Despite the fact that nanotechnology has been present for a few decades, there is a big gap between how nanotechnology is perceived and what nanotechnology can truly offer in all sectors of water. The question to be answered is 'what more can we expect from nanotechnology' in the water field? The rational nano-design starts with well-defined problem definitions, necessitates interdisciplinary approaches, involves 'think-outside-the-box', and represents the future growth point of environmental nanotechnology. However, it is still largely new to the educated public and even scientists and engineers in water fields. Therefore, it is the purpose of this book to promote the concept of rational nano-design and to demonstrate its creativity, innovation, and excitement. This book presents a series of carefully selected rationally designed nano- materials/devices/surfaces, which represent drastically different, ground-breaking, and eye-opening approaches to conventional problems to embody the concept of nano-design and to illustrate its remarkable potential to change the face of the research in water industry in the future. Each of the book contributors is world-renowned expert in the burgeoning field of rational nano-design for applications. Rational Design of Next-generation Nanomaterials and Nanodevices for Water Applications is intended for undergraduates, graduates, scientists and professionals in the fields of environmental science, material science, chemistry, and chemistry engineering. It provides coherent and good material for teaching, research, and professional reference. Contents: Introduction to rational nano-design for water applications; Rational design of smart materials/surfaces with switchable oil wettability for sustainable oil-spill cleanup; Rational design of three-dimensional macroscale porous electrodes for bioelectrochemical systems; Design of (photo)electrochemical active membranes as next-generation filtration devices; Hierarchical materials as a design concept for multifunctional membranes; Rational design of functional nanoporous materials to confine water pollutant in controlled nano-space; A next-generation forward osmosis draw solution design; Rational design of magnetic permanently-confined micelle arrays (Mag-PCMAs) materials for sustainable water and soil remediation; Rational design of an all-in-one lab-on-chip device for direct seawater desalination; Design of micro-sized microbial fuel cells as miniature energy harvesters Author: Peng Wang, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Explore the energy storage applications of a wide variety of aerogels made from different materials In Aerogels for Energy Saving and Storage, an expert team of researchers delivers a one-stop resource covering the state-of-the-art in aerogels for energy applications. The book covers their morphology, properties, and processability and serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals working in materials science and environmentally friendly energy and power technology. The authors offer a comprehensive review of highly efficient energy applications of aerogels that bridges the gap between engineering, science, and chemistry and advances the field of materials development. They provide a Life Cycle Assessment of aerogels in energy systems, as well as discussions of their impact on the environment. Aerogel synthesis, characterization, fabrication, morphology, properties, energy-related applications, and simulations are all explored, and likely future research directions are provided. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to aerogels in energy, including state-of-the-art advancements and challenges newly encountered Comprehensive explorations of chitin-based and cellulose-derived aerogels, as well as lignin-, clay-, and carbon nanotube-based aerogels Practical discussions of organic, natural, and inorganic aerogels, with further analyses of the lifecycle of aerogels In-depth examinations of the theory, modeling, and simulation of aerogels Perfect for chemical and environmental engineers, Aerogels for Energy Saving and Storage will also earn a place in the libraries of chemistry and materials science researchers in academia and industry.

One of the most important issues, when a nanomaterial is designed, is to control the synthetic pathways to ensure the final desired product. A combination of dry and wet procedures, as well as chemical and physical methodologies, it is possible to successfully prepare new multifunctional nanomaterials, often as a result of multidisciplinary cooperation between chemists, physics, biologist, physicians, material engineers, etc. Drug delivery, environmental detection of contaminants, and many industrial applications directly rely on properties such as water solubility, permeability, cell penetration, shape control, and size of the monodispersed nanoparticle, among others. Functionalized nanomaterials play a crucial role in modern research areas because of their unique physical and chemical properties, explored in many different fields including medicine and biology, new materials, pharmacology as drug delivery systems, and in environmental analysis for sensing new contaminants, among other technical and industrial applications. For future technological applications, the rational design of these multifunctional nanomaterials is critical, and often depends on the excellent control of the organic and inorganic chemical reactions involved during production. The success of their applications relies directly on the photophysical properties created in the final material, including the emission of light or colorimetric responses, water solubility, selectivity, sensitivity, stability, etc. For example, from an analytical point of view, the detection and quantification of emerging analytes is directly dependent on the selectivity and sensitivity showed by the material in a complex media.

