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This study explores advancements in concurrent biorefinery and hydrogen production using Ni-decorated CNTs derived from bioethanol as electrocatalysts, showing the complete conversion of furan derivatives to the desired products with 95–97% selectivity and a hydrogen production rate of 75 μmol h−1. These findings highlight the simultaneous upgrading of biomass-derived compounds and hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High entropy alloy nanoparticles encapsulated into nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes show superior bifunctionality for the ORR and OER, evidenced by a battery performance of 214 mW cm−2, sustained for 200 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared a 3D FeZn–N–C based catalyst by green in situ growth of 1D Fe–N–C carbon nanotubes by introducing ferrocyanide ions on the surface of 2D exfoliated MOF-5. The 1D/2D FeZn–N–C based electrocatalyst is conducive to O2 diffusion and ionic/electron transfer, exhibiting an excellent ORR catalytic performance and a peak power density of 294 mW cm−2 for Zn–air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafine ruthenium nanoparticles are encapsulated by single-atom Ni-bonded graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) layers anchored on carbon nanotubes (Ru/Ni-CNCT). The enhanced electronic interaction between Ru nanoparticles and Ni–N(O)–C sites anchored in g-C3N4 layers promotes water adsorption/dissociation and hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Co–CoSe core–shell heterostructure encapsulated into nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes enables superior zinc air battery performance (172 mW cm−2) and stability (970 h). The enhanced bifunctionality and stability originates from the modulated d band center and confinement effect, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafine iridium particles anchored on nitrogen-doped CNTs were obtained from Ir(ppy)3 and CNTs using a simple annealing method and acted as highly efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysts for Zn–air batteries. A synergistic effect, efficient *OH adsorption and rapid *OOH deprotonation were demonstrated from in situ FTIR spectroscopy, EIS and activation energy measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of copper foam modified with cobalt phthalocyanine carbon nanotube hybrids to improve the selectivity and stability of the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) in a flow cell setup. The CO2RR is a promising method for converting carbon dioxide into useful industrial molecules, and renewable energy sources are of interest for this reaction. Copper is known for its ability to produce C2+ products from CO2RR, but low selectivity and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can limit its effectiveness. The incorporation of cobalt phthalocyanine hybrids with carbon-based materials enhances stability, selectivity, and conductivity. The study demonstrates the ability to regulate HER and improve CO2RR activity on copper foam through non-covalent surface modification with cobalt phthalocyanine hybrids. The modified copper foam exhibits a ten-fold increase in CO formation and remains stable over time. The article discusses the successful combination of cobalt phthalocyanine hybrids and carbon nanotubes through axial coordination of carboxylic groups. The CO2RR performance of the modified copper foam electrodes is examined, and the cobalt phthalocyanine hybrid outperforms other electrodes in terms of CO2RR product formation. The long-term stability of the cobalt phthalocyanine hybrid is also demonstrated. [Extracted from the article]

The functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has received considerable attention in the last decade since highly efficient near-infrared photoluminescence (PL) has been observed to be red-shifted compared with the intrinsic PL peak of pristine SWCNTs. The PL wavelength has been manipulated using arylation reactions with aryldiazonium salts and aryl halides. Additionally, simple oxidation and alkylation reactions have proven effective in extensively adjusting the PL wavelength, with the resulting PL efficiency varying based on the chosen reaction techniques and molecular structures. This review discusses the latest developments in tailoring the PL attributes of SWCNTs by oxidation and alkylation processes. (6,5) SWCNTs exhibit intrinsic emission at 980 nm, and the PL wavelength can be controlled in the range of 1100–1320 nm by chemical modification. In addition, recent developments in chiral separation techniques have increased our understanding of the control of the PL wavelength, extending to the selection of excitation and emission wavelengths, by chemical modification of SWCNTs with different chiral indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notably, spinel Li2CuTi3O8 with higher theoretical capacity inherits the characteristics of Li4Ti5O12, which is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries with high energy density. However, the reversible migration of Cu2+ in Li2CuTi3O8 during the discharge process limits the diffusion of Li+, resulting in poor electrochemical performance. Space confinement is a desirable successful strategy to reduce the size of electroactive materials in return for getting improved kinetics and capacity for secondary ion batteries. Here, we develop a strategy by controlling the