Green Nanomaterials for Remediation of Environmental Air Pollution

Abstract

Contaminated air is one of the greatest concerns that the world is facing in recent times, since it is bolstering with each passing year and consequently resulting in grave and disastrous repercussion to the earth and its environment. The contamination of air pollution is caused by both natural and anthropogenic sources, and apparently, the contribution of anthropogenic sources to air pollution surpasses the natural sources. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), presently the main air pollutants are particulate matter (PM), surface ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). The green nanotechnology is an imminent technology that may administer a quick fix and withstand the air pollution. The present chapter aims to furnish comprehensive information about the role of emerging green nanomaterials for air pollutant control in three different steps, viz., detection of air pollutants, source reduction or pollution prevention, and remediation/degradation of air pollutants. The green nanomaterials are used as excellent adsorbents, catalysts, and sensing materials due to their large specific surface areas and high reactivates. Owing to their large surface area and high surface energy, the nanomaterials have the competency to absorb large amount of air pollutants or catalyze reactions at a much faster rate. Hence, the energy consumption is reduced during degradation, or it may aid to inhibit the release of contaminants. This chapter shed light on the application of green nanomaterials for the detection and remediation of air pollution and also the future trends in this field.KeywordsGreen nanomaterialsAir pollutionToxic gas sensorsEnvironment remediation