Perspective
Leveraging engineered nanomaterials to support material circularity
There are numerous opportunities for nanomaterials and nanotechnology to support circular economy adoption. In this perspective, we present the important role engineered nanomaterials can play in advancing the circularity of bulk composite materials.
Perspective
Electrified CO2 valorization in emerging nanotechnologies: a technical analysis of gas feedstock purity and nanomaterials in electrocatalytic and bio-electrocatalytic CO2 conversion
This perspective illuminates the crucial need to consider gas feedstock purity and source when designing new electrified CO2 conversion nanomaterials.
Sustainable synthesis: natural processes shaping the nanocircular economy
This perspective aims to shed light on the transformative potential of sustainable synthesis in guiding the transition towards circular economy conceptions in the nanotechnology domain.
Perspective
Recycling of non-product outputs containing rare elements originating in nanomaterial syntheses
Recycling of non-product outputs containing substantial amounts of rare elements originating in nanomaterial syntheses is relatively attractive as rare elements tend to be more valuable than abundant elements.
Critical Review
Magnetically recyclable nanophotocatalysts in photocatalysis-involving processes for organic pollutant removal from wastewater: current status and perspectives
The critical review covers the applications, associated mechanisms, challenges, and prospects of magnetically recyclable nanophotocatalysts in photocatalysis-related processes.
Recycling and repurposing of waste carbon nanofiber polymers: a critical review
Carbon nanofibers are a class of lightweight, high-performance composite materials.
Cd-containing quantum dots transform during simulated human digestion causing increased adverse subcellular effects to intestinal cells
A design-phase environmental safe-and-sustainable-by-design categorization tool for the development and innovation of nano-enabled advanced materials (AdMaCat)
AdMaCat – A SSbD first-tier screening categorization tool.
Composite materials based on halloysite clay nanotubes and cellulose from Posidonia oceanica sea balls: from films to geopolymers
The combination of natural halloysite nanotubes and cellulose recovered from egagropili is effective to fabricate composite films and geopolymers promising for packaging and building applications, respectively.
Paper
Selective metal recovery by mucin: turning gold from wastewater into a peroxymonosulfate-activated catalyst
This study explores mucin's ability to selectively recover gold (Au) from metal wastewater. The Au, in the form of a nanoparticle, was utilized in peroxymonosulfate activation for the degradation of bisphenol A.
Paper
Toward environmentally favorable nano-sensing by production of reusable gold nanoparticles from gold nano-waste: life cycle and nanocircular economy implications
This study aids in the identification of environmentally friendly and sustainable applications of gold nanoparticles.
About this collection
Guest Edited by Leanne Gilbertson (Duke University, US) and Peter Vikesland (Virginia Tech, US) this collection addresses the Nanocircular Economy. Read more about the Nanocircular Economy in their Editorial: https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN90005J
The circular economy is a framework put forth to rebalance society’s relationship with materials and their underlying resources. The three principles, (1) eliminate waste, (2) circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and (3) regenerate nature, are straightforward in theory but complex in practice. Achieving a truly circular material is challenged by the many dimensions of the system that supports its generation, use, and reuse. Nonetheless, there is global movement towards adoption of circular resources, materials, and product systems. Given that nanomaterials are fully integrated into the global material ecosystem, they are inherent to this transition away from linear to circular materials. To date, it is yet to be realized how unique properties of the nano-scale can be leveraged to advance and accelerate this transition.
This special collection highlights the range of opportunities for nanomaterials to underline advancements in circular technologies and resource flows. The works included in this collection merely scratch the surface and illuminate the vast future potential to support, and even accelerate, the circular materials transition. We hope that this collection of papers elucidates new avenues for inquiry and inspires new research directions for nanomaterials to shepherd new horizons for circular materials.