Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
5.3
Journals
Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Nanomaterials for Environmental Pollutant Remediation and Circular Economy
share announcement

Nanomaterials for Environmental Pollutant Remediation and Circular Economy

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 June 2023) | Viewed by 12447

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Gang Pan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Integrated Water-Energy-Food Facility (iWEF), School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell NG25 0QF, UK
Interests: lake restoration; sediment remediation; algal bloom control; nutrient management; environmental nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Lei Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: environmental photochemistry; photocatalysis; nanocatalysts; nanobubble technology; microbial fuel cells
Dr. Jafar Ali

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Beijing 100085, China
Interests: bio-electrochemical systems; wastewater treatment; electrocatalysts for renewable energy; biogenic nanomaterials; applied microbiology; Advance Oxidation Processes (AOPs)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue seeks submissions that address the diverse applications of cost-effective nanomaterials for environmental remediation and sustainable development. Environmental pollution is a global threat. Environmental deterioration and the depletion of natural resources demand the exploration of new opportunities for sustainable management options. Nanomaterials have played an active role in efficient resource utilization/management through advanced wastewater treatment, waste management, renewable energy and pollutant remediation to strengthen the concept of a global circular economy and sustainable society. This Special Issue aims to cover the broad applications of cost-effective and environmentally friendly nanomaterials ranging from photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, adsorption, soil remediation, water treatment, renewable and bioenergy generation, to the recovery and reuse of natural resources. We welcome review articles and original papers on these aspects, with an emphasis on sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Gang Pan
Dr. Lei Wang
Dr. Jafar Ali
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Wastewater treatment
  • Photocatalysts
  • Electrocatalysts
  • Nanobubbles
  • Bio-electrochemical/microbial fuel cells
  • Biomass/green energy
  • Biogenic nanomaterials
  • Resource recovery and utilization