precursor of Li2CuTi3O8 in the walls of sulfonated polymer nanotubes, and the highly crosslinked copolymer network in the process of pyrolysis caused strong space confinement for the nanoparticles, which effectively prevented the agglomeration of Li2CuTi3O8 during the calcination process. The hybrid porous nanotubes consisting of Li2CuTi3O8 nanoparticles (5–50 nm) embedded in carbon nanotubes exhibit superior performance (402.8 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, 101 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 1000 cycles). This work provides a rapid and durable Li2CuTi3O8 electrochemistry, holding great promise in developing a practically viable Li2CuTi3O8 anode and enlightening material engineering in related energy storage and conversion areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the proof-of-concept of spark plasma sintered (SPS) consolidated mesoporous composite catalytic electrodes based on nickel–copper alloys and carbon nanotubes for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. The optimized electrode (203 m2 g−1, 5 wt% Ni75Cu25) operated at −0.1 A cm−2 (current of −0.15 A) for 24 h with a stable overpotential of about 0.3 V. This newly described freestanding SPS approach allows the rational control of specific surface area, metal loading, and electrocatalytic performance, thus opening a new route to catalytic electrodes with controllable physical and catalytic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and design of CO2-switchable colloidal particles is described. A presentation of the principles of CO2 switching, especially as they apply to colloids, is followed by recent progress in the preparation of several types of colloidal particles (polymer nanoparticles, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), quantum dots, graphene, cellulose nanocrystals, carbon nanotubes) for various applications (Pickering stabilizers, catalysts, latexes), and our perspective on future opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanoribbons and nanotubes decorated with Co3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by a metal-catalyzed graphitization–nitridization and oxidization process, using triazole and melamine as a solid nitrogen/carbon co-source, and assessed as anodes of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). These composite anodes display perfect electrochemical performance, indicating their potential for application in LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted the chiral separation of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with dibromopropane derivatives. Depending on their chirality and diameter, the thermal treatment of functionalized SWNTs leads to a shift in the emission radiation to longer wavelengths owing to rearrangement reaction in competition with elimination reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an unprecedented heterometallic aluminum oxo cluster (AlOC) containing four surface-exposed CoII sites, designated as Al12Co4, protected by four t-butylcalix[4]arene (TBC[4]) molecules. The Al12Co4 nanocluster represents a significant advancement on multiple innovative fronts. First, it stands as an pioneering example of an AlIII-based metallocalixarene nanocluster. It is also the first instance of heterometallic AlOCs shielded by macrocyclic ligands. Notably, this cluster also holds the distinction of being the highest nuclearity Al–Co bimetallic nanocluster known to date. Additionally, by depositing Al12Co4 on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a supported catalyst, we investigated its electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media. To reach a 10 mA cm−2 current density in alkaline solution, the Al12Co4@CNT electrode needs overpotential as low as 320 mV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B, N co-doped carbon-supported small-sized Ru nanoparticles (RuBCN) were constructed by a facile ion exchange strategy using closo-[B12H12]2− and Ru(bpy)32+ as the precursors. Benefitting from strong metal-support interactions caused by the synergistic coupling effect of co-dopants B and N, RuBCN exhibits improved sintering resistance and the Ru nanoparticles are stabilized at sub-3 nm at 900 °C. Besides, introducing B doping further increases the electron deficiency of Ru in RuBCN, which could weaken the interaction between Ru and Had species or O2 adsorption. As a result, it exhibits impressive HER (η10 = 20 mV) and ORR (E1/2 = 0.76 V) catalytic performances, as well as outstanding stability, which are much higher than those of the single dopant counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the heterogenization of molecular, electrochemically switchable ortho-substituted carboranes (POCb, POCb-Pyr) for selective metal capture. Films of POCb and POCb-Pyr on glassy carbon and carbon fiber (CF) electrodes demonstrated heterogeneous electrochemical behaviour that was enhanced by the inclusion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Galvanostatically charged CF‖CNT‖POCb and CF‖CNT‖POCb-Pyr electrodes selectively captured and released actinides (Th4+, UO22+) from mixed solutions containing alkali (Cs+), lanthanide (Nd3+, Sm3+) and actinide (Th4+, UO22+) metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a kind of metal-free material, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is widely used in catalytic materials, energy storage materials and other fields. However, the limited light