Nanostructured Materials for Environmentally Conscious Applications

We present and critically discuss a versatile range of smart and functional nanostructured materials that all share certain common characteristics: they are synthesized by green methods, they are non-toxic and are candidates for environmentally benign or environmentally conscious applications. In particular, we describe the synthesis, properties and applications of the following systems: photoluminescent carbogenic nanoparticles, eco-friendly clay nanocomposites, nanostructured coatings for advanced fouling release, nanocoated separators for lithium-ion batteries, nanoscale macroporous scaffolds for fuel cells, antibacterial silver based polymer nanocomposites, magnetic particles for oil removal and conductive polymer nanostructured sensors for the detection of toxic gases.