16 research outputs found
Recycling of Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles—A Short Review
The present manuscript provides a comprehensive overview and partial analysis of both advanced and innovative recycling techniques for functionalized nanoparticles. Such methods are sieving techniques including filtration in different forms (e.g., ultrafiltration, diafiltration), centrifugation, and chromatography. Further microfluidics, solvent extraction, and evaporation as well as magnetic and electric field-assisted methods are presented followed by more conventional methods such as precipitation, coagulation, and ζ-potential changes. To facilitate future progress in nanotechnology recycling, it is necessary to provide improved and innovative production techniques across the whole life cycle of nanotechnology. This is analogous to any other methodology that is conceptualized during the initial phases. Furthermore, a diverse array of preparation methods for functionalized nanoparticles may be developed and implemented using various approaches depending on the evident use of the material. Further, the investigation of waste products containing nanoparticles is not yet possible to achieve an in-depth knowledge of this subject. Moreover, advanced technologies have the capacity to enable a more substantial future implementation of NM recycling for commercial use
IR Sensors, Related Materials, and Applications
Infrared (IR) sensors are widely used in various applications due to their ability to detect infrared radiation. Currently, infrared detector technology is in its third generation and faces enormous challenges. IR radiation propagation is categorized into distinct transmission windows with the most intriguing aspects of thermal imaging being mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR). Infrared detectors for thermal imaging have many uses in industrial applications, security, search and rescue, surveillance, medical, research, meteorology, climatology, and astronomy. Presently, high-performance infrared imaging technology mostly relies on epitaxially grown structures of the small-bandgap bulk alloy mercury–cadmium–telluride (MCT), indium antimonide (InSb), and GaAs-based quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs), contingent upon the application and wavelength range. Nanostructures and nanomaterials exhibiting appropriate electrical and mechanical properties including two-dimensional materials, graphene, quantum dots (QDs), quantum dot in well (DWELL), and colloidal quantum dot (CQD) will significantly enhance the electronic characteristics of infrared photodetectors, transition metal dichalcogenides, and metal oxides, which are garnering heightened interest. The present manuscript gives an overview of IR sensors, their types, materials commonly used in them, and examples of related applications. Finally, a summary of the manuscript and an outlook on prospects are given
Advances in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Rechargeable Batteries and Fuel Cells
The growing demand for energy, coupled with the unsustainable nature of fossil fuels due to global warming and the greenhouse effect, have led to the advancement of renewable energy production concepts. Innovations such as photovoltaics, wind energy, and infrared energy harvesters are emerging as viable solutions. The challenge lies in the stochastic nature of renewable energy sources, which necessitates the implementation of electrical energy storage solutions, whether through batteries, supercapacitors, or hydrogen production. In this regard, innovative materials are essential to address the questions associated with these technologies. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crucial for achieving clean and efficient energy conversion in fuel cells and storage in batteries and supercapacitors. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used as electrocatalytic materials, membranes for electrolytes, and energy storage materials. They exhibit exceptional design versatility, large surface, and can be functionalized with ligands with several charges and metallic centers. This article offers an in-depth examination of materials and devices utilizing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for electrochemical processes concerning the generation, transformation, and storage of electrical energy. This review specifically focuses on rechargeable batteries and fuel cells that incorporate MOFs. Finally, an outlook on the potential applications of MOFs in electrochemical industries is presented
A Machine Learning Approach for the Classification of Refrigerant Gases
Combining an Internet of Things-driven approach with machine learning algorithms holds great promise in discerning pure gases across various applications. Interconnecting gas sensors within a network allows for continuous monitoring and real-time environmental analysis, producing valuable data for machine learning models. Utilizing supervised learning algorithms, like random forests, enables the creation of accurate classification models that can effectively distinguish between different pure gases based on their distinct features, such as spectral signatures or sensor responses. This groundbreaking integration of the Internet of Things and Machine Learning fosters the development of robust, automated gas detection systems, ensuring high accuracy and minimal delay in recognizing pure gases. Consequently, it opens avenues for enhanced safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in numerous industrial and commercial scenarios