absorption, low conductivity and high recombination rate of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs limit its further application. Constructing g-C3N4 based composite materials by integrating it with carbon materials is an effective and common way to overcome the above shortcomings of g-C3N4. In this paper, carbon materials, such as carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon spheres, are integrated with g-C3N4 to construct carbon/g-C3N4 composite materials (CCNCS) and their photoelectrocatalytic performance is reviewed. The effects of those factors such as the categories of carbon materials, carbon content, nitrogen content, the morphology of g-C3N4, and the interfacial interactions between carbon and g-C3N4 on the photo/electrocatalytic performance of CCNCS are carefully analyzed to help researchers to touch the nature of the synergistic effect of g-C3N4 and the carbon ingredient in CCNCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry, we in situ unraveled that the single walled carbon nanotubes-modified gold electrode surface is free of a dense adsorption phase and abundant in water molecules, which facilitated the electro-oxidation reaction of ascorbate. Such an understanding will expedite the knowledge-based development of electrochemical interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we construct a composite material of Pt-NPs@NPCNs–Co by anchoring Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) and Co-salen covalent organic polymer (Co-COP) onto N, P co-doped carbon nanotubes (NPCNs), thereby offering an integrated approach to enhance H2O dissociation. The bimetallic catalyst Pt-NPs@NPCNs–Co demonstrates exceptional HER performance, and the overpotential at 40 mA cm−2 is lower than that of 20% Pt/C. When the overpotential is 50 mV, the mass activity of Pt-NPs@NPCNs–Co is 2.8 times that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Experimental results reveal that the synergistic interplay between Pt NPs and Co contributes to the excellent electrocatalytic performance observed. Density function theory calculations found that Co effectively modulates the electronic structure of Pt NPs and lowers the activation energy of the Volmer step, thereby accelerating the water dissociation kinetics of Pt NPs. This research contributes to the advancement of knowledge regarding the development of more efficient bimetallic co-catalytic electrocatalysts in alkaline media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) refers to the phenomenon of light emission from molecular species which is triggered by an electrochemical reaction. Therefore, like most electrochemical systems, the electrode material plays a pivotal role and much effort has been made in order to find the best material for ECL, in terms of light signal intensity and long-term stability, especially after the development of ECL for analytical applications. In this article, we will introduce and highlight the distinctive features of boron-doped diamond (BDD) as an electrode material for ECL which has complementary properties compared to the most common metals (e.g., Au or Pt) and carbon materials (e.g., glassy carbon, carbon nanotubes and graphene). Boron-doped diamond electrodes emerged as novel electrodes, gaining more and more interest from the electrochemical community for their peculiar characteristics such as a wide solvent window, low capacitance, resistance to fouling and mechanical robustness. Furthermore, compared to metal electrodes, BDD does not form an oxide layer in aqueous solutions, and the sp3 carbon hybridization gives BDD the ability to enable peculiar electrochemical reactions that are not possible on sp2 carbon materials. Electrogenerated chemiluminescence investigations with boron-doped diamond electrodes have been reported for common ECL systems (luminophores and co-reactants), and special ECL that is only possible on BDD which includes the in situ electrochemical generation of the co-reactant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few decades, nanometer-scale pores have been employed as a powerful tool for sensing biological molecules. In pursuit of this technology, a variety of nanotechnology-based approaches have been explored and established, especially nanopore sequencing. In comparison to the existing pores in other materials such as Si3N4, carbon nanopores have the ability to rapidly sense various biological molecules at single-molecule resolution and with reduced cost. Different from most reviews about nanopore sequencing, herein, we focus on the nanopore materials employed for sequencing applications. Initially, we provide an overview on the general issues associated with nanopore sequencing, concentrating on the recent progress and achievements in nanopore sequencing, especially using various carbon nanomaterials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. Finally, the future research directions using carbon nanomaterials for nanopore sequencing are discussed and outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a facile and scalable in situ polymerization strategy to selectively introduce the active quinone-based components across the carbon nanotube (CNT) surface. It can be observed that the optimized poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) (PAQS)/CNT composites exhibit excellent activity and selectivity with a H2O2 yield ratio of approximately 91% at 0.5 V (vs. RHE), together with satisfactory stability at 0.5 V