Functional Polymer Nanocomposites for Wastewater Treatment

Polymer nanocomposites are powerful tools for wastewater treatment due to their morphology and tailored compositions, providing selective adsorption of contaminants and sensing and detection applications. This book reviews recent progress in this field, covering different fabrication routes and novel applications, including membranes, photocatalysts, and bio-nanocomposites.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book offers a thorough exploration of the latest advancements in the field of nanocomposites in wastewater treatment. With a dedicated focus on the application of polymer nanocomposites, this resource provides powerful tools for environmental remediation through selective adsorption of contaminants in complex environmental matrices. The book delves into recent progress in this area, covering various fabrication routes and innovative applications for pollutant sensing and detection. It explores diverse types of nanocomposites, including those based on metal–organic frameworks and hydrogels, and discusses related topics such as nanocomposite membranes, photocatalysts, and bio-nanocomposites for pollution abatement. Serving as an invaluable resource for researchers and engineers working in the field, this collection of contributed chapters provides a timely review of current research in nanomaterials, highlighting their potential for developing cost-effective pollution control technologies.

Introduction:
Nanocomposites, consisting of nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix, have gained significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and potential applications in various fields, including wastewater treatment. These materials offer several advantages over traditional treatment methods, such as enhanced adsorption capacity, improved stability, and enhanced biodegradability. In this book, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the application of nanocomposites in wastewater treatment.

Fabrication Routes:
Nanocomposites can be fabricated using various methods, including solution blending, in situ polymerization, and interfacial polymerization. Each fabrication route has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice of method depends on the specific requirements of the application. Solution blending is a simple and cost-effective method that involves mixing nanoparticles and polymers in a solution. In situ polymerization is a technique that allows the growth of polymers directly on the surface of nanoparticles, resulting in a well-defined nanocomposite. Interfacial polymerization is a method that involves the formation of a polymer layer between nanoparticles, which can enhance the stability and properties of the nanocomposite.

Applications in Wastewater Treatment:
Nanocomposites have been used in wastewater treatment for several applications, including adsorption, flocculation, and biodegradation. Adsorption is a process in which nanocomposites selectively adsorb contaminants from wastewater, making it possible to remove them from the water. Flocculation is a process in which nanocomposites form large flocs, which can be easily separated from the water by sedimentation. Biodegradation is a process in which nanocomposites promote the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can degrade organic pollutants in wastewater.

Metal-Organic Frameworks:
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of materials that have gained significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and potential applications in various fields, including wastewater treatment. MOFs are composed of metal ions or clusters linked together by organic ligands, which can provide a high surface area and a variety of functional groups. Nanocomposites based on MOFs have been used in wastewater treatment for several applications, including adsorption, flocculation, and biodegradation.

Hydrogels:
Hydrogels are a class of materials that have the ability to absorb large amounts of water and swell in response to changes in temperature or pH. Nanocomposites based on hydrogels have been used in wastewater treatment for several applications, including adsorption, flocculation, and biodegradation. Hydrogels can provide a flexible and porous matrix that can accommodate a variety of contaminants, making it possible to remove them from the water.

Photocatalysts:
Photocatalysts are materials that can convert sunlight into energy, and they have been used in wastewater treatment for several applications, including the degradation of organic pollutants. Nanocomposites based on photocatalysts have been used in wastewater treatment for several applications, including the degradation of organic pollutants. Photocatalysts can provide a high surface area and a variety of functional groups, making it possible to degrade organic pollutants efficiently.

Bio-Nanocomposites:
Bio-nanocomposites are a combination of nanoparticles and biological materials, such as bacteria or enzymes. Bio-nanocomposites have been used in wastewater treatment for several applications, including the degradation of organic pollutants and the removal of heavy metals. Bio-nanocomposites can provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to wastewater treatment.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, nanocomposites have emerged as a promising technology for wastewater treatment due to their unique properties and potential applications. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the application of nanocomposites in wastewater treatment, covering various fabrication routes and innovative applications. By leveraging the selective adsorption, flocculation, and biodegradation properties of nanocomposites, it is possible to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for treating wastewater. As research in this field continues to progress, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the future.

Weight: 421g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030949976
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022