Direct Carbonization of Al-Based Porous Coordination Polymer for Synthesis of Nanoporous Carbon

Silica Confinement for Stable and Magnetic Co-Cu Alloy Nanoparticles in Nitrogen-Doped Carbon for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution

Ammonia borane (AB) with 19.6 wt % H2 content is widely considered a safe and efficient medium for H2 storage and release. Co-based nanocatalysts present strong contenders for replacing precious metal-based catalysts in AB hydrolysis due to their high activity and cost-effectiveness. However, precisely adjusting the active centers and surface properties of Co-based nanomaterials to enhance their activity, as well as suppressing the migration and loss of metal atoms to improve their stability, presents many challenges. In this study, mesoporous-silica-confined bimetallic Co-Cu nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon (CoxCu1-x@NC@mSiO2) were synthesized using a facile mSiO2-confined thermal pyrolysis strategy. The obtained product, an optimized Co0.8Cu0.2@NC@mSiO2 catalyst, exhibits enhanced performance with a turnover frequency of 240.9 molH2 ⋅ molmetal ⋅ min-1 for AB hydrolysis at 298 K, surpassing most noble-metal-free catalysts. Moreover, Co0.8Cu0.2@NC@mSiO2 demonstrates magnetic recyclability and extraordinary stability, with a negligible decline of only 0.8 % over 30 cycles of use. This enhanced performance was attributed to the synergistic effect between Co and Cu, as well as silica confinement. This work proposes a promising method for constructing noble-metal-free catalysts for AB hydrolysis.

Synthesis and Characterization of MOF-Derived Structures: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Due to their facile tunability, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are employed as precursors and templates to construct advanced functional materials with unique and desired chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphological properties. By tuning MOF precursor composition and manipulating conversion processes, various MOF-derived materials commonly known as MOF derivatives can be constructed. The possibility of controlled and predictable properties makes MOF derivatives a preferred choice for numerous advanced technological applications. The innovative synthetic designs besides the plethora of interdisciplinary characterization approaches applicable to MOF derivatives provide the opportunity to perform a myriad of experiments to explore the performance and offer key insight to develop the next generation of advanced materials. Though there are many published works of literature describing various synthesis and characterization techniques of MOF derivatives, it is still not clear how the synthesis mechanism works and what are the best techniques to characterize these materials to probe their properties accurately. In this review, the recent development in synthesis techniques and mechanisms for a variety of MOF derivates such as MOF-derived metal oxides, porous carbon, composites/hybrids, and sulfides is summarized. Furthermore, the details of characterization techniques and fundamental working principles are summarized to probe the structural, mechanical, physiochemical, electrochemical, and electronic properties of MOF and MOF derivatives. The future trends and some remaining challenges in the synthesis and characterization of MOF derivatives are also discussed.

Thermally activated structural phase transitions and processes in metal-organic frameworks

The structural knowledge of metal-organic frameworks is crucial to the understanding and development of new efficient materials for industrial implementation. This review classifies and discusses recent advanced literature reports on phase transitions that occur during thermal treatments on metal-organic frameworks and their characterisation. Thermally activated phase transitions and procceses are classified according to the temperaturatures at which they occur: high temperature (reversible and non-reversible) and low temperature. In addition, theoretical calculations and modelling approaches employed to better understand these structural phase transitions are also reviewed.

Mono-, bi- and tri-metallic Fe-based platinum group metal-free electrocatalysts derived from phthalocyanine for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media

In this manuscript, a comprehensive study is presented on Fe-based electrocatalysts with mono, bi, and tri-metallic compositions, emphasizing the influence of processing-structure correlations on the electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the alkaline medium. These electrocatalysts were synthesized through the mixing of transition metal phthalocyanines (TM-Pc) with conductive carbon support, followed by controlled thermal treatment at specific temperatures (600 °C and 900 °C). An extensive analysis was conducted, employing various techniques, including X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), providing valuable insights into the structural characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles. Importantly, an increase in the Fe-Pc weight percentage from 10% to 30% enhanced the ORR activity, although not proportionally. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between mono, bi, and tri-metallic samples subjected to different functionalization temperatures highlighted the superior electrocatalytic activity of electrocatalysts functionalized at 600 °C, particularly Fe 600 and Fe-Ni-Cu 600. These electrocatalysts featured Eon values of 0.96 V vs. RHE and E1/2 values of 0.9 V vs. RHE, with the added benefit of reduced anionic peroxide production. The potential of these Fe-based electrocatalysts to enhance ORR efficiency is underscored by this research, contributing to the development of more effective and sustainable electrocatalysts for energy conversion technologies.

Carbon Nitrides from Supramolecular Crystals: From Single Atoms to Heterojunctions and Advanced Photoelectrodes

Carbon nitride materials (CN) have become one of the most studied photocatalysts within the last 15 years. While CN absorbs visible light, its low porosity and fast electron-hole recombination hinder its photoelectric performance and have motivated the research in the modification of its physical and chemical properties (such as energy band structure, porosity, or chemical composition) by different means. In this Concept we review the utilization of supramolecular crystals as CN precursors to tailor its properties. We elaborate on the features needed in a supramolecular crystal to serve as CN precursor, we delve on the influence of metal-free crystals in the morphology and porosity of the resulting materials and then discuss the formation of single atoms and heterojunctions when employing a metal-organic crystal. We finally discuss the performance of CN photoanodes derived from crystals and highlight the current standing challenges in the field.

Field-effect transistors engineered via solution-based layer-by-layer nanoarchitectonics

The layer-by-layer (LbL) technique has been proven to be one of the most versatile approaches in order to fabricate functional nanofilms. The use of simple and inexpensive procedures as well as the possibility to incorporate a very wide range of materials through different interactions have driven its application in a wide range of fields. On the other hand, field-effect transistors (FETs) are certainly among the most important elements in electronics. The ability to modulate the flowing current between a source and a drain electrode via the voltage applied to the gate electrode endow these devices to switch or amplify electronic signals, being vital in all of our everyday electronic devices. In this topical review, we highlight different research efforts to engineer field-effect transistors using the LbL assembly approach. We firstly discuss on the engineering of the channel material of transistors via the LbL technique. Next, the deposition of dielectric materials through this approach is reviewed, allowing the development of high-performance electronic components. Finally, the application of the LbL approach to fabricate FETs-based biosensing devices is also discussed, as well as the improvement of the transistor's interfacial sensitivity by the engineering of the semiconductor with polyelectrolyte multilayers.

Nanoporous carbons based on coordinate organic polymers as an efficient and eco-friendly nano-sorbent for adsorption of phenol from wastewater

The major part of water pollutants includes of organic such as phenolic pollutant, thus there are every hazardous to environment. Present work is a comparative onto surface chemistry and adsorptive characteristics of coordinate organic polymer (Cop-150) and nanoporous carbon (NPC) prepared using solvothermal method. New NPC was successfully synthesized to remove of phenol. FT-IR, XRD, XPS, SEM, TGA, and BET techniques have been used to characterization and confirm physicochemical variation during preparing Cop-150 and NPC. Box-Behnken response surface methodology (BBRSM) was used to optimize four important factors of the pH (2-10), contact time (1-40 min), temperature (25-60 °C), and initial concentration of phenol (5-50 mg L-1). To analyze the data obtained from the adsorption of phenol by synthesized adsorbents, four linear, 2FI, quadratic and cubic models were examined, which the quadratic model was recognized as the best model. To the NPC the equal adsorption capacity 500 mg g-1 is achieved at the initial concentration of phenol = 49.252 mg L-1, contact time = 15.738 min, temperature = 28.3 °C, and pH 7.042. On the other hand, the adsorption capacity for Cop-150 in pH 4.638, the contact time = 19.695 min, the temperature = 56.8 °C, and the initial concentration of phenol = 6.902 mg L-1 was equal to 50 mg g-1. The experimental data at different conditions were investigated by some famous kinetic and isotherm models, which among them, were corresponded to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm. Moreover, based to result of thermodynamics to the both Cop-150 and NPC, the adsorption process is exothermic and spontaneous. According to results the Cop-150 and NPC could be used for up to four and five cycles without significantly reducing their performance, respectively.

Recent Advances in Porous Carbon Materials as Electrodes for Supercapacitors

Porous carbon materials have demonstrated exceptional performance in various energy and environment-related applications. Recently, research on supercapacitors has been steadily increasing, and porous carbon materials have emerged as the most significant electrode material for supercapacitors. Nonetheless, the high cost and potential for environmental pollution associated with the preparation process of porous carbon materials remain significant issues. This paper presents an overview of common methods for preparing porous carbon materials, including the carbon-activation method, hard-templating method, soft-templating method, sacrificial-templating method, and self-templating method. Additionally, we also review several emerging methods for the preparation of porous carbon materials, such as copolymer pyrolysis, carbohydrate self-activation, and laser scribing. We then categorise porous carbons based on their pore sizes and the presence or absence of heteroatom doping. Finally, we provide an overview of recent applications of porous carbon materials as electrodes for supercapacitors.

