Application of Nanotechnology in Environmental Protection

Abstract

Numerous applications of nanochemistry and nanotechnology in electronics, medicine, catalysis, and environmental protection have become popular scientific disciplines in the last decades. Besides the presence of nanomaterials in pharmaceutical products, textiles, food, and packaging, or its applications in the catalysis of traditional organic synthesis at high efficiency, the relationship between nanoscience and environmental protection stands out. This relationship has two aspects. One aspect shows numerous possibilities of nanomaterials applications in drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, gas emissions, and acceleration of anaerobic digestion in biogas production processes from organic waste, together with others. Another aspect is the production of nanomaterials from waste and its contribution to the valorization and elimination of waste that can significantly contribute to the environment. This chapter will show the tendency of nanochemistry and nanotechnology applications in sensors, catalytic degradations of pollutants, adsorption and filtration, and production of nanomaterials from industrial waste and the potential risks of nanomaterials.