
Perspectives on palladium-based nanomaterials: green synthesis, ecotoxicity, and risk assessment
By comprehensively analyzing and discussing the application progress, environmental behavior and ecotoxicology of palladium-based nanomaterials (Pd-NMs), guidelines are provided for the sustainable development of Pd-NMs.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 20-36
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN01048K
Antiviral-nanoparticle interactions and reactions
Fundamental design parameters for future development of novel antiviral nanomaterials.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 11-19
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00980F
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

Probing the immune responses to nanoparticles across environmental species. A perspective of the EU Horizon 2020 project PANDORA
Here we discuss the potential of engineered nanoparticles to act as agents affecting the immune status in different environmentally relevant species, with a focus on the emerging experimental models launched by the EU Horizon 2020 project PANDORA.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3216-3232
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00732C
Opportunities and challenges of phyto-nanotechnology
Phyto-nanotechnology has received dramatically increasing attention in recent years. In this perspective, we have summarized some promising applications of phyto-nanotechnology as well as major obstacles with our insights into in this dynamic area.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2863-2874
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00729C
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
Emerging investigator series: nanotechnology to develop novel agrochemicals: critical issues to consider in the global agricultural context
A better recognition of the agronomic context and geographical differences, including economic, political and social constrains, are needed to support the development of viable and sustainable nano-innovations in agriculture.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1867-1873
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00271B
Strategies for robust and accurate experimental approaches to quantify nanomaterial bioaccumulation across a broad range of organisms
Strategies are provided for making robust measurements of engineered nanomaterial bioaccumulation across a broad range of organisms.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1619-1656
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01378K
In situ remediation of subsurface contamination: opportunities and challenges for nanotechnology and advanced materials
Engineered nanomaterials alone or in combination with other technologies may improve in situ subsurface remediation of legacy and emerging contaminants.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1283-1302
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00143C
Dissolution as a paradigm in regulating nanomaterials
Dissolution is a factor to consider when interpreting human health and ecotoxicological studies.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2018,5, 1070-1077
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EN01130J
Life cycle considerations of nano-enabled agrochemicals: are today's tools up to the task?
Nano specific challenges of applying LCA towards nano-enabled agrochemicals to assess their environmental implications are identified in this perspective.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2018,5, 1057-1069
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EN01166K

Environmental and health risks of nanorobots: an early review
Nanorobots for biomedical applications have experienced extensive research and rapid development during the last decade, up to a point where they can now deliver cargos to designated sites in organisms under laboratory conditions.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2875-2886
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00570C

Strategies for determining heteroaggregation attachment efficiencies of engineered nanoparticles in aquatic environments
Heteroaggregation of engineered nanoparticles with suspended particulate matter in theory and practice: a roadmap for understanding and determining attachment efficiencies.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 351-367
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01016E
Micromotors for environmental applications: a review
Micromotors and the environment: illustrating the efficient operation of carbon-based micromotors for water purification.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2018,5, 1530-1544
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN00299A

Emerging investigator series: the rise of nano-enabled photothermal materials for water evaporation and clean water production by sunlight
This frontier reviews impressive progresses of nano-enabled solar-driven water evaporation and clean water production made in the past 4 years.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2018,5, 1078-1089
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN00156A
Strategies for enhancing the perylene diimide photocatalytic degradation activity: method, effect factor, and mechanism
Strategies to improve the photocatalytic activity of PDI are summarized. The system factor and water chemistry affecting the photocatalytic activity for organic pollutant removal are discussed. The stability and future challenges are discussed.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 602-618
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN01245A
Metal nanoparticles in the air: state of the art and future perspectives
Nanoparticles containing metals in their structure constitute an increasingly large group of substances present in the air.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3233-3254
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00536C
Emerging investigator series: polymeric nanocarriers for agricultural applications: synthesis, characterization, and environmental and biological interactions
This review discusses polymeric nanocarriers for agrochemical delivery, from synthesis, characterization, and release, to benefits for agrochemical efficiency and sustainability.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 37-67
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01127G

