SnO₂-based nanomaterials: synthesis and application in lithium-ion batteries

Perforated Metal Oxide-Carbon Nanotube Composite Microspheres with Enhanced Lithium-Ion Storage Properties

Metal oxide-carbon nanotube (CNT) composite microspheres with a novel structure were fabricated using a one-step spray pyrolysis process. Metal oxide-CNT composite microspheres with a uniform distribution of void nanospheres were prepared from a colloidal spray solution containing CNTs, metal salts, and polystyrene (PS) nanobeads. Perforated SnO2-CNT composite microspheres with a uniform distribution of void nanospheres showed excellent lithium storage properties as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Bare SnO2 microspheres and SnO2-CNT composite microspheres with perforated and filled structures had a discharge capacity of 450, 1108, and 590 mA h g(-1) for the 250th cycle at a current density of 1.5 A g(-1), and the corresponding capacity retention compared to the second cycle was 41, 98, and 55%, respectively. The synergetic combination of void nanospheres and flexible CNTs improved the electrochemical properties of SnO2. This effective and innovative strategy could be used for the preparation of perforated metal oxide-CNT composites with complex elemental compositions for many applications.

Morphology-controlled construction of hierarchical hollow hybrid SnO2@TiO2 nanocapsules with outstanding lithium storage

A novel synthesis containing microwave-assisted HCl etching reaction and precipitating reaction is employed to prepare hierarchical hollow SnO2@TiO2 nanocapsules for anode materials of Li-ion batteries. The intrinsic hollow nanostructure can shorten the lengths for both ionic and electronic transport, enlarge the electrode surface areas, and improving accommodation of the anode volume change during Li insertion/extraction cycling. The hybrid multi-elements in this material allow the volume change to take place in a stepwise manner during electrochemical cycling. In particular, the coating of TiO2 onto SnO2 can enhance the electronic conductivity of hollow SnO2 electrode. As a result, the as-prepared SnO2@TiO2 nanocapsule electrode exhibits a stably reversible capacity of 770 mA hg(-1) at 1 C, and the capacity retention can keep over 96.1% after 200 cycles even at high current rates. This approach may shed light on a new avenue for the fast synthesis of hierarchical hollow nanocapsule functional materials for energy storage, catalyst and other new applications.

Encapsulating Sn(x)Sb Nanoparticles in Multichannel Graphene-Carbon Fibers As Flexible Anodes to Store Lithium Ions with High Capacities

SnxSb intermetallic composites as high theoretical capacities anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) suffer from the quick capacity fading owing to their huge volume change. In this study, flexible mats made up of SnxSb-graphene-carbon porous multichannel nanofibers are fabricated by an electrospinning method and succedent annealing treatment at 700 °C. The flexible mats as binder-free anodes show a specific capacity of 729 mA h/g in the 500th cycle at a current density of 0.1 A/g, which is much higher than those of graphene-carbon nanofibers, pure carbon nanofibers, and SnxSb-graphene-carbon nanofibers at the same cycle. The flexible mats could provide a reversible capacity of 381 mA h/g at 2 A/g, also higher than those of nanofibers, graphene-carbon nanofibers, and SnxSb-carbon nanofibers. It is found that the suitable nanochannels could accommodate the volume expansion to achieve a high specific capacity. Besides, the graphene serves as both conductive and mechanical-property additives to enhance the rate capacity and flexibility of the mats. The electrospinning technique combined with graphene modification may be an effective method to produce flexible electrodes for fuel cells, lithium ion batteries, and super capacitors.

Metallic Sn spheres and SnO2@C core-shells by anaerobic and aerobic catalytic ethanol and CO oxidation reactions over SnO2 nanoparticles

SnO₂ has been studied intensely for applications to sensors, Li-ion batteries and solar cells. Despite this, comparatively little attention has been paid to the changes in morphology and crystal phase that occur on the metal oxide surface during chemical reactions. This paper reports anaerobic and aerobic ethanol and CO oxidation reactions over SnO₂ nanoparticles (NPs), as well as the subsequent changes in the nature of the NPs. Uniform SnO₂@C core-shells (10 nm) were formed by an aerobic ethanol oxidation reaction over SnO₂ NPs. On the other hand, metallic Sn spheres were produced by an anaerobic ethanol oxidation reaction at 450 °C, which is significantly lower than that (1200 °C) used in industrial Sn production. Anaerobic and aerobic CO oxidation reactions were also examined. The novelty of the methods for the production of metallic Sn and SnO₂@C core-shells including other anaerobic and aerobic reactions will contribute significantly to Sn and SnO₂-based applications.