over 20 h. The electrocatalytic performance is correlated with the synergistic effect between PAQS and CNTs. That is, PAQS grafted with abundant quinone groups facilitates the 2 e− ORR process to produce H2O2, and the conductive CNT scaffold is beneficial for the uniform distribution of PAQS and ensures the fast electron transport through the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heterogeneous catalyst consisting of bimetallic rhodium-ruthenium particles immobilized on carbon nanotubes was used in the hydroboration reaction and proved highly effective for a variety of alkenes and alkynes. The reactions were carried out with low catalytic loadings (0.04 mol%), under solvent-free conditions, and at room temperature. In addition, to demonstrate its recyclability, the catalyst was recovered by a simple centrifugation process and reused over 5 consecutive cycles without losing any activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube confined CuCo nanoalloy catalysts are fabricated by using ZIF-67 as a sacrificial template for the one-pot selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to 1,4-pentanediol (1,4-PDO). The optimal catalyst achieves a high 1,4-PDO yield of 87.8% at full LA conversion. It also exhibits good recycling stability and can be reused at least 5 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries (RAIBs) attract great attention for stationary energy storage, but there remains a lack of suitable cathode materials for them. Here, a porous iron fluoride/multi wall carbon nanotube (FeF3/MWCNTs) composite as a cathode for RAIBs shows high discharge capacity (180 mA h g−1) and good rate performance, while MWCNTs play crucial roles in improving conductivity and cycle stability. Various characterizations elucidate its conversion-type mechanism, in particular, the Fe3+/Fe2+ conversion exhibits a high operating potential of 1.75 V and discharge capacity of 123 mA h g−1, which is very promising for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article featured in Chemical Communications highlights research from Associate Professor Dr. Chularat Wattanakit's laboratory at Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology in Thailand. The study focuses on Ni-decorated carbon nanotubes derived from ethanol for electrooxidation of furan derivatives, with a focus on H2 production. This innovative approach integrates green CNT electrodes for clean energy and valuable chemical production from furan derivatives. [Extracted from the article]

Solving the problem of the slow kinetic process of the oxygen evolution reaction by electrocatalysts has attracted extensive attention. Here, we report an enhancement of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalytic activity via the surface nitriding of FeNi3 nanosheets for the formation of amorphous Fe/Ni–Nx species. The optimized Fe/Ni–Nx@FeNi3 nanosheets exhibit an overpotential of 251 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and an excellent durability of 210 h. The superior electrocatalytic performance is attributed to the multi-component active sites, where the Fe/Ni–Nx outer layer inhibits metal active site leaching, and the catalyst undergoes dynamic reconfiguration during the OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manipulation of individual atoms has developed from visionary speculation into an established experimental science. Using focused electron irradiation in a scanning transmission electron microscope instead of a physical tip in a scanning probe microscope confers several benefits, including thermal stability of the manipulated structures, the ability to reach into bulk crystals, and the chemical identification of single atoms. However, energetic electron irradiation also presents unique challenges, with an inevitable possibility of irradiation damage. Understanding the underlying mechanisms will undoubtedly continue to play an important role to guide experiments. Great progress has been made in several materials including graphene, carbon nanotubes, and crystalline silicon in the eight years since the discovery of electron-beam manipulation, but the important challenges that remain will determine how far we can expect to progress in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azide functionalization produced luminescent sp2-type defects on single-walled carbon nanotubes, by which defect photoluminescence appeared in near infrared regions (1116 nm). Changes in exciton properties were induced by localization effects at the defect sites, creating exciton-engineered nanomaterials based on the defect structure design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strategy of in situ depositing 2D COFs on heterogeneous catalysts was reported for the first time to suppress the agglomeration and sintering of the supported metal nanoparticles during hydrogenation processes. The COF-decorated nanocatalysts exhibited excellent stability in various hydrogenation reactions including the reduction of dimethyl oxalate (DMO), furfural, and other chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we develop a low temperature gas template route for in situ growth of highly nitrogen-doped (5.68 wt%), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (N-MWCNTs). The N-MWCNTs exhibit superior sulfur compatibility in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) resource utilization, thus resulting in their enhanced functionality as Li–S cathodes with high sulfur-specific