MOF-derived nanoporous carbons with diverse tunable nanoarchitectures

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), or porous coordination polymers, are crystalline porous materials formed by coordination bonding between inorganic and organic species on the basis of the self-assembly of the reacting units. The typical characteristics of MOFs, including their large specific surface areas, ultrahigh porosities and excellent thermal and chemical stabilities, as well as their great potential for chemical and structural modifications, make them excellent candidates for versatile applications. Their poor electrical conductivity, however, has meant that they have not been useful for electrochemical applications. Fortuitously, the direct carbonization of MOFs results in a rearrangement of the carbon atoms of the organic units into a network of carbon atoms, which means that the products have useful levels of conductivity. The direct carbonization of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-type MOFs, particularly ZIF-8, has successfully widened the scope of possible applications of MOFs to include electrochemical reactions that could be used in, for example, energy storage, energy conversion, electrochemical biosensors and capacitive deionization of saline water. Here, we present the first detailed protocols for synthesizing high-quality ZIF-8 and its modified forms of hollow ZIF-8, core-shell ZIF-8@ZIF-67 and ZIF-8@mesostuctured polydopamine. Typically, ZIF-8 synthesis takes 27 h to complete, and subsequent nanoarchitecturing procedures leading to hollow ZIF-8, ZIF-8@ZIF-67 and ZIF-8@mPDA take 6, 14 and 30 h, respectively. The direct-carbonization procedure takes 12 h. The resulting nanoporous carbons are suitable for electrochemical applications, in particular as materials for supercapacitors.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)/polyacrylonitrile derived millimeter-sized hierarchical porous carbon beads for peroxymonosulfate catalysis

Well dispersed nanocatalysts on porous substrate with macroscopic morphology are highly desired for the application of heterogeneous catalysis. Traditional fabrication process suffers from multiple steps for controlling the structure on nanocatalysts and matrix or both. Herein, we report a facile strategy for the synthesis of millimeter-sized hierarchical porous carbon beads (HPCBs) which containing well dispersed hollow-nano carbon boxes for peroxymonosulfate catalysis. Specially, the precursors of HPCBs were prepared by phase inversion method, which involving introduction of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) nanocubes into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solutions followed by solidification of the mixture. After pyrolysis, nitrogen doped and hierarchical porous HPCBs with diameter of about 1.2 mm were obtained. The merits of our synthesis strategy lie in that synchronizes the hollow microstructure evolution with the shaping of ZIF-8 nanocubes into millimeter scale beads. Attribute to its special structure feature and the appropriate chemical composition, the resultant millimeter-sized HPCBs exhibit enhanced catalytic performance by activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for tetracycline degradation. The degradation efficiency of TC is up to 85.1% within 120 min, which is 18% higher than that of ZIF8-Solid/PAN carbon bead (SPCBs). In addition, the possible decomposition pathways, main reactive oxygen species, and reasonable enhanced mechanism for the HPCBs/PMS system are systematically investigated by quenching experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This work addresses the issue of easy aggregation and recycling of carbon materials in industrial productions and extends the prospects of carbon materials in engineering applications.

Ordered carbonaceous frameworks: a new class of carbon materials with molecular-level design

Ordered carbonaceous frameworks (OCFs) are a new class of carbon materials with a three-dimensional ordered structure synthesized by simple carbonization of metalloporphyrin crystals with polymerizable moieties. Carbonization via solid-state polymerization results in the formation of graphene-based ordered frameworks in which regularly aligned single-atomic metals are embedded. These unique structural features afford molecular-level designability like organic-based frameworks together with high electrical conductivity, thermal/chemical stability, and mechanical flexibility, towards a variety of applications including electrocatalysis and force-driven phase transition. This feature article summarizes the synthetic strategies and characteristics of OCFs in comparison with conventional organic-based frameworks and porous carbons, to discuss the potential applications and further development of the OCF family.

Critical review on adsorptive removal of antibiotics: Present situation, challenges and future perspective

This review gives a proper dedicated understanding of the contamination level, sources, and biological dangers related with different classes of antibiotics in consumable water. The literature on the adsorption of antibiotics is relatively uncommon and developments are still under progression, especially for adsorbents other than activated carbon. Also, adsorption technique has already been applied vastly for water treatment. Notwithstanding significant progressions, designed natural wastewater treatment frameworks are just bearably effective (48-77%) in the expulsion of antibiotics. Hence, the compilation of available literature especially for antibiotic adsorption was much needed. Moreover, the conventional adsorbents have some limitations of their own. In this study, the main focus was laid on unconventional adsorbents such as Biochar, Biopolymers, Carbon Nanotubes, Clays, Metal-Organic Frameworks, Microalgae and some miscellaneous adsorbents. The mechanism of adsorption by the unconventional adsorbents includes electrostatic interactions, π-π bonding, weak Van der Waal forces, H-bonding and surface complexation, which was similar to that of conventional adsorbents and hence these unconventional adsorbents can easily replace the costlier conventional adsorbents with even better adsorption efficiency. This paper also briefly discussed the thermodynamics, adsorption equilibrium; isotherm and kinetics of adsorption. This review paper seizes the critical advances of adsorption phenomenon at various interfaces and lays the foundation for current scenario associated with further progress. Besides, this study would help in understanding the antibiotic adsorption, cost estimation and future goals that will attract the young the researchers of this field.

Effect of calcination temperature on the morphology and catalytic properties of ZnO nanostructures fabricated from a chiral precursor for photodegradation of both cationic and anionic dyes

A chiral Zn MOF is fabricated into ZnO microflowers, polyhedrons and nanorods at three different temperatures and these are utilized for the photodegradation of methylene blue and Congo red.

