The ability of nanostructures to organize into complex arrangements leads to unique materials with valuable applications. Self-assembly is therefore a key concept for nanotechnology, but it can be quite a complex and difficult subject to approach. Water Droplets to Nanotechnology gives a simple and general overview of the different self-assembly processes which are at the basis of recent developments in nanotechnology. The book shows how simple phenomenon from everyday examples can become sophisticated tools for self-assembly and the fabrication of nanomaterials. By exploring the coffee stain and tears of wine phenomena, the first part looks at how the evaporation of a droplet of colloidal solution can be used in designing organized structures. This leads onto more complex systems such as templated porous materials, photonic crystals, colloidal nanocrystals and quasi-crystals through to bottom-up systems for designing hierarchal materials. By taking the reader on a journey from everyday life to the secrets of nanotechnology, the book is suitable for a non-specialist audience interested in self-assembly as well as the wider perspectives and latest developments of nanoscience.

Nanodroplets, the basis of complex and advanced nanostructures such as quantum rings, quantum dots and quantum dot clusters for future electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices, have attracted the interdisciplinary interest of chemists, physicists and engineers. This book combines experimental and theoretical analyses of nanosized droplets which reveal many attractive properties. Coverage includes nanodroplet synthesis, structure, unique behaviors and their nanofabrication, including chapters on focused ion beam, atomic force microscopy, molecular beam epitaxy and the "vapor-liquid- solid" route. Particular emphasis is given to the behavior of metallic nanodroplets, water nanodroplets and nanodroplets in polymer and metamaterial nanocomposites. The contributions of leading scientists and their research groups will provide readers with deeper insight into the chemical and physical mechanisms, properties, and potential applications of various nanodroplets.

This book describes the latest progress in the application of nanotechnology for water treatment and purification. Leaders in the field present both the fundamental science and a comprehensive overview of the diverse range of tools and technologies that have been developed in this critical area. Expert chapters present the unique physicochemical and surface properties of nanoparticles and the advantages that these provide for engineering applications that ensure a supply of safe drinking water for our growing population. Application areas include generating fresh water from seawater, preventing contamination of the environment and creating effective and efficient methods for remediation of polluted waters. The chapter authors are leading world-wide experts in the field with either academic or industrial experience, ensuring that this comprehensive volume presents the state-of-the-art in the integration of nanotechnology with water treatment and purification.

Details the water research applications of nanotechnology in various areas including environmental science, remediation, membranes, nanomaterials, and water treatment At the nano size, materials often take on unique and sometimes unexpected properties that result in them being ‘tuned’ to build faster, lighter, stronger, and more efficient devices and systems, as well as creating new classes of materials. In water research, nanotechnology is applied to develop more cost-effective and high-performance water treatment systems, as well as to provide instant and continuous ways to monitor water quality. This volume presents an array of cutting-edge nanotechnology research in water applications including treatment, remediation, sensing, and pollution prevention. Nanotechnology applications for waste water research have significant impact in maintaining the long-term quality, availability, and viability of water. Regardless of the origin, such as municipal or industrial waste water, its remediation utilizing nanotechnology can not only be recycled and desalinized, but it can simultaneously detect biological and chemical contamination. Application of Nanotechnology in Water Research describes a broad area of nanotechnology and water research where membrane processes (nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and nanoreactive membranes) are considered key components of advanced water purification and desalination technologies that remove, reduce, or neutralize water contaminants that threaten human health and/or ecosystem productivity and integrity. Various nanoparticles and nanomaterials that could be used in water remediation (zeolites, carbon nanotubes, self-assembled monolayer on mesoporous supports, biopolymers, single-enzyme nanoparticles, zero-valent iron nanoparticles, bimetallic iron nanoparticles, and nanoscale semiconductor photocatalysts) are discussed. The book also covers water-borne infectious diseases as well as water-borne pathogens, microbes, and toxicity approach.

Nanotechnology for Oil-Water Separation: From Fundamentals to Industrial Applications explores how nanotechnologically engineered solutions (modified meshes, carbon nanotubes, functionalized fabrics, textile or hybrid elements for bio-membranes, nanofibrous materials, and many more) can be used to remediate current damage to the environment for a better tomorrow. Design and fabrication of low-cost, effective and environmentally friendly micro/nanomaterials exhibiting strong wettability properties and mechanical and chemical stability are examined, along with current research developments and possible future directions, making this book an essential read for researchers, advanced students, and industry professionals with an interest in nanotechnology and sustainable (bio)technologies. The increasing amounts of industrial substances released by petrochemical, steel or gas-generating plants and food-processing factories into water poses an ever more serious environmental threat. Due to the significant adverse impact on the natural ecosystem, aquatic organisms and human health, the scientific community has made its priority to find sustainable methods to separate oil-water mixtures. Provides an "all-in-one" reference on oil-water separation using cutting-edge, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly nanotechnology-based solutions Sheds light on the proper disposal, management and treatment processes of petroleum wastewater Includes a discussion on new developments and findings, as well as challenges and concerns with an indication of where the field may move in coming years

Nanomaterials are being used to develop more cost-effective and high-performance water treatment systems. In the field of water research, nanomaterials have been extensively utilised for the treatment and remediation, in addition to pollution prevention, of this vital resource. Remediation is the process of transforming the toxic substances in polluted water to below the limits stipulated by national/international guidelines. Volume 1 focuses on the carbon-based materials employed for water remediation. This book contains detailed information on various carbon materials including: carbon nanotubes, nanofibres, nanocellulose, dendrimers, mesoporous materials, molecularly imprinted materials, polymeric membranes and waste-derived nanocarbon materials. Polluted water is the main cause of severe environmental and health problems, and it is a well-established fact that carbon-based materials are very effective in the removal of both organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater.This book covers the broad aspects of nanotechnology, environmental science and water research, and will be beneficial to researchers involved in these areas. In addition, this book will be of considerable interest to researchers who are working towards their graduate and postgraduate degrees in these areas. A platform for all researchers is also provided as it covers considerable background from recent literature, including the abbreviations used. This book covers the fundamental knowledge and recent advancements of the research and development in the fields of nanotechnology, environmental science and water research.

The World Health Organization in 2004 estimated approximately 1.1 billion people did not have access to clean water and that 35% of Third World residents died from water-borne illnesses. While the situation is grim, recent advances strongly indicate that many of the current water quality problems can be addresses – and potentially resolved – using nanotechnology.Nanotechnology is already having a dramatic impact on research in water quality and Nanotechnology Applications for Clean Water highlights both the challenges and the opportunities for nanotechnology to positively influence this area of environmental protection.Here you will find detailed information on breakthroughs, cutting edge technologies, current research, and future trends that may affect acceptance of widespread applications. The first four parts of the book cover specific topics including using nanotechnology for clean drinking water in both large scale water treatment plants and in point-of-use systems. For instance, recent advances show that many of the current problems involving water quality can be addressed using nanosorbents, nanocatalysts, bioactive nanoparticles, nanostructured catalytic membranes, and nanoparticle enhanced filtration. The book also discusses existing technologies and future potential for groundwater remediation, pollution prevention, and sensors. The final part discusses the inherent societal implications that may affect acceptance of widespread applications. Over 80 leading experts from around the world share their wealth of knowledge in this truly unique reference. Institutions such as Center for the Purification of Water and Systems (Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign); UCLA Water Technology Center; Carnegie Mellon University, University of Kentucky; The University of Western Ontario; Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; National Institute for Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Japan), Munasinghe Institute for Development (Sri Lanka) and the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars are just a few of the knowledge centers represented in this book. Water quality is a serious, global issue in which government bodies and scientific communities face many challenges in ensuring clean water is available to everyone. Nanotechnology is already showing dramatic results, and this book is an attempt to share current technologies and future possibilities in reaching this goal. From the Foreword:"Researchers and practitioners may find in this volume, key challenges regarding clean water resources. The presentations may crystallize new research and education programs." - Mihail Roco, U.S. National Science Foundation and U.S. Nanotechnology Initiative Contributors from the US, India, Canada, Japan, UK, Sri Lanka, and South Africa Provides detailed information on breakthroughs, cutting edge technologies, current research, and future trends that may affect acceptance of widespread applications Covers specific topics including using nanotechnology for clean drinking water in both large scale water treatment plants and in point-of-use systems Discusses existing technologies and future potential for groundwater remediation, pollution prevention, and sensors Highlights both the challenges and the opportunities for nanotechnology to positively influence this area of environmental protection