Metal–organic framework-based nanomaterials for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of gaseous pollutants: recent progress and challenges
Design and engineering of metal–organic frameworks for the adsorption/degradation of inorganic toxic gases, organic vapors and particulate matter.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1006-1025
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01167B
Emerging investigator series: interactions of engineered nanomaterials with the cell plasma membrane; what have we learned from membrane models?
Various membrane models used to study nanoparticle interactions with the cell plasma membrane.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 13-40
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN00514A
Construction of an all-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalyst based on graphite carbon nitride and its enhancement to catalytic activity
This review highlights an artificial g-C3N4-based Z-scheme photocatalyst that simulates natural photosynthesis; the design, preparation and applications are presented.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2018,5, 599-615
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EN01031A
Iron triad nanomaterials and their sustainable application in the environment
It reviews the most recent progress in detection, treatment, and recycling of contaminants mainly from wastewater using iron triad nanomaterials.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2018,5, 246-256
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EN01024A
Emerging investigator series: bacteriophages as nano engineering tools for quality monitoring and pathogen detection in water and wastewater
Phase-based detection and monitoring of pathogens in water and wastewater.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 367-389
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00962H
Towards resolution of antibacterial mechanisms in metal and metal oxide nanomaterials: a meta-analysis of the influence of study design on mechanistic conclusions
While the antibacterial potency of metal and metal oxide engineered nanomaterials (MMO ENMs) is well-established, a lack of standardized methodologies for mechanistic studies may create both real and perceived ambiguity in mechanistic conclusions.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 37-66
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00949K
Room-temperature formaldehyde catalytic decomposition
The necessity, basic strategies and mechanisms for HCHO room-temperature catalytic oxidation removal are summarized and discussed.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3655-3709
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00831A
A review on graphene quantum dots and their nanocomposites: from laboratory synthesis towards agricultural and environmental applications
This review highlights recent and important advances related to the synthesis, characterization and application of graphene quantum dot (GQD)-based nanocomposites for the agriculture and environmental sectors.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3710-3734
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00787K
Doing nano-enabled water treatment right: sustainability considerations from design and research through development and implementation
Nanotechnology-enabled water treatment technologies have the potential to outperform conventional water treatment systems, but we must understand how to produce, use, and dispose of these technologies in a safe and sustainable way.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3255-3278
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00584C
Nanobiochar: production, properties, and multifunctional applications
Biochar conversion into nanobiochar induced multiple potential applications as an adsorbent, sensor, capacitor, and photocatalytic and plant nanobionic material.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3279-3302
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00486C
Functionalized porous organic materials as efficient media for the adsorptive removal of Hg(II) ions
Hg(II) contamination in water is a major health issue. Functionalized organic materials have huge scope for the large-scale adsorptive removal of Hg(II). This review summarizes major achievements of POPs and COFs in the water purification purposes.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2887-2923
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00714E
Emerging investigator series: calculating size- and coating-dependent effect factors for silver nanoparticles to inform characterization factor development for usage in life cycle assessment
Concerns about the environmental impacts due to the end of life for engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are growing.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2436-2453
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00675K
Interactions between organic pollutants and carbon nanomaterials and the associated impact on microbial availability and degradation in soil: a review
Impact of carbon nanomaterials on soil organic pollutant biodegradation is associated with their interactions with pollutant and toxicity to microorganisms.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2486-2508
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00515K
Interplay between engineered nanomaterials and microbiota
Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) have a potential to modulate microbiota and induce harmful or beneficial effects in the host. However, the causal factors of ENM-induced dysbiosis remain unknown.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2454-2485
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00557F
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

