Nanotechnology applications in nuclear waste management: challenges and limitations

Nanotechnology may hold the key to addressing the challenges of nuclear waste containment, treatment, and monitoring, which this review evaluates. By leveraging high reactivity, stability, and increased surface area, we outline the advantages of nanomaterials—such as carbon nanotubes, metal oxides, and metal sulfides, for the isolation and containment of radionuclides. The review also examines the development of nanosensors designed for real-time radiation monitoring. However, challenges such as toxicity, scalability, and environmental availability still require improvement. This study highlights the unique capabilities of nanotechnology and its potential applications in waste management, particularly in the context of nuclear waste.