Nanomaterials & Nanoscience

Application-specific nanomaterials with longer lifetime can be developed with the aid of interdisciplinary sciences. For that, exploring different synthetic methods and conditions is necessary. Moreover, designing the  surface ligands with required functionalities is considered the key for stabilization and solubility as well as target binding and different applications. Modification of surface ligands at surface of metal NPs and quantum dots (QDs) opens the door of numerous opportunities in terms of applications.

Enhancing the efficiency of material processing, utilization, and recycling is pivotal for advancing sustainability in modern society. The objective of this study is to create sustainable methods for converting non-food biomass into recyclable polymers. One key compound, 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (BPDA), is used as an additive in copolymer production and as a blending agent to improve the properties of polyester. BPDA was synthesized through the oxidation of 4,4'-dimethylbiphenyl (DMBP), a compound that can be efficiently derived from biomass-sourced 2-methylfuran.

The exploration of oil in ultra-deep waters (offshore) is crucial due to the high demand for this resource. However, challenges, like the complex task of drilling through salt layers and stringent environmental concerns persist. Drilling fluid plays a fundamental role in the well drilling process, aiding in drill cooling, gravel transportation, and other functions. Although water-based fluids are preferable environmentally, they tend to be less efficient and degrade under high pressures and temperatures.

Supported metallic and bimetallic nanocatalysts were synthesized and characterized. They were employed in different steps of the synthesis of a variety of bioactive compounds, taken in place the high atom economy and the sustainability of the process. The recoverability and reusability of the nanocatalysts was studied. The nanocatalyst were used particularly in C-H activation reaction, through a cross dehydrogenative coupling reaction (CDC), to form new C-C and C-heteroatom bonds.

Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) are highly effective in removing numerous contaminants from water, as they combine the reducing action of metallic iron with adsorption and coprecipitation mechanisms. The traditional synthesis method for nZVI involves the reduction of Fe(II) and Fe(III) salts with sodium borohydride. Given the need to optimize the synthesis protocol for scalability, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) emerges as a useful tool with the potential to identify critical stages, enabling the minimization of environmental impacts from both production and remediation processes.

SELECTIVE REMOVAL OF DYES from Water Using Quality-Downgraded Fluorinated Single-walled Carbo Nanotubes

Abstract

The use of zerovalent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) immobilized in a chitosan (CS) polymer matrix is presented as an innovative and efficient solution for the removal of Cr(VI) in wastewater. nZVI, recognized for their high redox reactivity, have proven to be highly effective in removing various contaminants, including heavy metals. However, their tendency to agglomerate in aqueous media significantly reduces their surface area, reactivity, and mobility.

Contaminated drinking water is the leading cause of diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and E, poliomyelitis, and cholera. The main objective of this project was the development of PVA-based hydrogels loaded with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) synthesized through a green synthesis process, with biocidal activity for the treatment of contaminated water.

Kraft lignin is a major industrial by-product of the pulp and paper industry, currently used primarily as low-value fuel. There are economic and environmental incentives to utilize kraft lignin for materials applications, however, its compositional variability and chemical complexity remains a major barrier to commercial use. Colloidal lignin particles (CLPs) have emerged as a promising strategy for reducing the heterogeneity of technical lignins by generating spherical particles with narrow size distribution.