Attia, N. F., S. Malik, I. U. Islaam, and S. E. A. Elashery, "Chapter 19 - Halloysite nanotube-based polymers as smart and economical flame-retardant tools", Smart Halloysite Nanotubes: Elsevier, pp. 345-360, 2026. Abstract

The unique mechanical properties of polymeric and textile fabrics made them demanded in various industrial applications. This is in addition to their economical price and industrial availability. However, their inferior thermal stability and higher flammability hazards due to their organic composition limited their utilization. Therefore, flame retardant fillers have to be incorporated in their composite to improve thermal stability and fire safety properties and in the meanwhile maintain their mechanical properties. Interestingly, halloysite nanotubes as abundant and cost-effective inorganic nanotubes with special structure and lumen cavity are considered as effective flame-retardant materials for polymeric and textile fabrics. Halloysite nanotubes can be used as flame retardant filler to polymeric materials and textile alone, however affording efficient flame retardancy action when used as halloysite nanotube polymer-based composite. Additionally, halloysite nanotube-based polymer provide suppression to emission of toxic gases after combustion of polymeric or textile composite. Therefore, in this chapter halloysite nanotubes structure and characterization methods were studied. Also, their application as flame retardant tool for polymeric and textile fabrics was studied alone or polymer based. Moreover, their flame retardancy action was also studied and their economic feasibility was covered.

Elashery, S. E. A., N. F. Attia, and M. E. B. Mohamed, "Exploitation of 2D Mn-MOF nanosheets for developing rapid, sensitive, and selective sensor for determination of Mn(II) ions in food and biological samples", Talanta, vol. 294, pp. 128217, 2025. AbstractWebsite

Herein, for the first time, a sensitive potentiometric sensor exploiting ultrathin two-dimensional nanosheets of Mn metal-organic framework (2D Mn-MOF-NSs) was prepared to determine Mn(II) ion content with accuracy and precision. Furthermore, a comparative study between the 2D Mn-MOF-NSs-based sensor and the 3D Mn-MOF-based one has been established which proves the superiority of 2D Mn-MOF-NSs as a sensing material achieving a slope of 29.50 mV decade−1 within a wide linear range of 3.2 × 10−6 – 1.0 × 10−1 mol L−1. The 2D Mn-MOF-NSs-based sensor can be applied for measuring the Mn(II) ion content rapidly (3 s) without being affected by the sample pH within a range from 2.0 to 8.5. Additionally, the sensor demonstrates high selectivity towards Mn(II) ion compared to numerous other cations. To prove the broad and effective application of the proposed sensor in diverse sectors, it was applied successfully for the determination of Mn(II) ions content in different food samples in addition to biological sample. Notably, the results attained by the sensor align well with those of the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technique. Therefore, this article presented the first Mn(II) ion selective sensor based on ultrathin nanosheets of 2D Mn-MOF as a unique sensing material which can be regarded as one of the few sensors currently available for monitoring Mn(II) levels in various food samples in addition to biological samples with a high reliability and sensitivity.

Attia, N. F., A. Policicchio, A. K. Mohamed, C. P. Bonaventura, R. G. Agostino, F. A. - M. Kassem, A. M. Zakria, A. Alkahlawy, and S. E. A. Elashery, "Sustainable and scalable production of nanoporous carbon derived casein nanoparticles with high surface area for promising hydrogen storage capacity and CO2/H2 separation", Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 522, pp. 167820, 2025. AbstractWebsite

Herein, sustainable, economical, ultrahigh surface area, and scalable nanoporous carbon nanoparticles were developed for efficient hydrogen storage and gas separation. Spherical casein nanoparticles (CNPs) were greenly developed using a one-pot solvent- free solid-state ball-milling method. The ball-milling time was varied between 24 and 72 h, and in turn, the average size of casein nanoparticles developed varied, recording 41.2 and 35.4 nm for 24 and 72 h, respectively. Secondly, the developed nanoparticles were carbonized, followed by chemical activation, yielding nanoporous carbon nanoparticles with superior textural properties and inherently doped with oxygenated and nitrogenated functional groups. The developed nanoporous carbon nanoparticles exhibited outstanding microporosity with ultrahigh BET-SSA of 3035.9 m2 g−1 and total pore volume of 1.73 cm3 g−1 with ultramicropores of size 0.56–0.68 nm. This is associated with intrinsic doping levels of oxygenated and nitrogenated surface groups. The developed nanoporous carbon adsorbent revealed high H2 storage capacities at 77 and 298 K, achieving 5.97 and 0.405 wt% at pressures of 70 and 80 bar, respectively. The isosteric heat of adsorption of H2 corroborated the synergistic role of microporosity and intrinsic doping of O and N species for boosting H2 interaction with the developed adsorbent, recording an average value of 8.68 kJ mol−1. On the other hand, the developed nanoporous carbon nanoparticles showed promising CO2 capture, achieving 22.35 mmol g−1 at 298 K and 30 bar, revealing its suitability for pre-combustion CO2 capture as well. Additionally, the CO2/H2 separation selectivity was also studied using ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) at different binary gas mixtures of 50:50, 40:60, and 20:80 at RT and 30 bar. Remarkably, the sustainable nanoporous carbon nanoparticles achieving CO2/H2 separation selectivity of 18.9, 28.45 and 75.89 for gas mixtures of 50:50, 40:60, and 20:80, respectively, revealing their potential for H2 purification applications.

