The Importance of Nanoparticles and Nanoporous Materials In Environmental Engineering

Progress in the nanotechnology has resulted in the development of many nanoscale structures and materials with exceptional chemical, physical and biological properties for a myriad of applications. Nano-based new approaches for environmental pollution control and water treatment may include the use of nanostructured materials as sorbents for effective contaminant sorption, advanced membrane for water and wastewater treatment, catalysts for contaminant destruction and green manufacturing, and hydrogen and methane storage. In this study, we will use several case studies to illustrate the importance and potential of nanoparticles and nanoporous materials in environmental engineering. The discussion topics will include: 1) catalysis of elemental sulfur nanoparticles on the reductive immobilization of toxic metals (i.e., Cr(VI) and U(VI)), 2) production of nanosized manganese oxides and their impact on the metal mobility, and 3) synthesis and application of ordered mesoporous carbon for the removal of arsenic and mercury from water. The researches show that processes and materials at nanoscale are integral parts of many environmental processes, and manufactured nanomaterials can be explored for many environmental applications.