Carbon-Based Nanotechnologies for Sustainable Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

The growing demand for sustainable energy solutions has accelerated research into advanced electrochemical systems that can simultaneously address energy and environmental challenges. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) exemplify this dual role by enabling power generation while treating wastewater, with recent advances in design, microbial species, and hybrid integration enhancing their practicality for off-grid applications. Parallel efforts focus on carbon-based nanotechnologies, where waste-derived carbon, agricultural residues, and biopolymers are transformed into high-performance electrocatalysts. These materials offer improved activity, stability, and scalability for fuel cells, electrolyzers, and batteries, while contributing to circular economy goals. Coupled with innovations in hydrogen fuel cells, perovskite solar cells, and CO₂ utilization, carbon-based nanostructures are emerging as pivotal enablers of sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies.The key challenge in electrochemical energy conversion and storage is the reliance on costly, scarce, and non-renewable electrode materials, which hinder scalability and sustainability. This Research Topic seeks to overcome these limitations by advancing carbon-based nanotechnologies derived from waste and renewable resources. Through optimized synthesis, structural engineering, and performance enhancement, these materials can deliver efficient, stable, and eco-friendly alternatives for fuel cells, batteries, and electrolyzers. Integrating such nanostructures into microbial fuel cells and hybrid systems further enables energy generation alongside environmental remediation. The ultimate goal of this article collection is to establish carbon-based nanomaterials as practical, sustainable solutions for scalable energy conversion and storage.This Research Topic focuses on the development and application of carbon-based nanotechnologies for sustainable electrochemical energy conversion and storage. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for power generation and wastewater treatment • Synthesis and optimization of waste-derived carbon electrocatalysts • Integration of carbon nanomaterials into fuel cells, batteries, and electrolyzers • Engineering strategies to enhance durability under harsh operating conditions• Environmental and economic assessments of recycling waste into functional electrode materials• Life cycle analysis and circular economy approaches in electrode development• Hybrid energy systems employing innovative carbon-based materialsWe welcome original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and short communications that highlight advances in material design, characterization techniques, and interdisciplinary approaches toward scalable, eco-friendly energy solutions. Topic editors: Shiv Singh, Anup Paul, Dr. Pradip Kumar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78805/carbon-based-nanotechnologies-for-sustainable-electrochemical-energy-conversion-and-storage