Elashery, S. E. A., E. B. Abdelazim, A. Adel, and S. M. Salah, "15 - Functionalized nanoclays in textile industry", Functionalized NanoclaysMicro and Nano Technologies: Elsevier, pp. 335 - 360, 2025. Abstract

Functionalized nanoclays are a type of 2D nanomaterial that triggered a lot of attention owing to their promising chemical and physical properties. This is in addition to their commercial viability. To this end, various functionalized nanoclays, versatile nanomaterials with exceptional properties, have revolutionized multiple industries, including textiles. This chapter introduces an engaging introduction to nanoclays and their functionalization, showcasing their wide-ranging applications beyond traditional fabrics. The significance of nanoclays in addressing the evolving needs of the textile industry is emphasized. A comprehensive overview of nanoclays is presented, covering their different types, functionalization techniques, and characterization methods. The remarkable potential of functionalized nanoclays in enhancing flame retardancy, UV protection, mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to odors and stains in textiles is explored. Additionally, functionalized nanoclays are lightweight materials; therefore, the use of functionalized nanoclays in the textile industry has enabled manufacturers to produce light and more durable fabrics with improved performance characteristics. This technology is expected to continue to grow in popularity as it provides a cost-effective way for manufacturers to improve the quality of their products while reducing production costs. Thus, this chapter highlights the transformative impact of nanoclays and paves the way for future advancements in the textile sector.

Attia, N. F., R. Shoaib, I. ul Islam, S. E. A. Elashery, and H. Ameen, "2D Metal Chalcogenides Gas Chemical Sensors", Advanced Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Environmental and Sensing Applications: CRC Press, pp. 56–79, 2024.
Attia, N. F., M. A. Nour, and S. E. A. Elashery, "Innovative engineering of scalable, renewable and spherical organic nanoparticles for high fire safety, UV protection and antibacterial properties of polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites films", Scientific Reports, vol. 14, issue 1, pp. 28841, 2024. AbstractWebsite

A novel and environmentally friendly route was developed for production of sustainable flame retardant, antibacterial and UV protective nanoparticles for polymeric films nanocomposites. For the first time, dried molokhia leaves were engineered into spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 8.5 nm via an eco-friendly, one-pot solid-state ball-milling method. The engineered nanoparticles were proved using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The sustainable nanoparticles were employed as an efficient and green flame retardant, antibacterial and UV protective materials for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite films. The distinct compatibility between PVA chains and spherical nanoparticles afford excellent homogeneous dispersion of each nanoparticle in the polymer matrix. Compared to blank PVA film which burned at a rate of 125 mm/min, the novel nanoparticles achieved significant flame retardancy for polymer nanocomposites films recording zero rate of burning. Their outstanding charring ability and naturally doped elemental composition were attributed to their higher flame retardancy achieved. Moreover, the newly developed multifunctional nanoparticles integrated outstanding UV protection feature to developed polymer nanocomposite films recording UV protection factor superiority of more than 900% compared to nanoparticle free film. Noteworthy to note that, the nanoparticles afford excellent inhibition to bacterial growth against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus over the surface of developed polymer nanocomposite films achieving clear inhibition zone of 9 and 7.6 mm compared to zero mm for pristine polymer film, respectively. In addition, a proposed and clarified flame retardancy mechanism was presented. Additionally, an assessment was conducted regarding the economic feasibility of producing sustainable multifunctional nanoparticles on an industrial scale.

Elashery, S. E. A., M. M. El-Bouraie, E. A. Abdelgawad, N. F. Attia, and G. G. Mohamed, "Adsorptive performance of bentonite-chitosan nanocomposite as a dual antibacterial and reusable adsorbent for Reactive Red 195 and crystal violet removal: kinetic and thermodynamic studies", Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, vol. 15, pp. 2511-2524, 2025.
Attia, N. F., A. Policicchio, G. Conte, R. G. Agostino, A. Alkahlawy, and S. E. A. Elashery, "Green fabrication of cost-effective and sustainable nanoporous carbons for efficient hydrogen storage and CO2/H2 separation", International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 92, pp. 1160-1171, 2024. AbstractWebsite

In this study, sustainable nanoporous carbon materials that are efficient, renewable, cost-effective and adaptable were developed. These microporous feature carbon adsorbents were synthesized utilizing a straightforward and efficient method. Plum stones are residual fruit materials that offer a financially feasible and sustainable carbon source with exceptional porosity and desirable elemental composition. The plum stones underwent carbonization and were subsequently chemically modified with polyaniline nanofibers and then subjected to chemical activation using different activating agents. This yielded sustainable nanoporous carbon with a high degree of porosity, in conjunction with doping with precious high electron density elements such as O, N and S. The sustainable nanoporous carbons that have been developed exhibits exceptional microporosity, with BET-SSA of 1705 m2 g−1 and a pore volume of 0.726 cm3 g−1, besides, the dominance of ultramicropores of 0.6 nm size. This in addition to convenient doping of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur elements which are crucial for H2 uptake. The developed nanoporous carbon demonstrated highly promising capabilities for storing H2 molecules at cryogenic and ambient temperatures. The sustainable adsorbent achieved hydrogen storage capacities of 4.63 and 0.45 wt% at 77, 296 K, and a pressure of 40 and 80 bar, respectively. This H2 storage capacity at RT is often regarded as one of the highest reported in the literature for nanoporous adsorbents. Moreover, study investigated the separation selectivity of developed adsorbents for CO2/H2 based on uptake ratio at 30 bar and RT. The results demonstrated a significant separation selectivity reaching a value of 382.5 for the CO2/H2, which is regarded as one of the most elevated values documented in the existing literature for nanoporous carbon materials. Thus, the presented sustainable nanoporous materials have shown great promise for hydrogen storage, pre-combustion CO2 capture and H2 purification applications at ambient temperature.

Attia, N. F., A. Policicchio, A. M. Zakria, C. P. Bonaventura, S. Bartucci, A. Alkahlawy, M. A. Nour, N. A. A. El-Ghany, A. M. Rabie, and S. E. A. Elashery, "Rational fabrication of ultramicroporous flexible porous carbon fabrics for efficient capture of CO2 andCO2/N2 and CO2/H2 separation", Surfaces and Interfaces, vol. 56, pp. 105584, 2025. AbstractWebsite

An innovative flexible nanoporous carbon fabrics were developed for selective capture of CO2 and its separation over N2 and H2 gases. The as developed flexible porous fabrics was fabricated using viscose rayon fabrics coated with various nanocoatings includes phosphorylated cellulose nanocrystals (P-CNC), polyaniline nanofibers (PANI-NFs) and graphene sheets derived from mandarin shell in conjunction with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Afterwards, they were carbonized and subsequently chemically activated with green potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate as an activating agent. The developed flexible porous carbon fabrics achieved superior microporosity with specific surface area and total pore volume of 753 m2 g-1 and 0.309 cm3 g-1, respectively. This is in addition to existence of ultramicropores of size 0.61 nm and rich doping with oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus species, in conjunction with precious metals residues. Besides, their flexibility, easier processability and safe handling properties, they achieved high CO2 uptake of 5.72 and 38.7 wt.% at 1 and 30 bar and room temperature, respectively. This superior CO2 uptake at pre-and post-combustion conditions was ascribed to ultramicropores and high electron density adsorption sites which affords easier adsorption and interaction of CO2 molecules with pore walls. Moreover, the flexible porous fabric records superior removal of CO2 over N2 from flue gas recording separation selectivity of CO2/N2 of 36.5 at 30 bar and room temperature based on uptake ratio. Additionally, they achieved outstanding separation selectivity of CO2 over H2 gas achieving CO2/H2 of 280.

Jung, M., J. Park, J. Zhou, T. Park, Y. - C. Nah, S. E. A. Elashery, S. G. Kang, N. F. Attia, R. Muhammad, and H. Oh, "Thermally regulated gating phenomenon in bio-derived ultra-narrow nanoporous carbon for enhancing hydrogen isotope separation", Fuel, vol. 382, pp. 133754, 2025. AbstractWebsite

The temperature-triggered gating in flexible nanoporous frameworks exhibits dynamic nanopore regulation under external stimuli, leading to optimum pore sizes and enhanced selectivity for isotopologue separation. In this work, we report one of the very rare observations of temperature-responsive gating in efficient bio-derived ‘nanoporous carbon’ material. The distinctive characteristics of this material, such as its suitable pore sizes for Kinetic Quantum Sieving (KQS) that lead to strong diffusion limitation, as well as its capacity to operate at higher temperatures, overcome the limitations of existing crystalline porous materials. It is remarkable that this activated carbon derived from biological sources, even without any strong binding sites, can release hydrogen isotopologues at a higher temperature of 180 K in comparison to MOF-74(Ni), which possesses many open metal sites but releases mostly at 90–100 K. The separation performance is also demonstrated to reach up to 120 K, and only six separation cycles are needed to enrich from a low concentration of 4 % to –92 % D2 in a mixture of deuterium (D2/H2). This finding suggests that inexpensive porous carbon’s thermal pore size modulation can significantly increase the operating temperature for precise separation of hydrogen isotopologues.

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