Abstract
This chapter focuses on advancements in the green synthesis approach for nanomaterials and their environmental applications. The eco-friendly, cost-effective, and simple synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles on the environmental applications are discussed. The first section presents an introduction with the basic topics of the green materials synthesis. The second section summarizes the green chemical methods through different routes (precipitation synthesis, electrospinning synthesis, reflux condensation synthesis, hydrothermal, microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods) and the green routes using biological systems from biosynthetic process to synthesize nanoparticles and biosynthesis of passivating nanofilms using spontaneous formation. In the third section, the environmental and energy applications of nanomaterials, including solar cells, photocatalysis, and biohydrogen production are discussed. Therefore, the scientific community can experience the relation of the achieved nanomaterials with their plentiful application possibilities onto the environmental remediation.
TopBackground
Why Is Green Nanotechnology Important?
The notion of green chemistry was introduced to the scientific community and industry to reduce the formation of hazardous materials in chemical processes. For instance, in several clinical and biomedical applications, the possibility of chemical contamination by toxic compounds restrains the use of nanomaterials (Hua et al., 2018). The green synthesis processes can improve the environmental performance of nanoparticles for industries and can reduce the consumption of resources. Some synthesis approaches are well known for their environmentally friendly character, such as the precipitation method, electrospinning synthesis, hydrothermal and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods (chemical methods), and nanoparticle synthesis using microorganisms or plants by sustainable synthesis methodology (biological methods).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Photo-Fermentation: The process of H2 and CO2 production which uses bacteria and organic acids under anaerobic and light conditions.
Environmentally Friendly: Not harmful to the environment.
Nanomaterial: A material composed of particles or constituents in nanoscale dimensions, or a material produced by nanotechnology.
Luminescent Solar Concentrator: A module which is connected with the photovoltaic cell in order to decrease losses of energy from self-absorption processes, improving the device efficiency.
Photocatalysis: Interaction process between a light source and the surface of semiconductor (catalyst) material.
Semiconductor: A solid substance whose conductivity is between the respective insulator and metal.
Dark-Fermentation: The process of H2 production which uses pure sugars, bacteria, and organic acids in the absence of light under anaerobic conditions.
Photovoltaic Cell: A system which converts sunlight to electricity, either storing or not the energy in order to use it later.
Morphology: The study of the form or shape of a particle observed with the help of a microscope (scientific study).
Antimicrobial Activity: Inhibition process of bacteria growth or prevention of microbial colonies formation.