
Platform selection of engineered nanomaterials for water decontamination applications
Strategic pairing of engineered nanomaterials to platforms will advance safe and effective deployment of nano-enabled water decontamination.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3641-3654
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00786B
Opportunities for nanotechnology to enhance electrochemical treatment of pollutants in potable water and industrial wastewater – a perspective
An international workshop identified how pore structures and unique properties that emerge at nano- to sub-nano- size domains can improve the energy efficiency and selectivity of electroseparation or electrocatalytic processes for treating water.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2178-2194
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00194E
Recent advances in the design of colorimetric sensors for environmental monitoring
Colorimetric sensors fabricated via nanomaterials and nanotechnology exhibited promising applications in environmental science.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2195-2213
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00449A
An MXene-based membrane for molecular separation
Two-dimensional (2D) materials with a nanoscale thickness are promising candidates for advanced molecular separations.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1289-1304
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01478K
Nanomaterials for radioactive wastewater decontamination
Nanomaterials have been demonstrated to be an effective adsorbent or an ion exchanger for selectively removing various radioactive species present in contaminated water while preventing radionuclides from entering and interacting with the biosphere.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1008-1040
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01341E
Recent advances in electrocatalysts for halogenated organic pollutant degradation
Advanced electrocatalysts for halogenated organic pollutant degradation.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 2332-2366
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00411D
Detection of engineered nanoparticles in aquatic environments: current status and challenges in enrichment, separation, and analysis
The development of enrichment–separation–analysis technologies is the cornerstone of accurately detecting, effectively monitoring, and controlling ENPs in aquatic environments.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 709-735
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01086B
Chemical vapor crosslinking of graphene oxide membranes for controlling nanochannels
The solvent-free chemical vapor crosslinking can directly fix the interlayer spacing of GO membranes for better water treatment.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2924-2929
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00710B
A strategy of electrochemical simultaneous detection of acetaminophen and levofloxacin in water based on g-C3N4 nanosheet-doped graphene oxide
A novel electroanalytical method for the simultaneous determination of acetaminophen (AC) and levofloxacin (LEV) in environmental water was proposed based on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet-doped graphene oxide (CNNS/GO).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 258-268
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00858C
Beneficial synergy of adsorption–intercalation–conversion mechanisms in Nb2O5@nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks for promoted removal of metal ions via hybrid capacitive deionization
Enhanced removal of metal ions in a hybrid capacitive deionization system has been originally developed via the adsorption–intercalation–conversion mechanisms.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 122-130
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN01003K
Surface functionalized nanoscale metal oxides for arsenic(V), chromium(VI), and uranium(VI) sorption: considering single- and multi-sorbate dynamics
This work evaluates single- and multi-sorbate systems, focusing on competitive and/or cooperative effects, exploring monodisperse, metal oxide (MnFe2O4, Fe3O4, or MnxOy) nanocrystals with CTAB (net positive) or OP (net negative) coating(s).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3805-3813
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00728E
The fabrication of 3D hierarchical flower-like δ-MnO2@COF nanocomposites for the efficient and ultra-fast removal of UO22+ ions from aqueous solution
3D flower-like δ-MnO2@TpPa-1 composites was constructed though the integration of δ-MnO2 nano-flowers with a covalent organic framework (TpPa-1) via ultrasonication process. δ-MnO2@TpPa-1 a promising adsorbent for spent-nuclear-fuel reprocessing.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3303-3317
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00793E
The design of nitrogen-doped core–shell-structured mesopore-dominant hierarchical porous carbon nanospheres for high-performance capacitive deionization
Nitrogen-doped core–shell-structured mesopore-dominant hierarchical porous carbon nanospheres are proven to be a promising material for high-performance capacitive deionization.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3575-3586
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00854K
Accelerated alkaline activation of peroxydisulfate by reduced rubidium tungstate nanorods for enhanced degradation of bisphenol A
Reduced rubidium tungstate nanorods were employed to activate peroxydisulfate under alkaline conditions for bisphenol A degradation.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3547-3556
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00840K
Bioinspired succinyl-β-cyclodextrin membranes for enhanced uranium extraction and reclamation
Schematic of adsorption/desorption for U(VI) on SβCDM, the grafting of SβCD and adsorption mechanism.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3124-3135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00709A
Graphene-PSS/L-DOPA nanocomposite cation exchange membranes for electrodialysis desalination
