Carbon nano-onions reinforced nanocomposites: Fabrication, computational modeling techniques and mechanical properties

Carbon nano-onions (CNOs)-reinforced nanocomposites are one of the most attractive materials due to their excellent performance in many fields of applications. This review paper aims to provide a systematic, albeit selective, survey of innovative developments in CNO-derived nanocomposites. First, molecular structure, fabrication and purification methods, and various applications of the CNOs are briefly described. Their unique physical properties make them ideal nanofillers for matrices to enhance the final nanocomposite features. Therefore, an overview of the current literature discussing the synthesis of polymeric and inorganic nanocomposites is presented. Then, various computational tools that can be used for simulating and modeling the CNOs and their nanocomposites are introduced. Experimental studies pertinent to the mechanical properties of the CNOs-reinforced nanocomposites are presented, and the effects of the CNOs on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites are reviewed. Next, novel applications of these nanocomposites in the emerging fields of biomedical engineering, energy storage devices, and nano-sensing technologies are also detailed. This article would be inspirational and give new insights by providing valuable, up-to-date, and essential background information to develop new concepts and applications of these carbon-based nanocomposites.