Porous carbon nanoarchitectonics for the environment: detection and adsorption

As a post-nanotechnology concept, nanoarchitectonics has emerged from the 20th century to the 21st century. This review summarizes the recent progress in the field of metal-free porous carbon nanoarchitectonics.

Laser conversion of biomass into porous carbon composite under ambient condition for pH-Universal electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction

It is highly desirable to develop durable and advanced electrocatalysts for pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). While it makes much progress so far, the development of an environmental-friendly and cost-effective method to upgrade earth-abundant biomass into high value-added products still remains a major challenge. Thermal pyrolysis method which requires high pyrolysis temperature and long synthesis period is considered as a general method for preparation of carbon-based electrocatalysts. In view of this, ruthenium, nitrogen co-doped porous carbon (Ru@CN) is synthesized by laser conversion method at room temperature using cheap and renewable biomass honey as green carbon source. By controlling the loading of Ru and laser power, the electrocatalytic activities of as-prepared electrocatalysts can be adjusted effectively. Because of the advantage of rich Ru⁰ and Ru-N sites, the synthesized 0.04-Ru@CN-6 with Ru loading amount of 2.66 wt% exhibits a preferable electrocatalytic activity toward HER under all-pH conditions. Especially in alkaline solution, the optimal 0.04-Ru@CN-6 exhibits a small overpotential (11 mV) at 10 mA cm^-2 current density, which is even much better than commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (37 mV). This strategy reported here may be a feasible and unique approach to synthesis and design of high-performance as well as cost-effective all-pH HER electrocatalyst.

Beyond Color: The New Carbon Ink

For thousands of years, carbon ink has been used as a black color pigment for writing and painting purposes. However, recent discoveries of nanocarbon materials, including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and their various derivative forms, together with the advances in large-scale synthesis, are enabling a whole new generation of carbon inks that can serve as an intrinsically programmable materials platform for developing advanced functionalities far beyond color. The marriage between these multifunctional nanocarbon inks with modern printing technologies is facilitating and even transforming many applications, including flexible electronics, wearable and implantable sensors, actuators, and autonomous robotics. This review examines recent progress in the reborn field of carbon inks, highlighting their programmability and multifunctionality for applications in flexible electronics and stimuli-responsive devices. Current challenges and opportunities will also be discussed from a materials science perspective towards the advancement of carbon ink for new applications beyond color.

Construction of Stable Wide-Temperature-Range Proton Exchange Membranes by Incorporating a Carbonized Metal-Organic Frame into Polybenzimidazoles and Polyacrylamide Hydrogels

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising devices for clean power generation in fuel cell electric vehicles applications. The further request of high-efficiency and cost competitive technology make high-temperature proton exchange membranes utilizing phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole be favored because they can work well up to 180 °C without extra humidifier. However, they face quick loss of phosphoric acid below 120 °C and resulting in the limits of commercialization. Herein UiO-66 derived carbon (porous carbon-ZrO₂ ), comprising branched poly(4,4'-diphenylether-5,5'-bibenzimidazole) and polyacrylamide hydrogels self-assembly (BHC1-4) membranes for wide-temperature-range operation (80-160 °C) is presented. These two-phase membranes contained the hygroscopicity of polyacrylamide hydrogels improve the low-temperature proton conductivity, relatively enable the membrane to function at 80 °C. An excellent cell performance of BHC2 membrane with high peak power density of 265 and 656 mW cm^-2 at both 80 and 160 °C can be achieved. Furthermore, this membrane exhibits high stability of frequency cold start-ups (from room temperature to 80 °C) and long-term cell test at 160 °C. The improvement of cell performance and stability of BHC2 membrane indicate a progress of breaking operated temperature limit in existing PEMFCs systems.

Metal-Organic Frameworks-Derived Self-Supported Carbon-Based Composites for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

Electrocatalytic water splitting has been considered as a promising strategy for the sustainable evolution of hydrogen energy and storage of intermittent electric energy. Efficient catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting are urgently demanded to decrease the overpotentials and promote the sluggish reaction kinetics. Carbon-based composites, including heteroatom-doped carbon materials, metals/alloys@carbon composites, metal compounds@carbon composites, and atomically dispersed metal sites@carbon composites have been widely used as the catalysts due to their fascinating properties. However, these electrocatalysts are almost powdery form, and should be cast on the current collector by using the polymeric binder, which would result in the unsatisfied electrocatalytic performance. In comparison, a self-supported electrode architecture is highly attractive. Recently, self-supported metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed by coordination of metal centers and organic ligands have been considered as suitable templates/precursors to construct free-standing carbon-based composites grown on conductive substrate. MOFs-derived carbon-based composites have various merits, such as the well-aligned array architecture and evenly distributed active sites, and easy functionalization with other species, which make them suitable alternatives to non-noble metal-included electrocatalysts. In this review, we intend to show the research progresses by employment of MOFs as precursors to prepare self-supported carbon-based composites. Focusing on these MOFs-derived carbon-based nanomaterials, the latest advances in their controllable synthesis, composition regulation, electrocatalytic performances in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall water splitting (OWS) are presented. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are showed for the further developments of MOFs-derived self-supported carbon-based nanomaterials in electrocatalytic reactions.

