MXenes and the progress of Li-S battery development-a perspective

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery has attracted tremendous interest owing to its high energy density at affordable costs. However, the irreversible active material loss and subsequent capacity fading caused by the uncontrollable shuttling of polysulfides have greatly hampered its commercial viability. MXenes, a novel class of 2D materials derived from nano-layered MAX phases, have been shown the potential to push the development of sulfur-based batteries to a next level owing to their high conductivity, strong polysulfide affinity and electrocatalytic properties. This perspective article focuses on the possible implications that MXene-based materials will have in the development of advanced sulfur-based batteries and their potential application in different upcoming technologies. In four sections possible developments are outlined which can be reached in the next 10 years, that enable a highly reliable, minimized Li–S battery finally combined with energy harvesters to fabricate autonomous power supplies for the next generation of microscaled devices like meteorological or geotechnical probes, wearable (medical) sensors or other suitable mobile devices. Finally, a flowchart illustrates the possible way to realize some important milestones for the certain possible steps with significant contributions of MXenes.Fil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Giebeler, Lars. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; Alemani

A top-down approach to build Li2S@rGO cathode composites for high-loading lithium–sulfur batteries in carbonate-based electrolyte

With a notable advantage in terms of specific capacity (1166 mAh g−1), lithium disulfide (Li2S) has been considered a promising cathode material for high-energy-density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. In contrast to pure sulfur, Li2S opens the opportunity to implement alternative anodes such as silicon or graphite instead of hardly controllable lithium metal. However, its intrinsically low conductivity and the formation of soluble lithium polysulfide species during cell operation resulting in a poor cycling stability, especially in carbonate-based electrolytes. Herein, a reduced graphene oxide-wrapped Li2S particles (Li2S@rGO) electrode is presented for improving the electrochemical performance of Li–S batteries in carbonate-based electrolytes. A hydrothermally prepared rGO-covered MoS2 particles composite was fully lithiated and irreversible decomposed at 0.01 V vs. Li/Li+ to in situ produce a Li2S@rGO composite with a high Li2S loading of ≈5 mg cm−2. Despite operating Li–S cells in a conventional carbonate-based electrolyte, the resulting cathode exhibits high initial capacity (975 mAh gLi2S −1 and 1401 mAh gS −1 at 0.1 C), low degradation rate (0.18% per cycle after 200 cycles at 2 C) and excellent Coulombic efficiency (≈99.5%). This work provides a simple strategy to fabricate practical high-loading Li2S cathodes for high-performance Li–S batteries “free” of polysulfide shuttle phenomenon.Fil: Zensich, Maximiliano Andres. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Jaumann, Tony. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Morales, Gustavo Marcelo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Giebeler, Lars. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Barbero, César Alfredo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; Argentin

Lifetime vs. rate capability: Understanding the role of FEC and VC in high-energy Li-ion batteries with nano-silicon anodes

Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) are the most frequently used electrolyte components to enhance the lifetime of anode materials in Li-ion batteries, but for silicon it is still ambiguous when FEC or VC is more beneficial. Herein, a nanostructured silicon/carbon anode derived from low-cost HSiCl3 is tailored by the rational choice of the electrolyte component, to obtain an anode material outperforming current complex silicon structures. We demonstrate highly reversible areal capacities of up to 5 mA h/cm2 at 4.4 mg/cm2 mass loading, a specific capacity of 1280 mA h/gElectrode, a capacity retention of 81% after 500 deep-discharge cycles versus lithium metal and successful full-cell tests with high-voltage cathodes meeting the requirements for real application. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and post-mortem investigation provide new insights in tailoring the interfacial properties of silicon-based anodes for high performance anode materials based on an alloying mechanism with large volume changes. The role of fluorine in the FEC-derived interfacial layer is discussed in comparison with the VC-derived layer and possible degradation mechanisms are proposed. We believe that this study gives a valuable understanding and provides new strategies on the facile use of additives for highly reversible silicon anodes in Li-ion batteries.Fil: Jaumann, Tony. Ifw Dresden; AlemaniaFil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Ifw Dresden; AlemaniaFil: Langklotz, Ulrike. Technische Universität Dresden; AlemaniaFil: Sauchuk, Viktar. Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Materials and Systems; AlemaniaFil: Fritsch, Marco. Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Materials and Systems; AlemaniaFil: Michaelis, Alexander. Technische Universität Dresden; AlemaniaFil: Teltevskij, Valerij. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Mikhailova, Daria. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Oswald, Steffen. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Klose, Markus. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; Alemania. Technische Universität Dresden; AlemaniaFil: Stephani, Guenter. Branch Lab Dresden. Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials; ArgentinaFil: Hauser, Ralf. Branch Lab Dresden. Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials; ArgentinaFil: Eckert, Jürgen. Technische Universität Dresden; Alemania. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Giebeler, Lars. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; Alemania. Technische Universität Dresden; Alemani

