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Greener production of nanomaterials and their applications in catalysis and environmental remediation
Citation:
Nadagouda, M. Greener production of nanomaterials and their applications in catalysis and environmental remediation. Presented at UC Presentaion, Cincinnati, OH, May 24, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
Invited lecture on green synthesis.
Description:
Metal nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention because of their unique magnetic, optical, electrical, and catalytic properties and their potential applications in nanoelectronics. There is great interest in synthesizing metal nanoparticles due to their extraordinary properties when compared to bulk properties. Also there is renewed interest using green chemistry principles while synthesizing metal nanoparticles and their composites. Green chemistry is the design, development, and implementation of chemical products and processes to reduce or eliminate the use and generation of substances that are hazardous to human health and to the environment. Three areas of opportunity to engage in green chemistry when synthesizing metal nanoparticles by the reduction of the corresponding metal ion salt solutions are: (i) choice of solvent, (ii) the reducing agent employed, and (iii) the capping agent (or dispersing agent). There has also been growing attention in identifying environmentally friendly materials that are multifunctional. This presentation is an account of a greener preparation of nanoparticles using naturally available sources such as vitamins, sugars, tea extracts, and biodegradable polymers etc. which reduces or eliminates the use and generation of hazardous substances. Microwaves play an important role in green chemistry. The use of microwaves can reduce energy consumption and the time used to obtain desired materials. Several microwave based recipes were developed at our laboratory will be highlighted. Application of these nanoparticles in catalysis and environmental remediation will be presented.