CHAPTER 1. The Role of Functional Nanomaterials for Wastewater Remediation

Abstract

Nanotechnology has gained prominence as an advanced field of science, particularly its propensity to solve various environmental challenges. The use of nanomaterials is advantageous due to the unprecedented properties of nanomaterials including high surface area, high reactivity and strong mechanical properties that have been shown to be highly efficient and effective characteristics for wastewater treatment. The development of various nanomaterials provide the most exciting and encouraging advances based on their size effects to the targeted particulates. Various forms of nanomaterials, single or hybrid, have been widely used for the removal of heavy metals, microorganisms and organic pollutants from wastewater. Thus, in this chapter, we review the roles of nanomaterials in their application to wastewater treatment, underlining their advantages. Particularly, nanomaterials possess unique characteristics, depending on their classification and dimensions, which are beneficial for wastewater treatment. Nanomaterials including carbon-based nanomaterials, metal and metal oxides, metal–organic frameworks as well as hybrid nanomaterials are covered in this chapter. Lastly, future directions in the use of hybrid nanomaterials for water remediation are highlighted.