Chapter 13 - Removal of Pesticides and Volatile Organic Pollutants With Nanoparticles

Abstract

The pollutants released into the air environment are in different forms such as toxic gases (nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, ozone, etc.), suspended particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, formaldehyde). From a health perspective, VOCs forms are more important. Nanomaterials have some important properties such as large specific surface areas, size distribution, molecular structure, hydrophilicity/lipophilicity, and high reactivities. All these physicochemical characteristics make nanomaterials suitable for a wide range of environmental applications such as adsorbents, catalysts, and sensors. Some nanotechnology applications have already been developed. In this chapter, the application of nanotechnology to combat air pollution through sensors, monitoring, and degradation techniques will be discussed.