Functional hybrid nanomaterials for environmental remediation

Functional hybrid structural nanomaterials (FHN) produced by the integration of organic and inorganic components at a nano scale are promising materials for the removal of pollutants from the environment.

Early research (1990s) encompassed nanoscale zero-valent iron hybrids for groundwater remediation and TiO₂-based composites for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. Later advances in the 2000s maximised FHN efficiency, scalability, and multifunctionality. This book gives a comprehensive overview on FHN synthesis, characterisation, and application in environmental remediation. The editors have included content on basic principles and state-of-the-art applications, giving the reader an extensive overview of this technology.

The chapters are well organised, each including an introduction to set the topics in perspective, followed by an in-depth discussion and concluding remarks that summarise key points.

Chapter 1 introduces different nanomaterials, ranging from metal and metal oxide-based nanomaterials to carbon-based nanomaterials, organic frameworks, and hybrid nanomaterials, with their applications as photocatalysts, adsorbents, disinfectants, and in nanocomposite membranes. The subsequent chapters cover particular types of nanomaterials and modifications. Chapter 4 explains the uses of some of the nanomaterials in the environment, namely 0D nanoparticles, 1D nanorods, and 2D nanosheets, and how they possess special properties and can be engineered to become effective in environmental remediation.

Discussing different nanomaterials such as polymer-based, antimicrobial (Chapter 8), magnetic (Chapter 6), and photocatalyst nanocomposites (Chapter 7) provides readers with a wide range of applications of these materials in environmental remediation. The book also addresses the removal of other contaminants, such as heavy metals, micropollutants, and air pollutants, demonstrating.

the usefulness of hybrid nanomaterials. One of the highlights of the book is Chapter 7 in which the application of ultraviolet and visible photocatalytic-active nanocomposites for the degradation of wastewater and air pollutants is explained.

The book's strong point is that it embraces an interdisciplinary perspective from recent advances in the material sciences, chemistry, and environmental engineering.

While the book covers the science and technology of hybrid nanomaterials, there is little discussion on the economic feasibility, scalability, and regulatory environments of applying these materials to actual life scenarios. Case studies or pilot projects would have provided hands-on insight into the pitfalls and successes of implementing these technologies. This book is a resource for researchers who need to understand the state-of-the-art and future perspectives of FHNs for environmental remediation.

Reference

Functional Hybrid Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation, ed. A. F. Ismail, P.S. Goh, Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1039/9781839165283