Advances of nanomaterials for air pollution remediation and their impacts on the environment

One of the most favorable environmental applications of nanotechnology has been in air pollution remediation in which different nanomaterials are used as nanoadsorbents, nanocatalysts, nanofilters, and nanosensors. The nanomaterials have the ability to adsorb several contaminants existing in the air. Also, certain semiconducting nanomaterials materials can be used for photocatalytic remediation. Air contamination control can also be achieved by nanostructured membranes with pores sufficiently small to separate various pollutants from the exhaust. Nanomaterial enabled sensors are also used for the detection of harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Conversely, because of the uncertainties in addition to irregularities in size, shape as well as chemical compositions, the existence of some nanomaterials might cause harmful effects on the environment along with the health of people. Thus, concerns were expressed about the transport and conversion of nanoparticles discharged into the surroundings. This review critically examined and assessed the present literature on the application of nanomaterials in the air, together with its negative impacts. The main focus is placed on the application of carbon-based and metal-based nanomaterials for air pollution remediation. It is noted that these nanomaterials demonstrating fascinating properties for improving the environmental pollution remediation system.