Chapter 10 - Green synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials for biofuel production

Abstract

Most physicochemical methods for the synthesis of multifunctional nanomaterials (NMs) pose a serious threat to the environment by introducing hazardous chemicals into the air, water, and soil, consume more energy, and produce unsafe products. Moreover, recently, to acquire control over the desired properties for NM, the green synthetic route, which eliminates the application of hazardous chemicals in the manufacture and application of chemical products, has been successfully employed. This reduction of metal ions to base metal is accomplished rapidly by plant molecules. This chapter begins with an introduction to the green synthesis of various metal oxide NM using various microbes, fungi, and plant extracts. Biomolecules include various water-soluble plant metabolites and coenzymes. The detailed mechanism of the synthesis of nanoparticles from their precursor solutions and the influence of various parameters are thoroughly discussed. Explanations are accompanied by relevant SEM and TEM micrographs with the support of other characterization techniques such as HRTEM, SAED, XRD, FTIR, DLS, and UV-Vis DRS spectroscopy. Finally, the reader will be able to understand the transformation that has happened in various disciplines of nanoscience and nanotechnology with the advancement of green synthetic routes with a special emphasis on biofuel production using ZnO-based nanocatalysts.