The gut barrier and the fate of engineered nanomaterials: a view from comparative physiology
Despite the diverse structures and functions of the gut barrier in the animal kingdom, some common features of gut lumen chemistry control the behaviour of engineered nanomaterials, and with some potentially novel uptake pathways in invertebrates.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1874-1898
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00174K
Critical role of water stability in metal–organic frameworks and advanced modification strategies for the extension of their applicability
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are well known for their versatile applications in diverse fields (e.g., gas adsorption, water purification, sensing, drug delivery, and catalysis).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1319-1347
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01321K
Applications of nanozymes in the environment
Nanozymes have great potential in detection of heavy metals, organic pollutants and treatment of pathogenic bacteria and waste water and air.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1305-1318
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01089K
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

The rise of the nanomaterial metabolite corona, and emergence of the complete corona
Metabolites present in the corona may play a key role in biological recognition of nanomaterials yet remain a much-overlooked aspect of the corona.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1041-1060
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00938H
Layered structure-based materials: challenges and opportunities for radionuclide sequestration
This review highlights recent achievements and perspectives of emerging two-dimensional nanomaterials for the elimination of radionuclides in environmental applications.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 724-752
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01429B
What will happen when microorganisms “meet” photocatalysts and photocatalysis?
In recent years, photocatalytic technology has been widely studied as an environmental restoration technology and energy production technology to solve the two crises of energy shortage and environmental pollution.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 702-723
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01318K
Nanostructured manganese oxides: natural/artificial formation and their induced catalysis for wastewater remediation
Manganese oxides, with low toxicity and wide adaptability, have been demonstrated as promising catalysts for substituting noble metals/oxides in a diversity of chemical reactions.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 368-396
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01250H
Nanomaterials as fertilizers for improving plant mineral nutrition and environmental outcomes
Nanomaterials can potentially be used as fertilizers to improve both plant nutrition and environmental outcomes.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 3513-3524
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00971J
Recent advances regarding the impacts of engineered nanomaterials on the anaerobic ammonium oxidation process: performances and mechanisms
The impacts of engineered nanomaterials on the performance of the anaerobic ammonium oxidation process and their intoxication mechanisms are summarized.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 3501-3512
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01009B
Status and challenges in photocatalytic nanotechnology for cleaning air polluted with volatile organic compounds: visible light utilization and catalyst deactivation
Photocatalysis that utilizes semiconductor nanoparticles is one of the promising environmental technology for air purification.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 3185-3214
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00891H
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
Delivery, uptake, fate, and transport of engineered nanoparticles in plants: a critical review and data analysis
The increasing demand for food coupled to various environmental pressures, is increasing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 2311-2331
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00461K
Recent advances in nano-enabled fertilizers and pesticides: a critical review of mechanisms of action
The use of nanomaterials in agriculture as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, or nano-enabled sensors to increase crop yield is gaining increasing interest.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 2002-2030
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00265K

Tools and rules for modelling uptake and bioaccumulation of nanomaterials in invertebrate organisms
Quantification of the uptake and elimination of nanomaterials (NMs) by organisms is key in assessing the environmental risks of NMs.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1985-2001
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01122B
Emerging investigator series: treatment and recycling of heavy metals from nanosludge
This article reviews the challenges of nanosludge and provides new insights into the treatment of nanosludge for heavy metal recycling.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1657-1673
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00120D
Silver sulfide nanoparticles in aqueous environments: formation, transformation and toxicity
Formation and transformation of silver sulfide nanoparticles occur in both engineered and natural water systems with potential toxic effects to aqueous organisms.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1674-1687
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00138G
Evaluation of labeling methods used for investigating the environmental behavior and toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles
The analysis of the environmental behavior and toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) is complicated by high metal concentrations in natural matrices.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1043-1066
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01187G
Algae response to engineered nanoparticles: current understanding, mechanisms and implications
The key algal response mechanisms to cope with NP toxicity and implications for algal bloom control by NPs.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1026-1042
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01368C
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
About this collection
In addition to high quality research papers, Environmental Science: Nano features topical review articles. Reviews will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.