Functional Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Applications

The rapid growth of the total population has expressively enlarged energy intake and burden on the environment. New-generation materials with intriguing physical and chemical properties have considerable opportunities to address many of these issues and challenges. The functional nanomaterials are important for developing viable energy technologies and environmental solutions due to their unique properties, including enhanced electrical conductivity, improved chemical reactivity, large surface area, enhanced optical properties, improved mechanical strength, and porous structures. The functional nanomaterials offer significant potential for viable energy and environmental applications due to their unique structure and properties at the nanoscale. The materials can also be tuned so as to enhance energy efficiency, develop environmental remediation, and sustain the development of cleaner and greener technologies. The examples of functional nanomaterials include nanoparticles, carbon nanostructures, semiconducting nanomaterials, inorganic 2D layered materials, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), etc. These materials are used in medicine, electronic devices, energy (batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, solar energy conversion), the environment (water treatment and air purification), biotechnology (biosensors, drug delivery, and tissue engineering), construction (nanoconcrete, self-healing concrete, and smart buildings), and cosmetics and personal care (sunscreens, anti-aging products, and stain-resistant fabrics). Their application in many of these areas can lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly processes. This collection celebrates articles on these themes.

Topics covered include, but are not limited to:

Guest Editor

Associate Editor, Dattatray Late, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory