A review on the thermal analysis of carbon nanomaterials and related composites: a useful set of tools for advanced material characterization

Thermal analysis techniques, specifically differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG), along with experimental thermodynamics, provide critical data for the development of advanced materials. In recent years, the interest on carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) has significantly increased. Despite this growing interest, the field might still benefit from a systematic survey of the most recent literature on the thermal behavior of the aforementioned materials. In this context, this review examines the application of thermal analysis to CNMs of varying dimensionality (0D to 3D) and related composites, demonstrating the relevance of these techniques in their design, synthesis, and characterization. From this vantage point, information on phase transitions, thermal stability, decomposition kinetics, and thermodynamic stability can be rationalized to transform material preparation into a carefully designed process that leads to a functional product. Finally, the present review aims at giving a critical outlook on the current landscape of this field and at providing a toolset that can be utilized in state-of-the-art research.