An article by the Department of Energy of Politecnico di Milano has been selected as the Front Cover of the latest 2024 issue of the prestigious scientific journal ChemSusChem, dedicated to sustainable chemistry. The work, titled “Ballistic-Aggregated Carbon Nanofoam in Target-Side of Pulsed Laser Deposition for Energy Storage Applications”, was carried out by NanoLab (the research group on micro- and nanostructured materials) in collaboration with the Department of Physics, the interdisciplinary Solid Liquid Interface Nano-Microscopy and Spectroscopy laboratory (SoLINano-Σ) of Politecnico di Milano, and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT).

The research explores the production of carbon nanofoam through pulsed laser deposition. These nanofoams, characterized by a compact structure and unique properties, were used as electrodes for supercapacitors. The results demonstrate promising performance in terms of energy storage capacity, lifecycle, and sustainability, opening new prospects for advanced energy storage devices.

The cover illustration, created by Lia Tagliavini, depicts the investigation of carbon nanofoams produced in an unconventional configuration: rather than growing on a substrate placed in front of the target, as is typically done, they are grown directly on the target. This innovative setup enabled the creation of materials with unexpected chemical and morphological features, potentially useful in a wide range of applications.

ChemSusChem, published by the European Chemical Society, is an international journal that features high-impact research in all areas of sustainability, with chemistry at its core. Key topics include green synthesis and sustainable chemistry, energy storage and conversion, and advanced materials recycling.

Subrata Ghosh, the first author of the study and a recipient of a Marie Curie Individual Fellowship grant, stated:

This recognition confirms the relevance of our approach in developing new materials with a focus on cost reduction and environmental impact.

Carlo Casari added:

Being featured on the cover of ChemSusChem is a significant acknowledgment of the excellence of the research being conducted at the Department of Energy of Politecnico di Milano.