Metal organic framework derived one-dimensional porous Fe/N-doped carbon nanofibers with enhanced catalytic performance

The aggregation of metal nanoparticles and collapse of precursor metal organic frameworks (MOFs) structure during the carbonization process largely hamper the catalytic performance of MOFs-derived carbon catalysts. Here, we report hollow and porous one-dimensional Fe/N-doped carbon nanofibers (Fe/NCNFs) for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS), which was obtained by immobilizing Fe-MIL-101 on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers via electrospinning technique followed by pyrolysis. The presence of one-dimensional PAN channel suppresses the agglomeration tendency of metal particles during the carbonisation process of Fe-MIL-101, resulting in a uniform dispersion of nanoparticles and an increase of catalytic active sites. The resultant Fe/NCNFs-9 possesses unique hierarchical architecture, large active surface area, well-dispersed Fe species, and abundant Fe-N active sites. These superiorities contributed to the better catalytic performance of Fe/NCNFs-9 compared with PAN derived carbon (PAN-C-9) and Fe-MIL-101 derived carbon (Fe-C-9). Through a series of inhibitor experiments and electrochemical tests, the radical pathway is dominant on BPA removal with the participation of the non-radical pathway in the multi-sites Fe/NCNFs-9/PMS/BPA system. Surprisingly, this strategy could successfully disperse Fe species and effectively reduce the Fe leaching. This work supplies a novel method to design efficient MOFs-derived carbon catalysts toward micropollutants removal.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Hierarchically Porous Materials: Synthesis and Applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely recognized as one of the most fascinating classes of materials from science and engineering perspectives, benefiting from their high porosity and well-defined and tailored structures and components at the atomic level. Although their intrinsic micropores endow size-selective capability and high surface area, etc., the narrow pores limit their applications toward diffusion-control and large-size species involved processes. In recent years, the construction of hierarchically porous MOFs (HP-MOFs), MOF-based hierarchically porous composites, and MOF-based hierarchically porous derivatives has captured widespread interest to extend the applications of conventional MOF-based materials. In this Review, the recent advances in the design, synthesis, and functional applications of MOF-based hierarchically porous materials are summarized. Their structural characters toward various applications, including catalysis, gas storage and separation, air filtration, sewage treatment, sensing and energy storage, have been demonstrated with typical reports. The comparison of HP-MOFs with traditional porous materials (e.g., zeolite, porous silica, carbons, metal oxides, and polymers), subsisting challenges, as well as future directions in this research field, are also indicated.

Aluminum-Based Surface Polymerization on Carbon Dots with Aggregation-Enhanced Luminescence

Aggregation-induced luminescence quenching of carbon nanodots (CDs) is the main obstacle for their applications in solid-state light emitting devices. Herein, we developed a one-step synthesis of solid-state emissive CDs with surface aluminum-based polymerization by adding AlCl₃ in citric acid and urea via a microwave-heating dehydration process. Due to the strong coordination ability of Al ions with N and O atoms, considerable steric hindrance of Al-based cross-linked polymerization was introduced on the surface of the CDs, which not only avoided aggregation of the green emissive carbon cores but also facilitated efficient energy transfer from the blue emissive polymerized surface to the green emissive carbon cores in aggregates, leading to enhanced green emissions with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 72.7% in the solid state.

Co3 O4 Polyhedron@MnO2 Nanotube Composite as Anode for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this work, a novel lollipop nanostructure of Co₃ O₄ @MnO₂ composite is prepared as anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Cobalt metal-organic framework (ZIF-67) is grown on the open end of MnO₂ nanotubes via a self-assembly process. The obtained ZIF-67@MnO₂ is then converted to Co₃ O₄ @MnO₂ by a simple annealing treatment in air. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction characterizations indicate that the prepared Co₃ O₄ @MnO₂ takes a lollipop nanostructure with a stick of ≈100 nm in diameter, consisting of MnO₂ nanotube, and a head part of ≈1 µm, consisting of Co₃ O₄ nanoparticles. The charge-discharge tests illustrate that this unique novel configuration endows the resulting Co₃ O₄ @MnO₂ with excellent electrochemical performances, delivering a capacity of 1080 mAh g^-1 at 300 mA g^-1 after 160 cycles, and 696 mAh g^-1 at 1 A g^-1 after 210 cycles, compared with 404 mAh g^-1 and 590 for pure Co₃ O₄ polyhedrons and pure MnO₂ nanotubes at 300 mA g^-1 after 160 cycles, respectively. The lollipop configuration consisting of porous Co₃ O₄ polyhedron and MnO₂ nanotube shows excellent structural stability and facilitates lithium insertion/extraction, leading to excellent cyclic stability and rate capacity of Co₃ O₄ @MnO₂ -based LIBs.

Metal-Organic Gel Derived N-Doped Granular Carbon: Remarkable Toluene Uptake and Rapid Regeneration

Porous carbon materials with chemical and thermal stability and high porosity have been widely used for volatile organic compound (VOC) purification. Designing granular carbon with remarkable adsorption capacity and rapid regeneration is of great significance for the capture of VOCs from high humidity air. Herein, a series of N-doped granular carbons were synthesized by direct carbonization of metal-organic gel (MOG). The N-doped granular carbons (C700 and C700K) feature high surface area, hierarchical pore, and abundant N,O multifunctional groups. The toluene adsorption capacity of C700K is highly improved (9.0 mmol/g toluene at P/P₀ = 0.1) in comparison with MOG (4.81 mmol/g toluene at P/P₀ = 0.1). The toluene breakthrough time of C700K is over 4 times longer than that of MOG at wet conditions (60% RH, 298 K), also much longer than that of widely used carbon materials, zeolites, and representative MOFs, including BPL activated carbon, coconut shell activated carbon, carbosieve, ZSM-5, and MIL-101(Cr). Furthermore, the N-doped granular carbons also exhibit excellent hydrophobicity and can be regenerated rapidly. The internal pore channel and desorption kinetics reveal that the effective diffusion length plays a critical role in the regeneration rate.

O,N-Codoped 3D graphene hollow sphere derived from metal-organic frameworks as oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts for Zn-air batteries

Although Pt-based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts have excellent performance, they are expensive and suffer from poor durability. It is necessary to explore carbon-based ORR electrocatalysts with low cost, high specific surface area, large porosity, and strong chemical stability. Herein, we have synthesized a zinc-based metal-organic framework precursor (Zn-BTC) using a simple solvothermal method. Then, carbonization and N doping have been carried out by means of high-temperature pyrolysis, ultimately affording metal-free 3D hollow spherical O and N dual-doped graphene framework composites (O,N-graphene) with an average diameter of about 4 μm and specific surface area as high as 1801.4 m² g^-1. O,N-Graphene has superior ORR electrocatalytic activity with an onset potential E_onset = 1.01 V vs. RHE and a half-wave potential E_1/2 = 0.842 V vs. RHE, which are comparable with commercial 20 wt% Pt/C with a 4-electron reduction process. The O,N-graphene catalyst shows better durability and methanol tolerance at a lower cost than commercial 20 wt% Pt/C. The peak power density of O,N-graphene as the cathode of a traditional Zn-air battery is 152.8 mW cm^-2, which is higher than that of a commercial 20 wt% Pt/C battery (119.8 mW cm^-2). Our findings indicate that synergy among the 3D hollow structure, large specific surface area, highly conductive graphene framework, and pyridine N and graphite N defects left in O,N-graphene accelerated O₂ diffusion and increased catalytically active sites, thereby affording superior ORR and improved Zn-air battery performance under alkaline conditions.

Metal organic framework derived porous carbon materials excel as an excellent platform for high-performance packaged supercapacitors

Designing and synthesizing new materials with special physical and chemical properties are the key steps to assembling high performance supercapacitors. Metal organic framework (MOF) derived porous carbon materials have drawn great attention in supercapacitors because of their large specific surface area, high chemical/thermal stability and tunable pore structure. Thus, the recent development of porous carbon as an electrode material for supercapacitors is reviewed. The types, design and synthesis strategies of porous carbon are systematically summarized. This review will be divided into three main parts: (1) the design and synthesis of MOF precursors and templates for MOF-derived porous carbon materials; (2) the application of different types of MOF-derived carbon in supercapacitors; and (3) the design of typical structures of porous carbon composites for supercapacitors. Finally, the problems and challenges confronted when using porous carbon are assessed and elaborated, and some suggestions on future research directions are proposed.

Nanoarchitectured porous carbons derived from ZIFs toward highly sensitive and selective QCM sensor for hazardous aromatic vapors