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

22 pages, 11184 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Lithium Ion Leaching from Calcined Li–Al Hydrotalcite on the Rapid Removal of Ni2+/Cu2+ from Contaminated Aqueous Solutions
by Yu-Jia Chen and Jun-Yen Uan
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1477; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13091477 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1833
Abstract
A layered double hydroxide (LDH) calcined-framework adsorbent was investigated for the rapid removal of heavy metal cations from plating wastewater. Li–Al–CO3 LDH was synthesized on an aluminum lathe waste frame surface to prepare the sorbent. The calcination treatment modified the LDH surface [...] Read more.
A layered double hydroxide (LDH) calcined-framework adsorbent was investigated for the rapid removal of heavy metal cations from plating wastewater. Li–Al–CO3 LDH was synthesized on an aluminum lathe waste frame surface to prepare the sorbent. The calcination treatment modified the LDH surface properties, such as the hydrophilicity and the surface pH. The change in surface functional groups and the leaching of lithium ions affected the surface properties and the adsorption capacity of the heavy metal cations. A zeta potential analysis confirmed that the 400 °C calcination changed the LDH surface from positively charged (+10 mV) to negatively charged (−17 mV). This negatively charged surface contributed to the sorbent instantly bonding with heavy metal cations in large quantities, as occurs during contact with wastewater. The adsorption isotherms could be fitted using the Freundlich model. The pseudo-second-order model and the rate-controlled liquid-film diffusion model successfully simulated the adsorption kinetics, suggesting that the critical adsorption step was a heterogeneous surface reaction. This study also confirmed that the recovered nickel and/or copper species could be converted into supported metal nanoparticles with a high-temperature hydrogen reduction treatment, which could be reused as catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Environmental Pollutant Remediation and Circular Economy)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2571 KiB  
Article
A Visible-Light-Enhanced Heterogeneous Photo Degradation of Tetracycline by a Nano-LaFeO3 Catalyst with the Assistance of Persulfate
by Liwei Hou, Yanan Wang, Fan Zhou, Shuangyue Liu, Lin Fu, Lei Wang, Changbo Zhang and Weijie Xue
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1388; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13081388 - 17 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1218
Abstract
Perovskites with nano-flexible texture structures and excellent catalytic properties have attracted considerable attention for persulfate activation in addressing the organic pollutants in water. In this study, highly crystalline nano-sized LaFeO3 was synthesized by a non-aqueous benzyl alcohol (BA) route. Under optimal conditions, [...] Read more.
Perovskites with nano-flexible texture structures and excellent catalytic properties have attracted considerable attention for persulfate activation in addressing the organic pollutants in water. In this study, highly crystalline nano-sized LaFeO3 was synthesized by a non-aqueous benzyl alcohol (BA) route. Under optimal conditions, an 83.9% tetracycline (TC) degradation and 54.3% mineralization were achieved at 120 min by using a coupled persulfate/photocatalytic process. Especially compared to LaFeO3-CA (synthesized by a citric acid complexation route), the pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant increased by 1.8 times. We attribute this good degradation performance to the highly specific surface area and small crystallite size of the obtained materials. In this study, we also investigated the effects of some key reaction parameters. Then, the catalyst stability and toxicity tests were also discussed. The surface sulfate radicals were identified as the major reactive species during the oxidation process. This study provided a new insight into nano-constructing a novel perovskite catalyst for the removal of tetracycline in water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Environmental Pollutant Remediation and Circular Economy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 9134 KiB  
Article
S-Doped NiFe2O4 Nanosheets Regulated Microbial Community of Suspension for Constructing High Electroactive Consortia
by Jiaxin Li, Bo Song, Chongchao Yao, Zhihao Zhang, Lei Wang and Jing Zhang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(9), 1496; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12091496 - 28 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1374
Abstract
Iron-based nanomaterials (NMs) are increasingly used to promote extracellular electron transfer (EET) for energy production in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). However, the composition and roles of planktonic bacteria in the solution regulated by iron-based NMs have rarely been taken into account. Herein, the changes [...] Read more.
Iron-based nanomaterials (NMs) are increasingly used to promote extracellular electron transfer (EET) for energy production in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). However, the composition and roles of planktonic bacteria in the solution regulated by iron-based NMs have rarely been taken into account. Herein, the changes of the microbial community in the solution by S-doped NiFe2O4 anodes have been demonstrated and used for constructing electroactive consortia on normal carbon cloth anodes, which could achieve the same level of electricity generation as NMs-mediated biofilm, as indicated by the significantly high voltage response (0.64 V) and power density (3.5 W m−2), whereas with different microbial diversity and connections. Network analysis showed that the introduction of iron-based NMs made Geobacter positively interact with f_Rhodocyclaceae, improving the competitiveness of the consortium (Geobacter and f_Rhodocyclaceae). Additionally, planktonic bacteria regulated by S-doped anode alone cannot hinder the stimulation of Geobacter by electricity and acetate, while the assistance of lining biofilm enhanced the cooperation of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and fermentative bacteria (FB), thus promoting the electroactivity of microbial consortia. This study reveals the effect of S-doped NiFe2O4 NMs on the network of microbial communities in MFCs and highlights the importance of globality of microbial community, which provides a feasible solution for the safer and more economical environmental applications of NMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Environmental Pollutant Remediation and Circular Economy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 3306 KiB  
Review
Nano Metal-Containing Photocatalysts for the Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds: Doping, Performance, and Mechanisms
by Rong Cheng, Jincheng Xia, Junying Wen, Pingping Xu and Xiang Zheng
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(8), 1335; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12081335 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2406
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air are considered a major threat to human health and environmental safety. The development of applicable technologies for the removal of VOCs is urgently needed. Nowadays, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) based on metal-containing photocatalysts has been regarded as [...] Read more.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air are considered a major threat to human health and environmental safety. The development of applicable technologies for the removal of VOCs is urgently needed. Nowadays, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) based on metal-containing photocatalysts has been regarded as a promising method. However, unmodified photocatalysts are generally limited in applications because of the narrow light response range and high recombination rate of photo-generated carriers. As a result, nano metal-containing photocatalysts doped with elements or other materials have attracted much attention from researchers and has developed over the past few decades. In addition, different doping types cause different levels of catalyst performance, and the mechanism for performance improving is also different. However, there are few reviews focusing on this aspect, which is really important for catalyst design and application. This work aims to give a comprehensive overview of nano metal-containing photocatalysts with different doping types for the removal of VOCs in an indoor environment. First, the undoped photocatalysts and the basic mechanism of PCO is introduced. Then, the application of metal doping, non-metal doping, co-doping, and other material doping in synthetic metal-containing photocatalysts are discussed and compared, respectively, and the synthesis methods, removal efficiency, and mechanisms are further investigated. Finally, a development trend for using nano metal-containing photocatalysts for the removal of VOCs in the future is proposed. This work provides a meaningful reference for selecting effective strategies to develop novel photocatalysts for the removal of VOCs in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Environmental Pollutant Remediation and Circular Economy)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 2869 KiB  
Review
Recent Breakthroughs and Advancements in NOx and SOx Reduction Using Nanomaterials-Based Technologies: A State-of-the-Art Review
by Moazzam Ali, Ijaz Hussain, Irfan Mehmud, Muhammad Umair, Sukai Hu and Hafiz Muhammad Adeel Sharif
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3301; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123301 - 06 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3692
Abstract
Nitrogen and sulpher oxides (NOx, SOx) have become a global issue in recent years due to the fastest industrialization and urbanization. Numerous techniques are used to treat the harmful exhaust emissions, including dry, traditional wet and hybrid wet-scrubbing techniques. [...] Read more.
Nitrogen and sulpher oxides (NOx, SOx) have become a global issue in recent years due to the fastest industrialization and urbanization. Numerous techniques are used to treat the harmful exhaust emissions, including dry, traditional wet and hybrid wet-scrubbing techniques. However, several difficulties, including high-energy requirement, limited scrubbing-liquid regeneration, formation of secondary pollutants and low efficiency, limit their industrial utilization. Regardless, the hybrid wet-scrubbing technology is gaining popularity due to low-costs, less-energy consumption and high-efficiency removal of air pollutants. The removal/reduction of NOx and SOx from the atmosphere has been the subject of several reviews in recent years. The goal of this review article is to help scientists grasp the fundamental ideas and requirements before using it commercially. This review paper emphasizes the use of green and electron-rich donors, new breakthroughs, reducing GHG emissions, and improved NOx and SOx removal catalytic systems, including selective/non-catalytic reduction (SCR/SNCR) and other techniques (functionalization by magnetic nanoparticles; NP, etc.,). It also explains that various wet-scrubbing techniques, synthesis of solid iron-oxide such as magnetic (Fe3O4) NP are receiving more interest from researchers due to the wide range of its application in numerous fields. In addition, EDTA coating on Fe3O4 NP is widely used due to its high stability over a wide pH range and solid catalytic systems. As a result, the Fe3O4@EDTA-Fe catalyst is projected to be an optimal catalyst in terms of stability, synergistic efficiency, and reusability. Finally, this review paper discusses the current of a heterogeneous catalytic system for environmental remedies and sustainable approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Environmental Pollutant Remediation and Circular Economy)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop