Carbon-Based Nanostructured Materials for Energy and Environmental Remediation Applications

Abstract

There is considerable attention on the field of nanotechnology because it has transformed many technologies such as information technology, medicine, food safety, environmental science, and energy. The unique and flexible characteristics of nanomaterials make them suitable candidates for various applications such as medicine, electronics, energy, photocatalytics, catalysis, sensors, energy storage, solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), ultracapacitors, fuel cells, and environmental remediation. Nanomaterials in several shapes or morphologies—such as nanosized particles, tubes, wires, or fibers—and their polymeric composites are used for production of energy and removal of various contaminants such as chemicals (heavy metal ions, dyes, and pharmaceutical compounds); gases, including SO2, nitrous oxide, and CO; and biological contaminants—mainly Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Carbon-based nanomaterials contribute to a broad range of environmental applications, sorbents, high-flux membranes, depth filters, antimicrobial agents, renewable technology, and pollution prevention strategies. Advances in the fabrication of novel nanosized materials for treatment of contaminants and production of energy are described in this chapter. Moreover, research trends and outlines of future opportunities in environmental and energy applications are briefly discussed.