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Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Nanocatalysts
Citation:
Virkutyte, J. AND R. S. VARMA. Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Nanocatalysts. Chapter 17, Nanotechnology for Water and Wastewater Treatment, ISBN:9781780404585. IWA Publishing, London, Uk, , pp.375-408, (2013).
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
Commercial and research interest in nanotechnology significantly increased in the past several years translating into more than US$9 billion in investment from public and private sources (Eckelman et al., 2008). Nanoparticles are generally defined as particulate complex matter with at least one dimension that is less than 100 nm (Figure 30.1) (Christian et al., 2008). They also have an exceptionally large surface area to volume ratio, which are the most important characteristics that are responsible for the widespread use of nanomaterials in a great variety of industries. Unfortunately, high surface area often translates into numerous problems associated with the surface phenomena, for instance outer layer atoms in the particle may have a different composition and therefore, chemistry from the rest of the particle. Furthermore, nanoparticle surface will be prone to environmental changes such as redox conditions, pH, ionic strength, microorganisms, etc.