capacity and retention rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel selenide nanowires were grown inside carbon nanotubes through in situ encapsulation via one-step chemical vapor deposition. These NiSe2@CNT nanohybrids showed excellent electrocatalytic activity for water splitting with a low overpotential of 260 mV at 10 mA cm−2, high current density, and extended stability owing to the synergistic effect between NiSe2 and CNTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and facile strategy for fabricating red phosphorus@nitrogen doped graphene/carbon nanotube aerogel (P@NGCA) is proposed as a free-standing anode for high energy sodium-ion batteries. Owing to an optimized structure of red P uniformly confined in porous NGCA with high conductivity and mechanical stability, the free-standing P@NGCA anode exhibits outstanding sodium storage performance with a high areal capacity of 3.3 mA h cm−2 and superior initial Coulombic efficiency of 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the working principle of natural spiderweb and long-persistence phosphors, we have synthesized a spiderweb-like nanocomposite in which CoS quantum dots are confined in N-doped carbon frameworks/carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The intimate combination of three-dimensional conductive networks of CoS/CNTs with abundant active sites allows effective capture of sulfate radicals via both physical confinement and chemical bonding and accelerates the redox kinetics significantly. Furthermore, in virtue of the light storing and luminescence behaviors of long-persistence phosphors, the all-weather CoS/CNTs produced can realize an optimum degradation efficiency of 64% under dark conditions. Overall, this work reveals a significant step forward for building a desirable all-weather catalyst with abundant active sites for potential use in degradation under dark conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient electrochemical NO3− reduction is emerging as an appealing approach toward eliminating NO3− contaminants and generating NH3 simultaneously, but its efficiency is challenged by a lack of active and selective electrocatalysts. In this work, we report CoO nanoparticle decorated N-doped carbon nanotubes as an efficient catalyst for highly selective hydrogenation of NO3− to NH3. In 0.1 M NaOH electrolyte with 0.1 M NO3−, this catalyst is capable of achieving a large NH3 yield of up to 9041.6 ± 370.7 μg h−1 cm−2 and a high faradaic efficiency of 93.8 ± 1.5%, with excellent durability. Theoretical calculations reveal the catalytic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, Fe-doped CoP nanoparticles (Fe-CoP NPs) encapsulated in porous N-doped carbon (PNC)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully synthesized. The Fe doping and confined structures resulted in enhanced charge transfer and improved active sites for intermediates adsorption. The obtained Fe-CoP@PNC/CNTs materials exhibited superefficient OER performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We unprecedentedly report spatially separated CoNx nanodots on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via a facile formamide condensation reaction. To our knowledge, CoNx-CNTs outperform the activities of current catalysts in peroxymonosulfate activation. CoNx-CNT-oriented radical-free degradation of contaminants shows robust anti-interference capacity toward environmental conditions. Our work will stimulate general interest in designing cost-effective and versatile quantum-/atom-sized catalysts with fully exposed active sites for water purification and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel microcapsule composed of Cu9S5 and SnS2 quantum dots (QDs)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prepared through a microfluidic approach was developed for a Li-ion battery anode. CNTs enhance the conductivity, while pores in the shell facilitate electrolyte penetration, and void in the microcapsule buffers the volume change. The microcapsule-based anode displayed stable capacity, a Coulombic efficiency of 99.9%, and reversible rate-performance at temperatures of −10 °C and 45 °C, which are significant for developing high-performance energy-storage materials and battery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed ab initio CASSCF calculations coupled with periodic DFT studies on a series of [Dy(Cp)2]+ molecules encapsulated in a single-wall carbon nanotube found that encapsulation offers stability to these fragile molecules and also significantly enhances the Ueff values. Most importantly, this encapsulation suppresses the key vibrations responsible for reducing the blocking temperature, offering a hitherto unknown strategy for a new generation of SIM-based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a leading analytical technique for clinical monitoring and early disease diagnosis. Carbon nanotubes are used as efficient nanomaterials for ECL signal enhancement providing new insights into the mechanism for the ECL generation but also affording application in bead-based immunoassay and ECL microscopy-based bioimaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, magnetic field (MF) has been described as a potential way to improve the properties of electrode materials, which significantly enhances the ion diffusion behavior and material wettability. We first synthezised for the first time a comparable carbon-based electrode material (GCA) including