Research Progress in Metal-Organic Framework Based Nanomaterials Applied in Battery Cathodes
Metal-Organic Frameworks have attracted profound attention the latest years for use in environmental applications. They can offer a broad variety of functions due to their tunable porosity, high surface area and metal activity centers. Not more than ten years ago, they have been applied experimentally for the first time in energy storage devices, such as batteries. Specifically, MOFs have been investigated thoroughly as potential materials hosting the oxidizing agent in the cathode electrode of several battery systems such as Lithium Batteries, Metal-Ion Batteries and Metal-Air Batteries. The aim of this review is to provide researchers with a summary of the electrochemical properties and performance of MOFs recently implemented in battery cathodes in order to provide fertile ground for further exploration of performance-oriented materials. In the following sections, the basic working principles of each battery system are briefly defined, and special emphasis is dedicated to MOF-based or MOF-derived nanomaterials, especially nanocomposites, which have been tested as potential battery cathodes
Preparation and Characterization of Supercapacitor Cells Using Modified CNTs and Bimetallic MOFs
The synthesis of CoZn-MOF was accomplished via a simple hydrothermal method. The characterization of the synthesized materials was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), providing a thorough understanding of their structure and content. Subsequently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) underwent three different pretreatment procedures prior to their application as an anode in a supercapacitor (SC) arrangement, with CoZn-MOF functioning as the cathode. The use of CNTs as electrode material led to an inherent improvement in conductivity and an intrinsic increase in the specific capacitance of the supercapacitor. Galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements of the three cells with different electrodes proved that the supercapacitor based on the CNT (acetic acid)//CoZn-MOF exhibited a capacity of 0.2285 F/g, a moderate energy density of 0.1944 Whkg−1 at a power density of 26.48 Wkg−1 as compared to the other two supercapacitors (CNT (nitric acid)//CoZn-MOF and CNT (unprocessed)//CoZn-MOF). This study utilized the advantages of carbon nanotubes in supercapacitor electrodes and examined the impact of CNT pretreatment
Recent Advances in the Application of MOFs in Supercapacitors
As the need for energy is constantly increasing and in the long term fossil fuels are not an option because of global overheating due to the greenhouse effect, alternative energy production concepts such as photovoltaics, wind energy, IR energy harvesters etc., have been developed. The problem is that renewable energy sources are stochastic, and therefore there is a need for electrical energy storage either in rechargeable batteries or in high-performance supercapacitors. In this respect, novel materials are needed to meet the challenges that are related to these technologies. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent highly promising materials for energy storage applications in supercapacitors (SCs) and thus in recent years have become essential for clean and efficient energy conversion and storage. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) present numerous benefits as electrocatalysts, electrolyte membranes, and fuel storage materials; they exhibit exceptional design versatility, extensive surface-to-volume ratios, and permit functionalization with multivalent ligands and metal centers. Here we present an overview of MOF-based materials for electrical energy storage using high-performance supercapacitors. This review deals with recent advances in MOF-based materials for supercapacitors. Finally, an outlook on the future use and restrictions of MOFs in electrochemical applications, with focus on supercapacitors, is given
End-of-Life Management and Recycling on PV Solar Energy Production
The demand for clean energy is strongly related with many European and other global legislations and directives [...
Evaluation of the effectiveness and performance of environmental impact assessment studies in Greece
As environmental management is becoming increasingly complex, adequate assessment techniques must be utilized to forecast environmental impact trends. The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the evaluation system in Greece regarding environmental impact assessment (EIA) concerning projects. Data were extracted from literature and a questionnaire, which was distributed electronically on a Pan-Hellenic scale. Results indicated that the EIA system in Greece has solid foundations with a weak point regarding implementation. Strengths, weaknesses, and threats of EIA institution were analyzed through SWOT-AHP (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats and Analytical Hierarchy Process) analysis. A dominant criterion in the analysis due to the dynamic of the deep economic recession was found to be the economic crisis
