Innovative nanomaterials for sustainable environment for reducing the smog effects: a technical review

The escalating concentration of smog in addition to air pollution presents major challenges to environmental sustainability as well as public health that can require a novel solution for decline. The paper explores the use of innovative nanomaterials in nanotechnology to mitigate smog impacts and promote a sustainable environment. The study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and functional performance of nanomaterials like graphene oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon nanotubes, and metal-organic frameworks for their ability to absorb, catalyze, or break down airborne pollutants like particulate matter, NO₂, SO₂, and VOCs. Experimental data shows TiO₂-based photocatalytic nanomaterials achieve over 90% NOₓ degradation efficiency under UV light, while graphene oxide composites show superior adsorption performance (> 85%) for PM₂.₅ due to their large surface area. Amino-functionalized MOFs show superior selectivity in gas capture of CO₂ and VOCs by reducing ambient concentration by up to 70%. A quantitative LCA indicates that incorporation of nanomaterials and their role in urban infrastructure-like smog-reducing coatings and air filtration systems-can significantly reduce smog-related health risks while maintaining energy efficiency. The review highlights the potential of nanotechnology in environmental remediation so that is suggesting that integrating nanomaterials into urban infrastructure can reduce smog-related health risks by 30-50% while maintaining energy efficiency which is based on a quantitative lifecycle assessment.