Carbon Nanomaterials: A versatile platform for energy technologies

Carbon nanomaterials play an important role in the development of alternative clean and sustainable energy technologies. These materials are a fascinating subject of study themselves, not only for its good chemical and mechanical stability, good electrical conductivity, high specific surface area and controlled pore size, but also because the pore structure can be further modified by active functional groups for the construction of more complex systems with a broad umbrella of applications. Furthermore, the surface chemistry, the morphology and the structural properties of the carbonaceous materials can be controlled by the judicious choice of the carbon precursor material and the route of fabrication. This minireview article spotlights the recent research progress on the synthesis of porous carbon nanomaterials and its application in energy storage and conversion. Particularly, we will discuss the synthesis and applications of mesoporous carbons as functional separator coatings in lithium-sulfur batteries, nanostructured carbons as catalyst supports for fuel cells and functionalized porous carbons as an acid catalyst for biofuel generation. Concluding the minireview, prospects for the future development of practical carbon nanomaterials are discussed.Fil: Zensich, Maximiliano Andres. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Baena Moncada, Angélica María. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Tamborini, Luciano Henri. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Coneo Rodríguez, Rusbel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Planes, Gabriel Angel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Morales, Gustavo Marcelo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Acevedo, Diego Fernando. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Bruno, Mariano Martín. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Barbero, César Alfredo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; Argentin

MXenes in lithium–sulfur batteries: Scratching the surface of a complex 2D material – A minireview

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries currently face the challenges of low active material utilization and poor cycling stability. A substantial forward leap in the commercialization of sulfur-based batteries can only be accomplished in tandem with the development of optimized materials with specific features capable to promote sulfur redox kinetics and to prevent polysulfide shuttle process. MXene family, a 2D material class derived from layered MAX phases, has a great potential to revolutionize the development of electrodes and chemically active separators for electrochemical energy storage devices due to their inherent high conductivity and self-functionalized surface. Herein, current research progress in the use of MXene materials for enhancing the performance and longevity of Li–S batteries is reviewed. Based on theoretical studies and experimental findings, the relationship between the MXene features and their chemical interaction with sulfur redox species to constrain the shuttling of soluble polysulfide intermediates and the subsequent influence on the cell performance is discussed. Accordingly, this review provides a comprehensive guideline for the rational design of MXene-comprised sulfur cathodes and functional hybrid separators for high-performance Li–S batteries. Finally, some valuable future research directions of MXenes in Li–S batteries are outlined.Fil: Giebeler, Lars. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; Argentin

Nanosized Li2S-based cathodes derived from MoS2 for high-energy density Li–S cells and Si–Li2S full cells in carbonate-based electrolyte

Conversion-type lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries tend to become the follow-up system for classical Li-ion batteries based on the intercalation principle. However, the practical application of rechargeable Li–S batteries is still counteracted by fast capacity fading and poor cycling stability caused by the major obstacle of these systems: the polysulfide shuttling. Herein, a feasible in cell formation of nanosized Li2S via full lithiation and irreversible decomposition of MoS2 nanoparticles is proposed. The primary advantage of the resulting Mo/Li2S-based cathode is found in the absence of soluble polysulfide species, allowing its operation in carbonate-based electrolytes. By adjusting the operating condition, Li–S cells in carbonate-based electrolyte with an ultrahigh Li2S loading of 10.7 mg cm–1 demonstrate good cycle stability and a high average areal capacity of 7.5 mA h cm–2. In order to tackle uncontrollable lithium dendrite formation, our simple-prepared cathode was successfully coupled with a nanostructured silicon anode to fabricate a Li–S full-cell capable to provide a high capacity of ≈780 mA h g–1, based on the sulfur mass. This easy and effective approach for preparing high-load Li2S cathodes will advance progress in the development of sulfur-based battery technology.Fil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Química y Física; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Jaumann, Tony. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Giebeler, Lars. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; Alemani

Metal-based nanostructured materials for advanced lithium-sulfur batteries

Since the resurgence of interest in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries at the end of the 2000s, research in the field has grown rapidly. Li-S batteries hold great promise as the upcoming post-lithium-ion batteries owing to their notably high theoretical specific energy density of 2600 W h kg−1, nearly five-fold larger than that of current lithium-ion batteries. However, one of their major technical problems is found in the shuttling of soluble polysulfides between the electrodes, resulting in rapid capacity fading and poor cycling stability. This review spotlights the foremost findings and the recent progress in enhancing the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries by using nanoscaled metal compounds and metals. Based on an overview of reported functional metal-based materials and their specific employment in certain parts of Li-S batteries, the underlying mechanisms of enhanced adsorption and improved reaction kinetics are critically discussed involving both experimental and computational research findings. Thus, material design principles and possible interdisciplinary research approaches providing the chance to jointly advance with related fields such as electrocatalysis are identified. Particularly, we elucidate additives, sulfur hosts, current collectors and functional interlayers/hybrid separators containing metal oxides, hydroxides and sulfides as well as metal-organic frameworks, bare metal and further metal nitrides, metal carbides and MXenes. Throughout this review article, we emphasize the close relationship between the intrinsic properties of metal-based nanostructured materials, the (electro)chemical interaction with lithium (poly)sulfides and the subsequent effect on the battery performance. Concluding the review, prospects for the future development of practical Li-S batteries with metal-based nanomaterials are discussed.Fil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Linnemann, Julia. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Jaumann, Tony. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Giebeler, Lars. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; Alemania. Ruhr Universität Bochum; Alemani