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a versatile source of carbon nanoarchitectures in gas sensing applications (Torad et al., 2019). Herein, several types of nanoporous carbons (NPCs) have been prepared by in-situ carbothermal treatment of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) under different inert atmospheres to achieve a highly sensitive discrimination of vaporized aromatic compounds. In this study, we demonstrate how different carbonization conditions under the flow of N₂ or H₂ gases affect the surface area and the degree of graphitization of the resulting NPCs polyhedrons, and their consequent effect on the sensing performance in terms of sensitivity and selectivity toward toxic volatile hydrocarbons. A growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is observed on the surface of polyhedral NPCs after careful carbonization of ZIF crystals under H₂ atmosphere. The fabricated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor with CNT-containing NPCs demonstrates increased sensitivity and selectivity towards toxic volatile aromatic hydrocarbons over the aliphatic analogues, suggesting the rich growth of hairy graphitic-like CNTs on the surface of carbon framework act as highly selective sensing antennae for vapor molecular discrimination of toxic aromatic hydrocarbons. Despite of increased selectivity towards volatile aromatic compounds, however, the surface area of CNT-rich NPCs derived from hybrid ZIFs and ZIF-67 is greatly sacrificed as compared to CNT-free NPCs from ZIF-8 polyhedron. In the case of Co-containing ZIF-67, the rich growth of hair-like CNTs, which is induced by the presence of Co, is observed during carbothermal reduction under a flow of H₂ gas, thus allowing ultra-selective detection of aromatic hydrocarbons in the vapor phase, such as benzene (C₆H₆) and toluene (C₆H₅CH₃) over their aliphatic analogue, c-hexane (c-C₆H₁₂) of same molecular mass, size and vapor pressure.

Self-adjusted bimetallic zeolitic-imidazolate framework-derived hierarchical magnetic carbon composites as efficient adsorbent for optimizing drug contaminant removal

The construction of efficient and superior adsorbed materials for the precise removal of hazardous contaminants from water have gained significant attention by the scientific community. In this work, a facile bimetallic zeolitic-imidazolate framework (Co_xZn_y-JUC-160) by using self-adjusted strategy (SAS) was developed to synthesize various N-doped Co-based hierarchical porous carbon composites through sacrificial template route. A series of highly porous magnetic materials with well-dispersed or reduced Co particle size have been fabricated by fine tuning the ratio of Co and Zn in the precursors. For the first time the effect of the Co/Zn ratio on the textural properties and drug adsorption performance of the resultant porous carbon composites have been investigated systematically. Remarkably, the optimal Co@NC-1/4-900 possesses large specific surface area, hierarchical pore structures, and well-distributed Co adsorption sites which facilitates the exposure of active Co center and realizes fast diffusion of amodiaquine (ADQ) molecules with record-high adsorption capacities (890.23 mg g^-1). The presented synthetic strategy provides deep insights into the development of highly efficient recyclable magnetic adsorbent for the removal of contaminants.

Progress and challenges of metal-organic frameworks-based materials for SR-AOPs applications in water treatment

As environmental problems become more and more severe, sulfate radical (SO₄^-) based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) are widely recognized for their high removal efficiency of recalcitrant organic pollutants in water. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted wide attention in SR-AOPs due to their outstanding properties (e.g. large surface area, ultra-high porosity, and diversity of material design, etc). Herein, we present an overview of the development and challenges in the synthesis of different types of MOFs, combination of MOFs with other materials (metal centers, conductors, cellulose, etc.) and the construction of catalysts with special structures (core-shell structures and hollow structures) as well as their applications in SR-AOPs for the degradation of organic pollutants. Several review papers have already mentioned the application of a branch of MOFs or simple composites of MOFs in SR-AOP, whereas the latest progresses on the application of MOFs-based materials to SR-AOPs was described rarely. Besides, the degradation mechanism of MOFs as catalysts has not been systematically discussed. To this end, the mechanisms of MOFs and MOF-based materials as catalysts to activate PMS/PS in different systems are analyzed, including radicals and non-radicals pathways. Meanwhile, considering that the research in this field is still in its infancy, a lot of improvements are still needed to effectively promote and implement this technology.

In Situ Conversion of Metal-Organic Frameworks into VO2 -V3 S4 Heterocatalyst Embedded Layered Porous Carbon as an "All-in-One" Host for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Although lithium-sulfur batteries exhibit a fivefold higher energy density than commercial lithium-ion batteries, their volume expansion and insulating nature, and intrinsic polysulfide shuttle have hindered their practical application. An alternative sulfur host is necessary to realize porous, conductive, and polar functions; however, there is a tradeoff among these three critical factors in material design. Here, the authors report a layered porous carbon (LPC) with VO₂ /V₃ S₄ heterostructures using one-step carbonization-sulfidation of metal-organic framework templates as a sulfur host that meets all the criteria. In situ conversion of V-O ions into V₃ S₄ nuclei in the confined 2D space generated by dynamic formation of the LPC matrix creates {200}-facet-exposed V₃ S₄ nanosheets decorated with tiny VO₂ nanoparticles. The VO₂ /V₃ S₄  @ LPC composite facilitates high sulfur loading (70 wt%), superior energy density (1022 mA h g^-1 at 0.2 C, 100 cycles), and long-term cyclability (665 mA h g^-1 at 1 C, 1000 cycles). The enhanced Li-S chemistry is attributed to the synergistic heterocatalytic behavior of polar VO₂ and conductive V₃ S₄ in the soft porous LPC scaffold, which accelerates polysulfide adsorption, conversion, and charge-transfer ability simultaneously.

