Alumina-Based One-Dimensional (1D) Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Environmental Remediation

Abstract

Due to the increase in the global population, the need for potable water has also inevitably intensified nowadays. Therefore, the effective removal of toxic pollutants from water resources has been a major environmental issue in the modern and highly developed world. The introduction of nanotechnology has proved to be a blessing in terms of potential environmental applications. In recent years, one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures, such as nanofibers, nanowires, nanorods, nanobelts, and nanotubes have garnered significant research attention due to their high specific surface area, high pore volume, and tunable size and morphology. Among different nanomaterials, 1D nanostructured alumina (Al2O3) materials have been widely used as nanoadsorbent materials for environmental remediation. The inimitable features of nanostructured alumina materials, such as low cost, nontoxicity, easy preparation, and high sorption efficiency toward various pollutants make them potent toward various environmental remediation applications, particularly the removal of various organic (Organic dyes, antibiotics, pesticides) and inorganic (toxic metal ions) harmful pollutants from the water system. This chapter summarizes the different synthetic methods for the preparation of 1D nanostructured alumina materials and their environmental remediation applications. Thus this chapter provides comprehensive knowledge on the synthesis and adsorption behavior of 1D nanostructured alumina towards different toxic pollutants and also a possible mechanism of adsorption.