CHAPTER 4: Nanomaterials and Their Modification for Environmental Remediation

This chapter elucidates the environmental application of a wide range of nanomaterials. Environmental pollution and global warming are severe problems facing the world due to increased usage of fossil fuels and the size of the world's population. Thus, there is a need for smart materials with technological developments to overcome these problems. Therefore, we discuss the unique properties of various nanomaterials specially used for environmental remediation. The different types of nanomaterials discussed includes 0D nanoparticles, 1D nanorods, nanotubes, nanowires, and 2D nanosheet-based composite nanomaterials and nanostructures. It starts with a brief introduction followed by the various combinations of these nanomaterials viz., metal and non-metal doping, and composites of nanomaterials. Also discussed are the special properties of carbon-based nanomaterials like g-C₃N₄, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide. We explain how the special properties of these types of nanomaterials successfully address various critical environmental problems, such as organic dye degradation, air purification, and industrial waste water purification. Thus, this chapter gives an overview of various types of nanomaterials and their modifications and the unique properties that are actively involved in environmental remediation, and how nanoscience and technology help mankind to create new materials to tackle the day-to-day challenges in the world.