Emerging Trends in Nanoabsorbents Absorption Applications

Abstract

Nanoabsorbents are nanoscale particles from organic or inorganic materials that have the high affinity for absorbing substances. Several potential applications of nano absorbents are still in the research and development stage; although very few applications are market‐ready and will require both translations from the laboratory to field scale plus appropriate safety testing. This very small size of the nanoparticles results in a high surface area to volume ratio which improves the durability of nanomaterials and absorption ability of nanomaterial for the absorption of moisture and other substances. The use of nanoparticles to manufacture nano absorbents allows such nanomaterials to become multifunctional and produce fabrics with unique functions, as well as antimicrobial, UV-protection, flexible, soft, durable, oleophilic, water absorbent, easy clean, water repellent and anti-odor. Practical functioning of nanotechnology for absorbents requires that the nanomaterials in the form of nanoparticles/foams/sponges etc, be rightly engineered or packaged to aid their applications. The review describes the current use of nanotechnology (nano-absorbents) in the absorption of spills and other substances in the areas of energy, health, food technology, environmental remediation and advanced materials and products.