Alexandria Engineering Journal (Mar 2025)
Advanced materials for sustainable fabrication, desalination, hydrogen production, and CO2 reduction
Abstract
The integration of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based materials into sustainable technologies has unlocked new potential for addressing critical global challenges, such as water scarcity, energy demands, and climate change. This study explores the transformative applications of CNTs in desalination, hydrogen production, and CO₂ hydrogenation. The objectives are to enhance process efficiency, develop cost-effective solutions, and contribute to environmental sustainability. CNT-based membranes exhibit unprecedented performance in water desalination due to their unique structural properties, including high permeability, selective ion rejection, and antifouling characteristics. Their nanoscale channels mimic biological aquaporins, enabling energy-efficient desalination processes. Functionalization further enhances these membranes by improving fouling control and ion rejection. In hydrogen production, CNTs demonstrate superior electrocatalytic properties for water splitting. The study emphasizes the role of nitrogen and boron doping in increasing reaction rates and reducing overpotential in hydrogen evolution reactions. Additionally, CNT composites integrated with transition metals such as cobalt and nickel significantly enhance catalytic activity and stability, promoting hydrogen production with minimal energy input. For CO₂ hydrogenation, CNTs serve as highly effective catalysts and catalyst supports. Their sp²-carbon framework and high thermal and electrical conductivity enable efficient CO₂ activation and selective conversion into hydrocarbons and alcohols. Functionalization and the incorporation of metal nanoparticles further optimize these processes, making CNTs a key player in greenhouse gas mitigation. This study highlights the novelty of CNT-based materials in delivering scalable, sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges. By addressing limitations such as production costs and environmental impact, this research sets a foundation for advancing CNT technologies in critical applications.
