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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2019) | Viewed by 30741

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Janardhan Reddy Koduru

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Guest Editor

Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Korea
Interests: nanomaterials; water remediation; colorimetric sensors; biocomposites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Rama Rao Karri

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Brunei Darussalam BE-1410, Brunei
Interests: process modeling; multi-objective optimization; environmental sciences; machine learning; data-model integration; wastewater treatment; environment pollution
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Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Kailasa

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Guest Editor

Department of Applied Chemistry, S. V. National Institute of Technology, Surat 395007, Gujarat, India
Interests: functional nanomaterials; nanosensors; drug delivery; mass spectrometry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the development of technology, nanotechnology-based applications growing in every sector. Diverse applications are possible because nanomaterials promise certain environmental benefits and sustainability effects.To further enhance the synergistic properties and performances of nanomaterials, these are integrated with other materials to form one entity called nanocomposite material. Applications of nanocomposite materials are majorly focused on wastewater treatment and potable water supply, but also finds immense applications in the manufacturing of capacitors in computer chips, electrolytes for batteries, food packing, and medical applications.

Nanocomposite materials and their applications are expected to contribute significantly to the environmental and climate protection by saving raw materials, energy, and water as well as by reducing greenhouse gases and hazardous wastes to sustain the environment.

Papers are welcome on the following topics and their applications towards sustainable environment:

Non-Polymer Based Nanocomposites
Metal/Metal Oxide Nanocomposites
Metal/Ceramic Nanocomposites
Polymer-Based Nanocomposites
Polymer/Ceramic Nanocomposites
Inorganic/ Organic Polymer Nanocomposites
Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Nanocomposites
Polymer/ Layered Silicate Nanocomposites
Polymer/PolymerNanocomposites
Carbon Nanotube-BasedNanocomposites
Noble Metal Based Nanocomposites
Nanocomposites for Bioremediation
Biogenic/Phytogenic Nanocomposites
Graphene/Graphene Oxide-Based Nanocomposites
Nanocomposites in Environmental Analysis
Nanomaterials in Sample Preparations

This Special Issue of Applied Sciences, “Nanocomposites for the Sustainable Environment,” has the aim of collecting recent advances in the application of various nanocomposites for sustainable environment remediation including inorganic, organic and biomolecules sanitation from water, soil, air, and food.

Prof. Dr. Janardhan Reddy Koduru
Dr. Rama Rao Karri
Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Kailasa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Nanomaterials
Biogenic Nanomaterials
Chemical species
Sample Preparations
Environmental Remediation
Wastewater Treatment
Soil Remediation
Process Modeling
Nanosensors for Pollutant Detection
Functional Nanomaterials
Heavy Metals
Radioactive Elements
Organic Pollutants

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 4612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metal Nanoparticle Containing Nanocomposites of Drug Substances and Their Potential Biomedical Applications

by Tatyana I. Shabatina, Olga I. Vernaya, Vladimir P. Shabatin, Michail Y. Melnikov, Alexandr M. Semenov and Vladimir I. Lozinsky

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(1), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10010170 - 24 Dec 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3371

Abstract

New hybrid nanosystems containing the antibacterial substances dioxidine or gentamicin sulfate with bioactive metal (Ag, Cu) nanoparticles have been obtained by a cryogenic freeze-drying method and incorporate further the nanocomposites thus obtained into the cryogenically structured biopolymeric matrices based on gelatin, calcium alginate, and chitosan. FTIR, UV-visible, and NMR spectroscopy, TEM and SEM microscopy data show that the resulting systems consist of wide-porous polymer sponges (pore diameters, 10–200 μm) that contain antibacterial drugs and silver (2–30 nm) or copper (1–5 nm) nanoparticles. The investigation showed that these systems ensure a gradual release of dioxidine (from 40 min up to 3 days), depending on the nature of the matrix and its microstructure. The higher activity of hybrid composites based on nanometals and dioxidine or incorporated into cryostructured biopolymer matrices against the bacterial strains of Escherichia coli 52, Staphylococcus aureus 144 is demonstrated as compared to the individual components in the same matrices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for the Sustainable Environment)

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17 pages, 2403 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Process Optimization and Modeling of Methylene Blue Adsorption Using Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles Synthesized from Sweet Lime Pulp

by Naincy Sahu, Shalu Rawat, Jiwan Singh, Rama Rao Karri, Suhyun Lee, Jong-Soo Choi and Janardhan Reddy Koduru

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(23), 5112; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9235112 - 26 Nov 2019

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5446

Abstract

The presence of dyes in waterbodies poses severe problems in human and aquatic creatures, and the development of treatment methods for the removal of these pollutants is of utmost importance. This research study investigates the elimination of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution using zero-valent iron nanoparticles synthesized from sweet lime pulp waste (nZVISLP). The purity, chemical composition, and crystalline size of nZVISLP were investigated using microscopic and spectroscopic studies. A maximum MB removal efficiency of 98.9% was obtained at the following optimal conditions: C₀: 10 mg/L, dosage: 1.2 g/L, and temperature: 25 °C. To understand the adsorptive removal characteristics of nZVISLP, the investigational adsorption data were tested with conventional kinetic and isotherm models. Furthermore, a differential evolution optimization (DEO) technique was used to estimate the optimal intrinsic parameters in the isotherm and kinetic models. For the various evaluated isotherms, the correlation coefficient (R²) values for the Freundlich and Sips isotherm models were ~0.98, thus confirming the aptness of these isotherms to represent MB adsorption onto nZVISLP. The robustness of non-linear models was verified by statistical metrics, thus validating the performance of the optimization technique. The results derived from this study affirm the potential of an ecofriendly biogenic nanomaterial, nZVISLP, for MB adsorptive removal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for the Sustainable Environment)

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9 pages, 8085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simple Synthesis Method and Characterizations of Aggregation-Free Cysteamine Capped PbS Quantum Dot

by Daekyung Kang, Mareddi Bharath Kumar, Changhee Son, Hongsik Park and Jonghoo Park

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(21), 4661; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9214661 - 1 Nov 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4556

Abstract

Quantum dots have diverse chemical properties with different ligands attached on the surface. The cysteamine has been used as a ligand for various quantum dots because it has high solubility in water, and it facilitates binding of quantum dot and gold surface. However, the hydrogen bonds in cysteamine cause aggregation of the cysteamine capped quantum dots. In this study, we suggested a simple synthesis method of aggregation-free PbS quantum dot and analyzed the electric and optical properties of the synthesized quantum dot. This study on aggregation-free cysteamine capped quantum dots has the potential to develop advanced quantum dot-based sensor technologies, including biomedical imaging and environmental sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for the Sustainable Environment)

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10 pages, 2631 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sunlight-Driven Photothermal Effect of Composite Eggshell Membrane Coated with Graphene Oxide and Gold Nanoparticles

by Ling Wang, Bin Tang, Ji Zhou, Hai Zhao, Wu Chen and Jinfeng Wang

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(20), 4384; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9204384 - 17 Oct 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2473

Abstract

Eggshell membrane (ESM), which consists of unique interwoven shell membrane fibers, provides a unique supporting platform for functional nanoparticles in catalysis and sensing. This work reports a novel strategy for fabricating sunlight-driven photothermal conversion composite membranes by loading graphene oxide (GO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the three-dimension (3D) network structured eggshell membrane. Surface morphologies and chemical elements were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. High photothermal conversion under simulated sunlight irradiation, which may be caused by the synergistic effect of GO and AuNPs, was achieved by coating both GO and AuNPs onto ESM. The temperature of ESM modified with AuNPs, and then GO increased from 26.0 °C to 49.0 °C after 10 min of light irradiation. Furthermore, the nanoscaled GO and AuNPs could add benefit to the heating localization of the obtained composite membrane. It is expected this biocompatible ESM modified with GO and AuNPs would have great potential in drug release and photothermal therapy applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for the Sustainable Environment)

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12 pages, 1130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Arsenic Removal from Water by Adsorption onto Iron Oxide/Nano-Porous Carbon Magnetic Composite

by Sahira Joshi, Manobin Sharma, Anshu Kumari, Surendra Shrestha and Bhanu Shrestha

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(18), 3732; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9183732 - 7 Sep 2019