This research reports the fabrication of nanocomposite cation exchange membranes by incorporating negatively charged graphene-based nanomaterials into a non-charged poly(vinylidene fluoride) matrix using a mold-casting technique developed in-house.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3108-3123
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00496K
A novel flower-like Z-type heterojunction CuS/Bi7O9I3 composite catalyst prepared under mild conditions for degradation of antibiotics and sterilization under visible light
The Z-type heterojunction CuS/Bi7O9I3 composite catalyst prepared at low temperature has high-efficiency antibiotic photocatalytic degradation, photothermal synergy and antibacterial properties.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3074-3087
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00627K
Leaf vein-inspired microfiltration membrane based on ultrathin nanonetworks
Leaf vein-inspired membranes with nanonetwork structures were constructed for high-flux water purification under ultralow driving pressures.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2644-2653
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00644K
Insight into the pressure-induced displacement mechanism for selecting efficient nanofluids in various capillaries
A pressure-induced displacement mechanism in hydrophobic and hydrophilic capillaries.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2785-2794
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00462F
Sunlight-driven atmospheric water capture capacity is enhanced by nano-enabled photothermal desiccants
Atmospheric water capture (AWC) is an alternative method of localized water production whereby water vapor is removed from air to produce drinking water.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2584-2594
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00463D
Prolonging the antibacterial activity of nanosilver-coated membranes through partial sulfidation
Silver sulfidation in nanosilver-coated membranes slows down silver release and increase biofouling resistance without affecting the membrane's functionality.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2607-2617
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00300J
Ultrathin graphene oxide membrane with constructed tent-shaped structures for efficient and tunable molecular sieving
Tent-shaped ultrathin GO membrane for tunable molecular sieving.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2373-2384
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00401D
Photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) by graphene oxide materials under sunlight or visible light: the effects of low-molecular-weight chemicals
GO rapidly photocatalyzes the reduction of Cr(VI) utilizing sunlight in the presence of oxalate that acts as an electron donor and chelating agent.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2399-2409
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00329H
Indium-modified Ga2O3 hierarchical nanosheets as efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid
Indium-modified Ga2O3 hierarchical nanosheet was proved to be an efficient and promising photocatalyst for the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid in aqueous environment.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2229-2239
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00259C
Modeling performance of rhamnolipid-coated engineered magnetite nanoparticles for U(VI) sorption and separation
Iron oxide nanoparticles were stabilized in water using the biosurfactant rhamnolipid, and the adsorption of U(VI) to these nanoparticles was measured and modeled as a function of water chemistry.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2010-2020
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00416B
3D heterogeneous CTF@TiO2/Bi2WO6/Au hybrid supported by hollow carbon tubes and its efficient photocatalytic performance in the UV-vis range
The 3D heterogeneous CTF@TiO2/Bi2WO6/Au hybrid broadens the absorption over the entire visible range and improves electron–hole separation.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2061-2072
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00307G
Efficient microalgae inactivation and growth control by locally enhanced electric field treatment (LEEFT)
Locally enhanced electric field treatment (LEEFT) has been utilized as a novel and promising technology for efficient microalgae inactivation and growth control.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2021-2031
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01366K
Efficient ammonia recovery from wastewater using electrically conducting gas stripping membranes
Recovery of nutrients, such as ammonia, from wastewater offers an attractive approach to increase the overall sustainability of waste management practices.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1759-1771
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01303B
A tribo-positive Fe@MoS2 piezocatalyst for the durable degradation of tetracycline: degradation mechanism and toxicity assessment
Durable elimination of tetracycline and its toxicity by a tribo-positive Fe@MoS2 piezocatalyst via ball-milling activation.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1704-1718
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00284D
Performance of silver nanoparticle-impregnated ovoid ceramic water filters
This work presents the first performance evaluation of ovoid CWFs designed by Potters without Borders. Performance analysis and characterization data are presented here to inform manufacturing decisions and research methods.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1772-1780
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00115E
Novel photocatalytic performance of nanocage-like MIL-125-NH2 induced by adsorption of phenolic pollutants
The present work elucidates that the photocatalytic activity of nanocage-like MIL-125-NH2 is enhanced by adsorption of an electron-withdrawing pollutant (p-nitrophenol) but suppressed by adsorption of an electron-donating pollutant (p-methylphenol).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1525-1538
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00120A

Hierarchically porous electrospun nanofibrous mats produced from intrinsically microporous fluorinated polyimide for the removal of oils and non-polar solvents
An electrospun nanofibrous adsorbent with micro-, meso- and macropores and surface area of 565 m2 g−1 was developed for the rapid removal of crude oil from seawater.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1365-1372
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00084A
Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulating Fe/Zn nanoparticles as a persulfate activator for sulfamethoxazole degradation: role of encapsulated bimetallic nanoparticles and nonradical reaction
In this work, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) encapsulating Zn and Fe bimetallic nanoparticles (FeZn@NC) were synthesized through a one-pot pyrolytic strategy.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1444-1453
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00050G
Amorphous phosphated titanium oxide with amino and hydroxyl bifunctional groups for highly efficient heavy metal removal
FAPTO exhibits a low pHzpc value along with abundant amino and hydroxyl bifunctional groups for efficient heavy metal removal from sewage.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1266-1274
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01466G
Molten NaCl-induced MOF-derived carbon-polyhedron decorated carbon-nanosheet with high defects and high N-doping for boosting the removal of carbamazepine from water
The efficient removal of endocrine-disrupting pollutants (EDCs) from water is a crucial issue for improving the quality of drinking water.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1205-1213
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01408J
Cellulose nanocrystal/silver (CNC/Ag) thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membranes with multifunctional properties
Multifunctional CNC/Ag thin film nanocomposite nanofiltration membranes with high flux, high rejection, and excellent antifouling and antibacterial performance.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 803-816
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01367A
A 3D net-like structured fluorescent aerogel based on carboxy-methylated cellulose nanofibrils and carbon dots as a highly effective adsorbent and sensitive optical sensor of Cr(VI)
A 3D net-like structured fluorescent aerogel as a highly effective adsorbent and sensitive optical sensor of Cr(VI) was fabricated.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 773-781
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01394F
A direct Z-scheme ZnS/Co9S8 heterojunction-based photoelectrochemical sensor for the highly sensitive and selective detection of chlorpyrifos
A direct Z-scheme ZnS/Co9S8 heterojunction-based photoelectrochemical sensor for analyzing organophosphorus chlorpyrifos.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 753-763
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01265F
Enhanced capacitive deionization of saline water using N-doped rod-like porous carbon derived from dual-ligand metal–organic frameworks
Enhanced capacitive deionization of saline water has been demonstrated by using N-doped rod-like porous carbon derived from dual-ligand metal–organic frameworks.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 926-937
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01216H
Novel polyethyleneimine functionalized chitosan–lignin composite sponge with nanowall-network structures for fast and efficient removal of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution
An environmental-friendly polyethyleneimine functionalized chitosan–lignin composite sponge with interconnected nanowall-network structures is feasibly fabricated for rapidly and selectively removing Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 793-802
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01368G
Graphene oxide membranes on a hierarchical elemental carbon-based support
Carbon-based materials have been used in water engineering to provide more effective and efficient methods to deliver clean water.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 891-902
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01136F
Vertically-aligned growth of CuAl-layered double oxides on reduced graphene oxide for hybrid capacitive deionization with superior performance
Designing vertically-aligned CuAl-layered double oxide grown on reduced graphene oxide for capacitive desalination with high capacity and long cycling life.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 764-772
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01238A
Capacitive deionization of saline water using graphene nanosphere decorated N-doped layered mesoporous carbon frameworks
Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an alternative water purification technology.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 3442-3453
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00773C
One-step sonochemical synthesis of a reduced graphene oxide – ZnO nanocomposite with antibacterial and antibiofouling properties
Antibacterial reduced graphene oxide – ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized by a one-step sonication method. The antibiofouling surface property of a nanocomposite incorporated polymeric membrane was high with minimum Zn2+ leaching.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 3080-3090
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00753A
Accelerated Fenton-like kinetics by visible-light-driven catalysis over iron(III) porphyrin functionalized zirconium MOF: effective promotion on the degradation of organic contaminants
FeIII–TCPPCl-incorporated UiO-66 MOF could reliably achieve both photocatalysis and a Fenton-like reaction under visible light, with effective degradation against organic pollutants.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 2652-2661
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00460B