Engineering of Natural Polymeric Gels and Aerogels for Multifunctional Applications brings together detailed information on gels, hydrogels, and aerogels derived from natural polymers, covering materials, processing, fabrication techniques, structure-property relationships, and novel applications. The book begins by introducing polymeric gels, hydrogels, and aerogels, the different types and properties, advantages and disadvantages, manufacturing techniques, production and scalability, and the possible applications. This is followed by thorough coverage of processing methods for obtaining natural polymer-based gels and hydrogels, with separate chapters focusing on physical processes, chemical processes, green processes, and processing for aerogels. The final chapters of the book focus on the preparation of natural polymer-based gels, hydrogels, and aerogels for many state-of-the-art applications, including biomedical, absorbent, energy saving, filtration, and sensing areas. Engineering of Natural Polymeric Gels and Aerogels for Multifunctional Applications is an essential resource for all those with an interest in polymeric gels and natural polymers, including researchers and scientists in polymer engineering, polymer chemistry, sustainable materials, biomaterials, materials science and engineering, and chemical engineering. In industry, this book supports scientists, R&D, and engineers looking to utilize novel bio-based materials for advanced applications. Covers the physical, chemical, and green processing methods for obtaining gels, hydrogels, and aerogels from natural polymers Explores a range of cutting-edge uses, including in biomedical, absorbent, energy-saving, filtration, and bio-sensing applications Presents the latest innovations in the field, including the preparation of lightweight, highly open porous polysaccharide and protein aerogels

Rapid population growth, urbanisation and industrialisation have caused serious problems in terms of water pollution and the supply of safe water. Solutions for monitoring pollutants in water and for removing them are urgently needed and they must be both efficient and sustainable. Recent advances in emerging environmental nanotechnologies provide promising solutions for these issues. The physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials can be tailored by controlling attributes such as their size, shape, composition, and surface, so that they can be both highly specific and highly efficient. This makes them perfect platforms for a variety of environmental applications including sensing, treatment and remediation. Providing an array of cutting-edge nanotechnology research in water applications, including sensing, treatment, and remediation, as well as a discussion of progress in the rational design and engineering of nanomaterials for environmental applications, this book is a valuable reference for researchers working in applications for nanotechnology, environmental chemistry and environmental engineering as well as those working in the water treatment industry.

Offering a comprehensive view of water-treatment technologies, Nanomaterials for Water Treatment and Remediation explores recent developments in the use of advanced nanomaterials (ANMs) for water treatment and remediation. In-depth reaction mechanisms in water-treatment technologies, including adsorption, catalysis, and membrane filtration for water purification using ANMs, are discussed in detail. The book includes an investigation of the fabrication processes of nanostructured materials and the fundamental aspects of surfaces at the nanoscale. The book also covers the removal of water-borne pathogens and microbes through a photochemical approach. FEATURES Explains various chemical treatments for the removal and separation of hazardous dyes, organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals from aqueous solutions, including adsorption, advanced oxidation process, and photocatalysis Discusses the rational design of nanoporous materials with a tunable pore structure and fabrication of nanomaterials by surface chemistry engineering Covers the role of nanomaterials-assisted oxidation and reduction processes, design of nano-assisted membrane-based separation, and multifunctional nanomaterials and nanodevices for water treatment Provides an understanding of the structure–activity relationship and stability of ANMs under critical experimental conditions Identifies potential challenges in the application of multifunctional ANMs for future research Nanomaterials for Water Treatment and Remediation is aimed at researchers and industry professionals in chemical, materials, and environmental engineering as well as related fields interested in the application of advanced materials to water treatment and remediation.

Nanotechnology for Rural Development is designed to present nanotechnology-based solutions to the challenges faced by rural populations, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. The book focuses on agriculture, biomass management, food processing and water management, in terms of its purification and decontamination. The treatment of wastewater and the harnessing of renewable energy are also covered. In addition, the book deals with the application of nanotechnology in the areas of consumer goods, such as textiles, ceramics, food processing and packaging, and other related spheres. The book provides information on the green synthesis of nanomaterials, using prevalent natural resources and their applications for textiles, ceramics, portiere, and food packaging. It also addresses low-cost solutions using materials such as biomass waste for water purification and decontamination. For example, lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into nutrient adsorbents, energy, fuel and storage. Above all, it protects agriculture crops from insects and other pests, and produces quality products in high yields. This volume offers insight into the intricacies of the problems faced by large populations living in rural areas, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. It also discusses the natural renewable resources available locally and how nanotechnology can best use them to increase the quality and yield of agricultural products, as well as how to engage the population, specifically women, in gainful productive activities. Outlines the major nanomaterial types used for suitable agricultural systems Shows how nanotechnology is being used to create more effective food processing and energy harvesting systems Assesses the major challenges in rolling out nanotechnology-based agricultural systems in developing countries