active carbon, reduced graphene and carbon nanotubes through a facile stirring method for further research under MF. Herein, 0.15 T of MF induced by two NdFeB magnets was applied on the supercapacitor devices to enhance the energy density, which increased by about 62% for the symmetric supercapacitor (SSC: from 11.2 to 18.1 W h kg−1). An asymmetric supercapacitor composed of the prepared GCA as the anode and NiCoFe/NiCoFe–OH as the cathode was also assembled for research. And it was found that the whole electrochemical performance significantly improved (for example, energy density increased by about 22% for the asymmetric supercapacitor, i.e., from 50.6 to 61.4 W h kg−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of polycyclic aromatics, naphthalene, phenanthrene, perylene, pyrene, 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (pyrene NHS) and coronene, were immobilized via π stacking on carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes and electro-oxidized in aqueous solutions. The obtained quinones were characterized and evaluated for the mediated electron transfer with FAD dependent glucose dehydrogenase during catalytic glucose oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyridine-boryl (py-boryl) radicals serve as efficient electron-doping reagents for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The doping mechanism comprises electron transfer from the py-boryl radical to the SWCNT. The formation of a stable py-boryl cation is essential for efficient doping; the captodative effect of the py-boryl cation is important to this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, small Co nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated in N-doped double-shelled carbon nanocages grafted with thin carbon nanotubes (Co@CNTs@DSCNCs) were synthesized from yolk–shell bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework (BMZIF). For HER electrocatalysis, they exhibit higher activity (η10 = 214 mV) and more favorable kinetics than Co@CNTs@PC (PC = porous carbon) with thick CNTs and large Co NPs derived from solid BMZIF cubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen evolution reaction is a huge challenge for CO2 electroreduction. Herein, an inside-mode indium oxide/carbon nanotube compound (MWCNTs@In2O3) is developed to maximize the catalytic effect and suppress hydrogen evolution, its HCOOH selectivity can reach up to 92.2% at −16.8 mA cm−2, which is more efficient than In2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unique Fe and N co-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes are designed to efficiently catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The preparation processes involve surface functionalization, subsequent wet impregnation and final thermal fixation of Fe–Nx species. The catalyst achieved outstanding alkaline ORR performance with a very positive half-wave potential (∼0.91 V). Theoretical calculations show that the carbon layer below the active Fe–Nx sites is beneficial to the ORR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a versatile design for metal–organic framework cathodes with the aim of improving the reversibility of Li–O2 and Li–O2/CO2 batteries. The porous nanoarchitecture of Co3O4-incorporated carbon wrapped with carbon nanotubes is beneficial for facilitating the reversible electrochemical reactions with O2 and CO2, ensuring long-term cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an easy and efficient approach based on a target-induced molecular-switch on triple-helix DNA (THD)-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the simultaneous visual detection of nucleic acids and proteins with a lateral flow nucleic acid biosensor. The assay had the capability to detect a minimum of 25 pM target DNA and 0.25 nM thrombin simultaneously within 20 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) have attracted considerable attention in the scientific community both from a scientific and an industrial point of view. Fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and carbon dots (CDs) are the most popular forms and continue to be widely studied. However, the general poor solubility of many of these materials in most common solvents and their strong tendency to aggregate remains a major obstacle in practical applications. To solve these problems, organic chemistry offers formidable help, through the exploitation of tailored approaches, especially when aiming at the integration of nanostructures in biological systems. According to our experience with carbon-based nanostructures, the introduction of amino groups is one of the best trade-offs for the preparation of functionalized nanomaterials. Indeed, amino groups are well-known for enhancing the dispersion, solubilization, and processability of materials, in particular of CNMs. Amino groups are characterized by basicity, nucleophilicity, and formation of hydrogen or halogen bonding. All these features unlock new strategies for the interaction between nanomaterials and other molecules. This integration can occur either through covalent bonds (e.g., via amide coupling) or in a supramolecular fashion. In the present Feature Article, the attention will be focused through selected examples of our approach to the synthetic pathways necessary for the introduction of amino groups in CNMs and the subsequent preparation of highly engineered ad hoc nanostructures for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]