochemical constants characterizing the molecules of adsorbates are calculated, including the distribution of the Mulliken charges, the dipole moments and ionization potentials, and the energies of interaction with the unique positive and negative charges. They are correlated with the parameters characterizing the adsorption (and kinetics) process of studied molecules on the mentioned above carbons. The mechanisms proposed in the literature for the description of adsorption from dilute aqueous solutions are verified, and a general mechanism of adsorption is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The extraction of the Mo(VI)–calmagite complex by adsorption onto active carbon is investigated in the present paper. Thermodynamic and kinetic properties and different adsorption isotherms were determined. The adsorption studies have shown that both the empirical Freundlich and the classical Langmuir isotherms successfully fit the experimental results. The overall adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous in the temperature range from 283 to 323 K; namely, ΔH0 and ΔS0 values were found to be −8.15 kJ mol−1 and −3.86 J mol−1 K, respectively. The high activation energy demanded for desorption of the Mo(VI)–calmagite complex surface indicated that the overall process was controlled by the slow desorption, while a fast and low activated adsorption of the complex onto active carbon surface was fairly favored. These features indicate that active carbon may be very useful for preconcentration of molybdenum from diluted solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The preparation of impregnated active carbons was optimized, in order to use them as catalysts for the deep oxidation of volatile organic compounds on atmospheric emissions. When impregnation is performed on the raw material or after activation, the influence of raw material on the texture and on the catalyst dispersion is already well studied. This paper aims to analyze the influence of raw material when the impregnation step is performed after the carbonization of different carbon precursors, as yet knowledge is very scarce. Olive stones, pinewood sawdust, nut shells, and almond shells were used as raw materials. In order to evaluate the influence of impregnation methodology of CoO, Co3O4, and CrO3 on the catalyst dispersion in the porous carbon texture, the impregnation step was made after activation and between carbonization and activation. On the first sequence, for all the raw materials, the impregnated oxides must be deposited on the internal surface, blocking part of the initial porous texture. When the impregnation step is conducted after carbonization, metal species act as catalysts during the activation step. The textures developed strongly depend either on the raw material or on the chemical state and distribution of the catalyst in the carbonized material. Olive stones and sawdust carbons stay with a microporous texture with very narrow pores where catalysts are not deposited. In nut shell and almond shell carbons, metal species are dispersed in the largest micropores and in a well-developed mesoporous texture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Impregnated active carbons were prepared to be used as catalysts for complete oxidation, aiming at the reduction of atmospheric emission of volatile organic compounds. Good dispersion of the catalyst is required, as it regulates the conversion efficiency in the pores where pollutants can access to be converted. When impregnation is performed on the raw material or after activation, the influence of impregnated species on the structure and on the catalyst dispersion is already well studied. This paper aims to analyze the influence of impregnated species on the structure and on the catalyst dispersion when the impregnation step is performed after carbonization, as this knowledge is yet very scarce. Olive stones were used as raw material. In order to evaluate the influence of the methodology of impregnation with CoO, Co3O4, and CrO3, the impregnation step was completed after activation and between carbonization and activation. In the first sequence, the impregnated oxides must be deposited on the internal surface, blocking part of the initial microporous structure. When impregnation is conducted after carbonization, metal species act as catalysts during the activation step. The structure developed strongly depends either on the chemical state of the catalyst or on its distribution in the carbonized material. A well-developed pore structure can appear just where metal species can access, remaining a micropore structure with pores of very small sizes. The better efficiency of Co3O4 as a catalyst of the activation step is conditioned by a worse distribution of the carbonized material, related to the bigger size of its crystals. CrO3 is the least efficient catalyst for the activation step. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper deals with the use of several methods to characterize the chemical surface groups of carbon materials. Several samples embracing a wide range of acidic and basic characteristics have been used for this purpose. The quantitative determinations have been carried out by selective titrations in aqueous solutions, thermal programmed desorption connected to mass spectrometry (TPD-MS), and ammonia adsorption–desorption, measured by thermogravimetry (TG). The results show some inconsistencies between the different experimental methods. These mainly arise because chemical transformations can be produced during the experiments. Moreover, the textural characteristics of the carbon materials and the existence of π electrons on the graphitic planes are important factors to be considered in the discussion of the results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] In this work, nitrogen and phosphorus dual-doped alkali lignin-based carbon microspheres (MLCM) were prepared by pre-oxidation and carbonization of ionic liquid ([Mmim]DMP) -lignin solution and used as green-based supercapacitor electrode materials. Compared with the directly carbonized alkali lignin carbon (LC), MLCM had a spherical structure with higher specific surface area (938.1 m2/g) and pore volume (0.64 cm3/g). Moreover, MLCM materials showed superior electrochemical performance. In the 1 mol/L H 2 SO 4 electrolyte system, MLCM presented the highest specific capacitance of 338.2F/g at a current density of 0.8 A/g. Furthermore, MLCM was used as a positive and negative electrode material to assemble a symmetrical supercapacitor. The resultant device maintained excellent cycle stability after 5000 times of charging and discharging process at 2 A/g. Overall, the facile, green and sustainable synthesis strategy of heteroatom-doped porous carbon microspheres developed in this work opens a new avenue for the fabrication of high-performance carbon electrode materials, especially based on abundant and renewable lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]