Nanotechnology as a Key Enabler for Effective Environmental Remediation Technologies

Abstract

Overview This chapter provides an overview and outlook of nanotechnology’s enabling roles in developing effective environmental remediation processes. Nanotechnology has the potential to substantially improve environmental remediation technologies. Here, instead of an exhaustive review of all developments related to nano-enabled environmental remediation processes/technologies, we present a brief overview and then specific comparison(s) between the two most common application approaches- individual (free) nanoparticles and those systems with integrated nanomaterials/nanotechnology. Specifically, we review examples of metal oxide nanoparticles (as nano-adsorbents) and graphene oxide enabled membranes to illustrate key technological aspects regarding their application potential in environmental remediation. Lastly, we highlight three key steps to further advancing the material development, namely, establishing structure-property-function relationships, delineating the effects of environmental factors, and addressing potential risk issues.