Enhancing the capacitive deionization performance of NaMnO2 by interface engineering and redox-reaction
Two layered NaMnO2 nanomaterials with expanded interlayer spacing were evaluated as HCDI redox-active intercalation electrodes and showed high CDI performance.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 2379-2388
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00545E
Dual metal-free polymer reactive sites for the efficient degradation of diclofenac by visible light-driven oxygen reduction to superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide radical (O2˙−) play a critical role in environmental remediation technologies.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 2577-2590
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00482C
A surface-modified EDTA-reduced graphene oxide membrane for nanofiltration and anti-biofouling prepared by plasma post-treatment
Plasma post-treatment is a facile method to tune performances of functionalized reduced graphene oxide membranes for nanofiltration.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 2292-2298
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01400K
Dissolution kinetics of zinc oxide nanoparticles: real-time monitoring using a Zn2+-specific fluorescent probe
A fluorescence method was employed to monitor the real-time dissolution kinetics of zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 2259-2268
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00553F
Synergistic catalysis of N vacancies and ∼5 nm Au nanoparticles promoted the highly sensitive electrochemical determination of lead(II) using an Au/N-deficient-C3N4 nanocomposite
The synergistic catalysis effect of N vacancies and ∼5 nm Au nanoparticles greatly enhances the electrochemical sensitivity to Pb(II).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1895-1908
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00114J
Facet-dependent evolution of surface defects in anatase TiO2 by thermal treatment: implications for environmental applications of photocatalysis
Exposed crystal facets of TiO2 nanomaterials significantly affect the surface defect formation of the materials during thermal treatment.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1740-1753
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00264B
Fe/Mn nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as a peroxymonosulfate activator for acetamiprid degradation
Bimetallic Fe/Mn nanoparticles and N-doped carbon nanotubes in FeMn@NCNT synergistically activate peroxymonosulfate to form SO4˙−, ˙OH, O2˙− and 1O2 for decomposing acetamiprid.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1799-1811
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00220K
SnSe@SnO2 core–shell nanocomposite for synchronous photothermal–photocatalytic production of clean water
Solar power-based synchronous photothermal evaporation and photodegradation show significant promise on water treatment.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1507-1515
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00149B
Mycelial pellet-derived heteroatom-doped carbon nanosheets with a three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure for efficient capacitive deionization
The mycelial pellet-derived hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets were fabricated facilely and showed high electrosorption capacity of 18.71 mg g−1 for capacitive deionization.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1430-1442
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00028C
Robust and durable self-healing superhydrophobic polymer-coated MWCNT film for highly efficient emulsion separation
The discharge of large amounts of oily wastewater causes serious environmental pollution and is a threat to human health.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1259-1266
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01370E
Membrane adsorber containing a new Sm(III)–organic framework for dye removal
An expanding textile industry has exacerbated the problem of dealing with effluent that contains dye molecules.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1067-1076
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00018F
Simultaneous photocatalytic redox removal of chromium(VI) and arsenic(III) by hydrothermal carbon-sphere@nano-Fe3O4
The reduction of Cr(VI) and oxidation of As(III) were markedly accelerated by employing iron oxide encapsulated in hydrothermal carbon sphere under simulated solar light irradiation.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 937-947
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01362D
Efficient removal of both antimonite (Sb(III)) and antimonate (Sb(V)) from environmental water using titanate nanotubes and nanoparticles
Adsorption of Sb on the surface of TiO2 NMs, and optimized TiO2 {101} plane slab models for Sb(III) and Sb(V) absorption.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 834-850
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN00869H
Scalable graphene oxide membranes with tunable water channels and stability for ion rejection
Graphene oxide membranes with tunable water channels and stability for ion rejections were fabricated by the blade casting technique and cation intercalation.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 904-915
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01273C
Recovery of gold from wastewater using nanoscale zero-valent iron
Kilograms of gold were recovered from wastewater using nanoscale zero-valent iron in a smelting plant since 2012.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 519-527
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01018H
Enhanced antibiotic removal through a dual-reaction-center Fenton-like process in 3D graphene based hydrogels
Enhanced pollutant removal by FeOOH/RGO hydrogels relying on π–π and π–Fe interactions.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 388-398
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01339J
About this collection
This web collection features research articles published in Environmental Science: Nano focussed on nanomaterial applications in water.