Nanocomposite membrane for environmental remediation

Abstract

Abstract Rapid global growth of industrialization and population has led to an enormous environmental pollution. On account of which people are currently facing shortage of clean water induced by the respective pollution and poor air quality and huge investment is being carried out in the world each year due to the relevant problems. One of the most promising and well-developed environmental applications of nanotechnology has been in water remediation and treatment where different nanomaterials can help purify water through different mechanisms including adsorption of heavy metals and other pollutants, removal and inactivation of pathogens, and transformation of toxic materials into less toxic compounds. Among the current advanced wastewater treatment techniques, membrane filtration technology fabricated by nanomaterials is one of the most effective strategies. For this purpose, nanomaterials have been produced in different shapes, integrated into various composites, and functionalized with active components. Nanomaterials have also been incorporated in nanostructured catalytic membranes that can in turn help enhance water treatment. In this chapter, we have provided a succinct review of the most common and popular nanomaterials and polymer-based nanomaterials that are currently used in environmental remediation and particularly in water purification. The catalytic properties and functionalities of the mentioned materials have also been discussed.