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Nanomaterials for Sustainable Applications: Current Development and Future Trends

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 4733

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Interests: nanostructured materials for optoelectronics; quantum effects in 2D systems; advanced nanofabrication; nanoscale energy harvesting; computational nanomaterials modeling; sustainable nanoengineering solutions
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Guest Editor
Institute of Ceramics and Polymer Engineering, University of Miskolc, H-3515 Miskolc-Egyetemváros, Hungary
Interests: sustainable materials; nanocomposite materials; perovskite materials; multiferroic materials; catalysis; wastewater treatment; glass foams; geopolymer foams

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The urgent global shift toward sustainability is reflected in the dynamic field of nanomaterials, where pioneering research aligns with environmental and energy imperatives. This Special Issue on "Nanomaterials for Sustainable Applications: Current Development and Future Trends" offers an in-depth look at these materials through the prism of sustainable innovation. It presents cutting-edge research and applications of nanomaterials across several critical areas:

  • Thin-Film Deposition Techniques: Advancements in depositing nanoscale thin films are paving the way for more energy efficient electronic devices, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact during the manufacturing process;
  • Sustainable Materials: This theme explores nanomaterials designed for durability and recyclability, aiming to reduce waste and conserve resources across various industries;
  • Gas Sensing Materials: Articles in this section delve into nanomaterials that improve the sensitivity and selectivity of gas sensors, which are crucial for monitoring pollution and protecting public health;
  • Photodetectors: Progress in nanomaterial-enhanced photodetectors is leading to breakthroughs in imaging technologies and the detection of light, which has implications for security and surveillance;
  • Thermochromic Materials: The application of these materials in smart windows showcases the potential of nanotechnology to reduce energy consumption in buildings;
  • Negative Photoconductive Materials: Insights into these materials demonstrate their unique applications in controlling electrical signals in response to light, impacting electronics and signal processing;
  • Plasmonics: This exciting area taps into the manipulation of light at the nanoscale, promising significant advancements in sensing and communication technologies;
  • Solar Cells: The Special Issue focuses on the use of nanomaterials to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cells, vital for the widespread adoption of solar energy;
  • Photocatalysts: The catalytic potential of nanomaterials, driven by light, is explored for environmental cleanup and renewable energy applications.

This compilation bridges the gap between nanomaterial research and practical, sustainable applications. It emphasizes the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches to ensure that nanotechnological advancements contribute positively to environmental goals and sustainable practices. Through these discussions, this Special Issue aims to catalyze further innovation in nanomaterials while adhering to the principles of sustainability and eco-friendliness, thus shaping a sustainable future for all.

Dr. Murat Kabatas
Dr. Jamal Eldin F. M. Ibrahim
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. Sustainability 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
  • sustainable technology
  • thin-film deposition
  • eco-friendly nanomanufacturing
  • gas sensing nanocomposites
  • nanoscale photodetectors
  • thermochromic nanostructures
  • negative photoconductivity
  • nanoplasmonics
  • nanophotovoltaics
  • green photocatalysts
  • renewable energy nanosystems
  • environmental nanosensors
  • sustainable nanoelectronics
  • energy saving nanomaterials
  • smart nano-enabled coatings
  • advanced nanomaterials for sustainability
  • nanotechnology in pollution control
  • future of nanomaterials in energy applications
  • sustainable nanoscience

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 5668 KiB  
Article
Soiling, Adhesion, and Surface Characterization of Concentrated Solar Power Reflectors: Insights and Challenges in the MENA Region
by Ayoub El Baraka, Redouane En-nadir, Mohamed A. Basyooni-M. Kabatas, Anouar Jorio and Asmae Khaldoun
Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 6257; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146257 - 22 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1253
Abstract
Desert environments are prime locations for concentrated solar power (CSP) applications due to abundant direct normal irradiance. Despite this advantage, the accumulation and adhesion of dust on CSP mirror surfaces present significant challenges to plant efficiency. This paper comprehensively explores soiling phenomena and [...] Read more.
Desert environments are prime locations for concentrated solar power (CSP) applications due to abundant direct normal irradiance. Despite this advantage, the accumulation and adhesion of dust on CSP mirror surfaces present significant challenges to plant efficiency. This paper comprehensively explores soiling phenomena and dust adhesion mechanisms, complemented by advanced measurement techniques tailored for CSP reflector mirrors. By elucidating the factors influencing dust accumulation and delving into the thermodynamics of self-cleaning coatings, alongside an analysis of various mirror materials, this study aims to enrich our understanding of soiling in CSP systems. This study aims to provide valuable insights that will help develop strategies to reduce dust-related efficiency losses in CSP plants, ultimately supporting the development of more reliable and sustainable solar energy solutions for the MENA region. Full article
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Review

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37 pages, 5894 KiB  
Review
An Overview on the Role of Government Initiatives in Nanotechnology Innovation for Sustainable Economic Development and Research Progress
by Umme Thayyiba Khatoon and Aditya Velidandi
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031250 - 4 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2844
Abstract
Nanoparticle technology has emerged as a fundamental component across various industries, including electronics, renewable energy, textiles, and medical biotechnology, particularly for targeted drug delivery applications. Commercialization has profoundly impacted economic growth, especially in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Moreover, it has improved workforce [...] Read more.
Nanoparticle technology has emerged as a fundamental component across various industries, including electronics, renewable energy, textiles, and medical biotechnology, particularly for targeted drug delivery applications. Commercialization has profoundly impacted economic growth, especially in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Moreover, it has improved workforce education and training, generating millions of employment prospects associated with nanotechnology development. By 2024, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development anticipates that the global market for nanotechnology products will attain a value of United States Dollar (USD) 1 trillion to USD 3 trillion, resulting in the creation of over 2 million new employments globally. The swift progression of nanoparticle technology from 2000 to 2024 is primarily propelled by substantial industrial investment in research and development, alongside collaborations with academic institutions. The National Nanotechnology Initiative in the United States (US) has significantly contributed to these developments, with federal funding exceeding USD 30 billion by 2024 since its establishment in 2001. This funding has catalyzed significant advancements in both commercial and research applications of nanotechnology. Patent data highlights this expansion, with China establishing itself as the preeminent nation in nanotechnology patents. From 2000 to 2024, China steadily raised its proportion of nanotechnology patents, accounting for almost 40% of the global total by 2024. The US, Japan, Germany, and the Republic of Korea continued to be significant contributors, together advancing the frontiers of innovation in nanotechnology. In this timeframe, the quantity of nanotechnology-related patents increased by more than 150%, demonstrating the swift growth of the sector. The regulation of nanotechnology in the US is primarily managed by the Food and Drug Administration, particularly about healthcare and biotechnology applications. As the scope of nanotechnology uses has expanded, there is an increasing demand for more extensive regulations concerning potential long-term environmental and health effects. The future trajectory of nanotechnology, both in the US and worldwide, will hinge on continuous invention, economic advancement, and the progression of governmental policy. By upholding a robust regulatory framework and promoting ongoing collaboration between academics and industry, the complete potential of nanotechnology in advancing industrial and societal progress can be actualized. Full article
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