A General Catalyst Based on Cobalt Core-Shell Nanoparticles for the Hydrogenation of N-Heteroarenes Including Pyridines

Herein, we report the synthesis of specific silica-supported Co/Co3 O4 core-shell based nanoparticles prepared by template synthesis of cobalt-pyromellitic acid on silica and subsequent pyrolysis. The optimal catalyst material allows for general and selective hydrogenation of pyridines, quinolines, and other heteroarenes including acridine, phenanthroline, naphthyridine, quinoxaline, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, and indole under comparably mild reaction conditions. In addition, recycling of these Co nanoparticles and their ability for dehydrogenation catalysis are showcased.

Nanohollow Carbon for Rechargeable Batteries: Ongoing Progresses and Challenges

Among the various morphologies of carbon-based materials, hollow carbon nanostructures are of particular interest for energy storage. They have been widely investigated as electrode materials in different types of rechargeable batteries, owing to their high surface areas in association with the high surface-to-volume ratios, controllable pores and pore size distribution, high electrical conductivity, and excellent chemical and mechanical stability, which are beneficial for providing active sites, accelerating electrons/ions transfer, interacting with electrolytes, and giving rise to high specific capacity, rate capability, cycling ability, and overall electrochemical performance. In this overview, we look into the ongoing progresses that are being made with the nanohollow carbon materials, including nanospheres, nanopolyhedrons, and nanofibers, in relation to their applications in the main types of rechargeable batteries. The design and synthesis strategies for them and their electrochemical performance in rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, potassium-ion batteries, and lithium-sulfur batteries are comprehensively reviewed and discussed, together with the challenges being faced and perspectives for them.

Metal-Organic Framework Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF-derived materials have been used for several applications, such as hydrogen storage and separation, catalysis, and drug delivery, owing to them having a significantly large surface area and open pore structure. In recent years, MOFs have also been applied to thin-film solar cells, and attractive results have been obtained. In perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the MOF materials are used in the form of an additive for electron and hole transport layers, interlayer, and hybrid perovskite/MOF. MOFs have the potential to be used as a material for obtaining PSCs with high efficiency and stability. In this study, we briefly explain the synthesis of MOFs and the performance of organic and dye-sensitized solar cells with MOFs. Furthermore, we provide a detailed overview on the performance of the most recently reported PSCs using MOFs.

Simple homogeneous electrochemical target-responsive aptasensor based on aptamer bio-gated and porous carbon nanocontainer derived from ZIF-8

A simple homogeneous electrochemical aptasensor was designed by using target-responsive substrate releasing from aptamer-gated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)-derived porous carbon nanocontainer. The nanocontainer (Z-700) was prepared by calcination of ZIF-8 at 700 °C. Z-700 had great biocompatibility, high surface areas and pore volume, especially the graphene-like π-rich structure, which was beneficial for adsorbing aptamer easily. The electroactive dyes methylene blue (MB) was then trapped in the pores of Z-700 and easily capped with aptamer as gatekeeper based on π-stacking interaction. Upon addition of target protein thrombin (Thb), the Thb could specifically recognize and combine with its aptamer to form complex. Thereafter, the aptamer bio-gate opened and the MB released from the pores, which could be detected on the screen-printed electrode. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed Thb aptasensor showed a wide detection range from 1 fM to 1 nM with a low detection limit of 0.57 fM. The strategy by using ZIF-8-derived porous carbon and aptamer bio-gate provides a promising scheme for developing simple, rapid, reliable and ultrasensitive bioassays, which has a great potential as a powerful tool in disease diagnosis and biomedicine.

Resonant-Cantilever-Detected Kinetic/Thermodynamic Parameters for Aptamer-Ligand Binding on a Liquid-Solid Interface

Nucleic acid aptamers have been widely used as recognition elements on various biosensing interfaces, but quantitative kinetic/thermodynamic analysis for revealing the aptamer-ligand binding mechanism, which occurs on a liquid-solid interface, has not been realized due to a lack of usable biophysical tools. Herein we apply a resonant microcantilever sensor to continuously record the frequency shift according to the binding-induced mass change on the liquid-solid interface. The frequency-shift curve is used for tracing the reaction process and is fitted with classic equations to calculate a set of kinetic/thermodynamic parameters, such as rate constants (k_a = 902.95 M^-1 s^-1, k_d = 0.000141 s^-1), equilibrium constants (K_D = 1.55 μM), the Gibbs free energy (ΔG° = -32.57 kJ/mol), and the activation energy (E_a = 38.03 kJ/mol) for the immobilized aptamer and free ATP. This quantitative analysis method is label-free, calibration-free, and highly sensitive. The kinetic/thermodynamic parameter detection method provides new resolution to the in-depth understanding of the ligand-aptamer interaction on the liquid-solid interface for biosensing or lab-on-a-chip applications.