A direct and quantitative three-dimensional reconstruction of the internal structure of disordered mesoporous carbon with tailored pore size

A new technique that allows direct three-dimensional ~3D! investigations of mesopores in carbon materials and quantitative characterization of their physical properties is reported. Focused ion beam nanotomography ~FIB-nt! is performed by a serial sectioning procedure with a dual beam FIB-scanning electron microscopy instrument. Mesoporous carbons ~MPCs! with tailored mesopore size are produced by carbonization of resorcinol-formaldehyde gels in the presence of a cationic surfactant as a pore stabilizer. A visual 3D morphology representation of disordered porous carbon is shown. Pore size distribution of MPCs is determined by the FIB-nt technique and nitrogen sorption isotherm methods to compare both results. The obtained MPCs exhibit pore sizes of 4.7, 7.2, and 18.3 nm, and a specific surface area of ca. 560 m2 /g.Fil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Soldera, Flavio. Universitat Saarland; AlemaniaFil: Acevedo, Diego Fernando. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Mücklich, Frank. Universitat Saarland; AlemaniaFil: Barbero, César Alfredo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

LiV 3 O 8 -based functional separator coating as effective polysulfide mediator for lithium–sulfur batteries

The commercial development of high-energy lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is still hampered by the irreversible active material loss and fast capacity decay triggered by the dissolution of polysulfide species and the subsequent polysulfide shuttle effect. Carbon-coated separators can limit the diffusion of polar polysulfide intermediates between electrodes. However, the capacity fading still exists owing to the weak interaction of nonpolar carbons. Herein, a novel lithium vanadium(V) oxide-coated hybrid separator (LiV3O8-HS) is designed for enhancing the performance of Li-S batteries. The results show that the LiV3O8 coating acts as a shield-like redox mediator to physically block the diffusion of polysulfide intermediates and chemically promotes the conversion of soluble higher-order polysulfides to insoluble short-chain polysulfides via internal disproportionation reactions, accelerating the redox reaction kinetics and lessening the active material loss during cycling. As a consequence, Li-S cells with the LiV3O8-HS demonstrated superior electrochemical performance despite using a pure sulfur cathode, with a high initial discharge capacity of 1254 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C and superior long-term cyclability with a low average capacity decline of 0.063% per cycle after 500 cycles at 0.5 C. The coating of the commercial separator, which can be straightforwardly adopted in an industrial process, offers a simple and powerful route for boosting the performance of Li-S batteries toward commercial application.Fil: Maletti, Sebastian. Leibniz Universitat Hannover; AlemaniaFil: Podetti, Florencia Sofia. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Oswald, Steffen. Leibniz Universitat Hannover; AlemaniaFil: Giebeler, Lars. Leibniz Universitat Hannover; AlemaniaFil: Barbero, César Alfredo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Mikhailova, Daria. Leibniz Universitat Hannover; AlemaniaFil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados; Argentin

Application of sulfonated nanoporous carbons as acid catalysts for Fischer esterification reactions

Heterogeneous acid catalysts were prepared by sulfonation of nanoporous carbons (NPCs). The NPCs were produced by pyrolysis of resorcinol-formaldehyde nanoporous resins (NPRs). The NPRs were synthesized as wet gels by condensation of resorcinol and formaldehyde in a sol-gel polycondensation using Na2CO3 as catalyst. A cationic polyelectrolyte (poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride)) was used as pore stabilizer, allowing to dry the gels in air without any special procedures. Five NPRs with different properties were synthesized by varying the monomer to catalyst ratio (Resorcinol/Na2CO3, R/C). The morphological and textural characterizations of the NPCs were performed by scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results indicate that using a molar ratio of R/C=200, a nanoporous carbon NPC with large surface area (695m2/g) is obtained. This NPC was sulfonated by reaction with three different sulfonating agents: (i) concentrated sulfuric acid; (ii) fuming sulfuric acid and (iii) chlorosulfonic acid in order to obtain a novel Fischer esterification catalyst. The amount of acid groups attached to the NPC surface was determined by titration using a modified Boehm method. The catalytic activity, for Fischer esterification reaction of different sulfonated NPCs, was compared with sulfonated NPRs, sulfonated commercial porous carbons and polymeric acid catalyst (cationic ion exchange resins, sulfonated fluoropolymers). The modification of NPCs with concentrated sulfuric acid seems to render the materials with more catalytic activity. The best sulfonated material NPC (PC200-H2SO4) shows a high catalytic activity for the esterification of acetic acid (90.8%) and oleic acid (60.6%) with ethanol. The conversion and conversion rate values are better than commercial acid catalysts. The results suggest that sulfonated NPC catalysts are promising materials for the synthesis of biodiesel and related reactions.Fil: Tamborini, Luciano Henri. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Militello, María Paula. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Balach, Juan Manuel. Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research; Alemania. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Moyano, J. M.. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Tecnología Química; ArgentinaFil: Barbero, César Alfredo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Acevedo, Diego Fernando. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Tecnología Química; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin