Editorial

4 pages, 210 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nanomaterials in Water Applications: Adsorbing Materials for Fluoride Removal

by Lei Huang, Kuilin Wan, Jia Yan, Lei Wang, Qian Li, Huabin Chen, Hongguo Zhang and Tangfu Xiao

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1866; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11071866 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

Fluoride is an important pollutant in many countries, such as China, India, Australia, the United States, Ethiopia, etc [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Water Applications)

Research

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15 pages, 10847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants—Nile Blue, Methylene Blue, and Bentazon Herbicide—Using NiO-ZnO Nanocomposite

by Sadaf Yasmeen, Luca Burratti, Leonardo Duranti, Emanuela Sgreccia and Paolo Prosposito

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 470; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano14050470 - 05 Mar 2024

Viewed by 981

Abstract

Water pollution poses a significant threat to both human health and ecosystem integrity. Chemical pollutants such as dyes and pesticides affect the water quality and endanger aquatic life. Among the methods for water purification from organic pollutants, photodegradation is certainly a valid technique [...] Read more.

Water pollution poses a significant threat to both human health and ecosystem integrity. Chemical pollutants such as dyes and pesticides affect the water quality and endanger aquatic life. Among the methods for water purification from organic pollutants, photodegradation is certainly a valid technique to decrease such contaminants. In this work, pristine NiO, ZnO, and NiO-ZnO photocatalysts were synthesized by the homogeneous co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of a photocatalyst consisting of ZnO (Hexagonal) and NiO (Cubic) structures. The crystalline size was calculated by the Scherrer formula, which is 19 nm for the NiO-ZnO photocatalyst. The band gap measurements of the prepared samples were obtained using the Tauc Plot, equation which is 2.93 eV, 3.35 eV and 2.63 eV for NiO, ZnO, and NiO-ZnO photocatalysts, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of NiO-ZnO nanocomposite was evaluated through the degradation of Methylene Blue and Nile Blue dyes under sunlight, and Bentazon herbicide under a UV light. Photocatalyst degradation efficiency was 95% and 97% for Methylene Blue and Nile Blue in 220 min under sunlight while a degradation of 70% for Bentazon after 100 min under UV light source was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Water Applications)

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15 pages, 6684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Three-Dimensional MF/Ti₃C₂T_x/PmPD by Interfacial Polymerization for Efficient Hexavalent Chromium Removal

by Linfeng Jin, Qinglin Pan, Xiaorui Li, Changqing Su, Zhongyu Wang, Haiying Wang and Lei Huang

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(16), 2838; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12162838 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution is a serious threat to human health and the ecological environment, but adsorption technology based on nano adsorbents can effectively treat the crisis. However, due to the nanoscale effect, nano adsorbents have some crucial shortcomings, such as recycling difficulty and [...] Read more.

Heavy metal pollution is a serious threat to human health and the ecological environment, but adsorption technology based on nano adsorbents can effectively treat the crisis. However, due to the nanoscale effect, nano adsorbents have some crucial shortcomings, such as recycling difficulty and the loss of nanoparticles, which seriously limit their application. The feasible assembly of nano adsorbents is an accessible technology in urgent need of a breakthrough. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) adsorbent (MF/Ti₃C₂T_x/PmPD) with excellent performance and favorable recyclability was prepared by interfacial polymerization with melamine foam (MF) as the framework, two-dimensional (2D) titanium carbide (Ti₃C₂T_x) as the bridge and Poly (m-Phenylenediamine) (PmPD) as the active nano component. The morphology, structure, mechanical property of MF/Ti₃C₂T_x/PmPD and reference MF/PmPD were investigated through a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectra (FT-IR), Raman scattering spectra and a pressure-stress test, respectively. Owning to the regulation of Ti₃C₂T_x on the morphology and structure of PmPD, MF/Ti₃C₂T_x/PmPD showed excellent adsorption capacity (352.15 mg/g) and favorable cycling performance. R–P and pseudo-second-order kinetics models could well describe the adsorption phenomenon, indicating that the adsorption process involved a composite process of single-layer and multi-layer adsorption and was dominated by chemical adsorption. In this research, the preparation mechanism of MF/Ti₃C₂T_x/PmPD and the adsorption process of Cr(VI) were systematically investigated, which provided a feasible approach for the feasible assembly and application of nano adsorbents in the environmental field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Water Applications)

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8 pages, 1986 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Natural Halloysite-Templated Synthesis of Highly Graphitic Boron-Doped Hollow Carbon Nanocapsule Webs

by Feng Chen, Lulu Ma, Bing Li, Peiwen Jiang, Zhimin Song and Lei Huang

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2352; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12142352 - 09 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1115

Abstract

Hollow carbon nanocapsules have been attracting growing interest due to their fascinating characteristics and extensive potential applications. In this work, a novel natural halloysite-templated synthesis approach for highly graphitic boron-doped hollow carbon nanocapsule webs (B-HCNCWs) using glucose as the carbon source and boric [...] Read more.

Hollow carbon nanocapsules have been attracting growing interest due to their fascinating characteristics and extensive potential applications. In this work, a novel natural halloysite-templated synthesis approach for highly graphitic boron-doped hollow carbon nanocapsule webs (B-HCNCWs) using glucose as the carbon source and boric acid as the heteroatom dopant was first reported. The formation process and physicochemical properties of B-HCNCWs were revealed by SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and XPS characterization techniques. The outcomes showed that the as-obtained B-HCNCWs with hollow nanocapsule network architecture had a specific surface area of 263 m² g⁻¹, a pore volume of 0.8 cm³ g⁻¹, a high degree of graphitization (81.4%), graphite-like interplanar spacing (0.3370 nm), and B-containing functional groups (0.77 at%). The density function theory (DFT) calculation demonstrated that the adsorption energies of Li on B-HCNCWs were much higher than that of HCNCWs, which proved that B-doping in a carbon matrix could increase the lithium intercalation capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Water Applications)

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9 pages, 2515 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Metal–Organic-Framework-Derived Ball-Flower-like Porous Co₃O₄/Fe₂O₃ Heterostructure with Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity

by Qi Cao, Qingqing Li, Zhichao Pi, Jing Zhang, Li-Wei Sun, Junzhou Xu, Yunyi Cao, Junye Cheng and Ye Bian

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(6), 904; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12060904 - 09 Mar 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2542

Abstract

A porous ball-flower-like Co₃O₄/Fe₂O₃ heterostructural photocatalyst was synthesized via a facile metal–organic-framework-templated method, and showed an excellent degradation performance in the model molecule rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. This enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed [...] Read more.

A porous ball-flower-like Co₃O₄/Fe₂O₃ heterostructural photocatalyst was synthesized via a facile metal–organic-framework-templated method, and showed an excellent degradation performance in the model molecule rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. This enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to abundant photo-generated holes and hydroxyl radicals, and the combined effects involving a porous structure, strong visible-light absorption, and improved interfacial charge separation. It is notable that the ecotoxicity of the treated reaction solution was also evaluated, confirming that an as-synthesized Co₃O₄/Fe₂O₃ catalyst could afford the sunlight-driven long-term recyclable degradation of dye-contaminated wastewater into non-toxic and colorless wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Water Applications)

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11 pages, 2386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Preparation of Oxygen-Vacancy-Engineered MoO_x Nanostructures for Photoreversible Switching Systems

by Hao Xu, Liangjing Zhang, Aiwu Wang, Juan Hou and Xuhong Guo

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123192 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1578

Abstract

Photochromic materials have attracted increasing attention. Here, we report a novel photo-reversible color switching system based on oxygen-vacancy-engineered MoO_x nanostructures with water/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvents. In this work, the system rapidly changed from colorless to blue under UV irradiation (360–400 nm) and [...] Read more.

Photochromic materials have attracted increasing attention. Here, we report a novel photo-reversible color switching system based on oxygen-vacancy-engineered MoO_x nanostructures with water/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvents. In this work, the system rapidly changed from colorless to blue under UV irradiation (360–400 nm) and slowly recovered its colorless state under visible light irradiation. The obtained oxygen vacancy-engineered MoO_x nanostructures exhibited good repeatability, chemical stability, and cycling stability. Upon UV light irradiation, H⁺ was intercalated into layered MoO_x nanostructures and the Mo⁶⁺ concentration in the H_xMoO_x decreased, while the Mo⁵⁺ concentration increased and increased oxygen vacancies changed the color to blue. Then, it recovered its original color slowly without UV light irradiation. What is more, the system was highly sensitive to UV light even on cloudy days. Compared with other reported photochromic materials, the system in this study has the advantage of facile preparation and provides new insights for the development of photochromic materials without dyes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Water Applications)

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13 pages, 4063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studies on Kinetics, Isotherms, Thermodynamics and Adsorption Mechanism of Methylene Blue by N and S Co-Doped Porous Carbon Spheres

by Yongpeng Ren, Feng Chen, Kunming Pan, Yang Zhao, Lulu Ma and Shizhong Wei

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1819; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11071819 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1933

Abstract

Heteroatom-doped carbon is widely used in the fields of adsorbents, electrode materials and catalysts due to its excellent physicochemical properties. N and S co-doped porous carbon spheres (N,S-PCSs) were synthesized using glucose and L-cysteine as carbon and heteroatom sources using a combined hydrothermal [...] Read more.

Heteroatom-doped carbon is widely used in the fields of adsorbents, electrode materials and catalysts due to its excellent physicochemical properties. N and S co-doped porous carbon spheres (N,S-PCSs) were synthesized using glucose and L-cysteine as carbon and heteroatom sources using a combined hydrothermal and KOH activation process. The physicochemical structures and single-factor methylene blue (MB) adsorption properties of the N,S-PCSs were then studied. The optimized N,S-PCSs-1 possessed a perfect spherical morphology with a 2–8-μm diameter and a large specific area of 1769.41 m² g⁻¹, in which the N and S contents were 2.97 at% and 0.88 at%, respectively. In the single-factor adsorption experiment for MB, the MB adsorption rate increased with an increase in carbon dosage and MB initial concentration, and the adsorption reached equilibrium within 2–3 h. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model could excellently fit the experimental data with a high R² (0.9999). The Langmuir isothermal adsorption equation fitted well with the experimental results with an R² value of 0.9618, and the MB maximum adsorption quantity was 909.10 mg g⁻¹. The adsorption of MB by N,S-PCSs-1 was a spontaneous, endothermic, and random process based on the thermodynamics analyses. The adsorption mechanism mainly involved Van der Waals force adsorption, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonds and Lewis acid–base interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Water Applications)

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Review

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25 pages, 2182 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chitosan Nanoparticles as Potential Nano-Sorbent for Removal of Toxic Environmental Pollutants

by Asmaa Benettayeb, Fatima Zohra Seihoub, Preeti Pal, Soumya Ghosh, Muhammad Usman, Chin Hua Chia, Muhammad Usman and Mika Sillanpää

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 447; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13030447 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3291

Abstract

Adsorption is the most widely used technique for advanced wastewater treatment. The preparation and application of natural renewable and environmentally friendly materials makes this process easier and more profitable. Chitosan is often used as an effective biomaterial in the adsorption world because of [...] Read more.

Adsorption is the most widely used technique for advanced wastewater treatment. The preparation and application of natural renewable and environmentally friendly materials makes this process easier and more profitable. Chitosan is often used as an effective biomaterial in the adsorption world because of its numerous functional applications. Chitosan is one of the most suitable and functionally flexible adsorbents because it contains hydroxyl (-OH) and amine (-NH₂) groups. The adsorption capacity and selectivity of chitosan can be further improved by introducing additional functions into its basic structure. Owing to its unique surface properties and adsorption ability of chitosan, the development and application of chitosan nanomaterials has gained significant attention. Here, recent research on chitosan nanoparticles is critically reviewed by comparing various methods for their synthesis with particular emphasis on the role of experimental conditions, limitations, and applications in water and wastewater treatment. The recovery of pollutants using magnetic nanoparticles is an important treatment process that has contributed to additional development and sustainable growth. The application of such nanoparticles in the recovery metals, which demonstrates a “close loop technology” in the current scenarios, is also presented in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Water Applications)

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22 pages, 3646 KiB

Open AccessReview

Adsorption of Different Pollutants by Using Microplastic with Different Influencing Factors and Mechanisms in Wastewater: A Review

by Meng Zhao, Lei Huang, Samuel Raj Babu Arulmani, Jia Yan, Lirong Wu, Tao Wu, Hongguo Zhang and Tangfu Xiao

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2256; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12132256 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4147

Abstract

The studies on microplastics are significant in the world. According to the literature, microplastics have greatly specific surface areas, indicating high adsorption capacities for highly toxic pollutants in aquatic and soil environments, and these could be used as adsorbents. The influencing factors of [...] Read more.

The studies on microplastics are significant in the world. According to the literature, microplastics have greatly specific surface areas, indicating high adsorption capacities for highly toxic pollutants in aquatic and soil environments, and these could be used as adsorbents. The influencing factors of microplastic adsorption, classification of microplastics, and adsorption mechanisms using microplastics for adsorbing organic, inorganic, and mixed pollutants are summarized in the paper. Furthermore, the influence of pH, temperature, functional groups, aging, and other factors related to the adsorption performances of plastics are discussed in detail. We found that microplastics have greater advantages in efficient adsorption performance and cost-effectiveness. In this paper, the adsorptions of pollutants by microplastics and their performance is proposed, which provides significant guidance for future research in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Water Applications)

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