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 4269

Abstract

This study aimed to develop magnetic Fe₃O₄/sugarcane bagasse activated carbon composite for the adsorption of arsenic (III) from aqueous solutions. Activated carbon (AC) was prepared from sugarcane bagasse by chemical activation using H₃PO₄ as an activating agent at 400 °C. To enhance adsorption capacity for arsenic, the resultant AC was composited with Fe₃O₄ particles by facile one-pot hydrothermal treatment. This method involves mixing the AC with aqueous solution of iron (II) chloride tetrahydrate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), and ethanol. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted for the adsorption of As (III) onto the composite. The effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, and contact time on the arsenic adsorption were studied. The result showed that the composite could remove the arsenic from the water far more effectively than the plain AC. The highest percentage of arsenic removal was found at pH at 8, adsorbent dose of 1.8 g/L, and contact time of 60 min. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm was used to analyze the equilibrium experimental data. Langmuir model showed the best fit compared to the Freundlich model with a maximal capacity of 6.69 mg/g. These findings indicated that magnetic Fe₃O₄/sugarcane bagasse AC composite could be potentially applied for adsorptive removal of arsenic (III) from aqueous solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for the Sustainable Environment)

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12 pages, 4562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanosized Ni/SBA-15 Catalysts for CO₂ Reforming of CH₄

by Ahmed A. Ibrahim, Ashraf Amin, Ahmed S. Al-Fatesh, Nadavala Siva Kumar, Samsudeen Olajide Kasim, Abdulrhman S. Al-Awadi, Ahmed M. El-Toni, Ahmed Elhag Abasaeed and Anis H. Fakeeha

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(9), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9091926 - 10 May 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4176

Abstract

Ni, Co, and Co–Ni bimetallic catalysts supported over SBA-15 and over SBA-15 doped with Zn or Ce oxides were prepared and tested in a methane dry reforming reaction. The loading of the metals in the catalyst was 5 wt % for either mono or bimetallic catalysts. The prepared catalysts were tested in a continuous-flow fixed-bed reactor at 800 °C under atmospheric pressure. XRD, TPR, TPD, and SEM characterization techniques were employed to investigate the catalytic properties of fresh catalysts. SEM and TGA were used to study the catalytic properties of spent catalysts. A remarkable effect on the reduction properties and catalytic performance of catalysts was observed after adding Zn and Ce. Over an 8 h test, Ni/SBA-15 showed the best activity and stability. The conversion was 90% for CH₄ and CO₂. Co–Ni/SBA-15 and Co–Ni/Ce–SBA-15 have shown a reasonable activity and stability. Selectivity of the Ni/SBA-15 catalyst was higher than all other catalysts as indicated by the H₂/CO ratio. Co/SBA-15 and Co–Ni/Zn–SBA-15 showed a low activity and selectivity. TPD–NH₃ profiles indicated that doping SBA-15 with Ce and/or Zn increased the catalyst acidic sites. Ni/SBA-15 is an excellent potential catalyst for commercial methane dry reforming processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for the Sustainable Environment)

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Review

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30 pages, 2542 KiB

Open AccessReview

Graphene Composites for Lead Ions Removal from Aqueous Solutions

by Mukesh Kumar, Jin Suk Chung and Seung Hyun Hur

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(14), 2925; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9142925 - 22 Jul 2019

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5808

Abstract

The indiscriminate disposal of non-biodegradable, heavy metal ionic pollutants from various sources, such as refineries, pulp industries, lead batteries, dyes, and other industrial effluents, into the aquatic environment is highly dangerous to the human health as well as to the environment. Among other heavy metals, lead (Pb(II)) ions are some of the most toxic pollutants generated from both anthropogenic and natural sources in very large amounts. Adsorption is the simplest, efficient and economic water decontamination technology. Hence, nanoadsorbents are a major focus of current research for the effective and selective removal of Pb(II) metal ions from aqueous solution. Nanoadsorbents based on graphene and its derivatives play a major role in the effective removal of toxic Pb(II) metal ions. This paper summarizes the applicability of graphene and functionalized graphene-based composite materials as Pb(II) ions adsorbent from aqueous solutions. In addition, the synthetic routes, adsorption process, conditions, as well as kinetic studies have been reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for the Sustainable Environment)

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