One-Pot Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Graphene/Carbon Nanotube/SnO2 Hybrid Architectures with Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene/carbon nanotube (CNT)/SnO2 (GCS) hybrid architectures were constructed by a facile and cost-effective self-assembly method through hydrothermal treatment of a mixture of Sn(2+), CNTs, and graphene oxide (GO). The resultant GCS displayed a 3D hierarchically porous structure with large surface area and excellent electrical conductivity, which could effectively prevent the aggregation and volume variation of SnO2 and accelerate the transport of ions and electrons through 3D pathways. Benefiting from the unique structure and the synergistic effect of different components in the hybrid architectures, the GCS exhibited a remarkably improved reversible capacity of 842 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g(-1) and excellent rate performance for lithium storage compared with that of graphene/SnO2 (GS) hybrid architectures. Hence, the impressive results presented here could provide a universal platform for fabricating graphene/CNT-based hybrid architectures with promising applications in various fields.

A High-Rate and Ultralong-Life Sodium-Ion Battery Based on NaTi2 (PO4 )3 Nanocubes with Synergistic Coating of Carbon and Rutile TiO2

Highly regular NaTi2 (PO4 )3 nanocubes with synergistic nanocoatings of rutile TiO2 and carbon are prepared as an electrode material for sodium-ion batteries. It exhibits a high rate and ultralong life performance simultaneously, and a capacity retention of 89.3% after 10 000 cycles is achieved.

Amorphous GeOx-Coated Reduced Graphene Oxide Balls with Sandwich Structure for Long-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries

Amorphous GeOx-coated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) balls with sandwich structure are prepared via a spray-pyrolysis process using polystyrene (PS) nanobeads as sacrificial templates. This sandwich structure is formed by uniformly coating the exterior and interior of few-layer rGO with amorphous GeOx layers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals a Ge:O stoichiometry ratio of 1:1.7. The amorphous GeOx-coated rGO balls with sandwich structure have low charge-transfer resistance and fast Li(+)-ion diffusion rate. For example, at a current density of 2 A g(-1), the GeOx-coated rGO balls with sandwich and filled structures and the commercial GeO2 powders exhibit initial charge capacities of 795, 651, and 634 mA h g(-1), respectively; the corresponding 700th-cycle charge capacities are 758, 579, and 361 mA h g(-1). In addition, at a current density of 5 A g(-1), the rGO balls with sandwich structure have a 1600th-cycle reversible charge capacity of 629 mA h g(-1) and a corresponding capacity retention of 90.7%, as measured from the maximum reversible capacity at the 100th cycle.

Recycled Poly(vinyl alcohol) Sponge for Carbon Encapsulation of Size-Tunable Tin Dioxide Nanocrystalline Composites

The recycling of industrial materials could reduce their environmental impact and waste haulage fees and result in sustainable manufacturing. In this work, commercial poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) sponges are recycled into a macroporous carbon matrix to encapsulate size-tunable SnO2 nanocrystals as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) through a scalable, flash-combustion method. The hydroxyl groups present copiously in the recycled PVA sponges guarantee a uniform chemical coupling with a tin(IV) citrate complex through intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Then, a scalable, ultrafast combustion process (30 s) carbonizes the PVA sponge into a 3D carbon matrix. This PVA-sponge-derived carbon could not only buffer the volume fluctuations upon the Li-Sn alloying and dealloying processes but also afford a mixed conductive network, that is, a continuous carbon framework for electrical transport and macropores for facile electrolyte percolation. The best-performing electrode based on this composite delivers a rate performance up to 9.72 C (4 A g(-1) ) and long-term cyclability (500 cycles) for Li(+) ion storage. Moreover, cyclic voltammograms demonstrate the coexistence of alloying and dealloying processes and non-diffusion-controlled pseudocapacitive behavior, which collectively contribute to the high-rate Li(+) ion storage.

Template-free construction of hollow α-Fe2O3 hexagonal nanocolumn particles with an exposed special surface for advanced gas sensing properties

Hollow α-Fe2O3 hexagonal nanocolumn particles (HHCPs) with exposed (101[combining macron]0) and (112[combining macron]5) facets have been synthesized through a hydrothermal method in the absence of templates. The time-dependent experimental results demonstrate that the formation of HHCPs includes four main steps: (1) formation of nanowire precursors, (2) aggregation and conversion to Fe1.833(OH)0.5O2 solid ellipsoid particles (SEPs), (3) dehydration to form hollow ellipsoid particles (HEPs), and (4) recrystallization to HHCPs. Due to their advantages of the hollow structure and the exposed special external and internal surface on the pore structure, the HHCPs exhibit higher gas sensing ability than that of calcined SEPs (CSEPs) and HEPs.

General formation of tin nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow carbon spheres for enhanced lithium storage capability

A new simple process for synthesis of heterogeneous yolk-shell microspheres is introduced. The core/shell-structured microspheres are prepared by a one-pot spray pyrolysis process. The removal of one kind of metal oxide by a dry process produces heterogeneous yolk-shell microspheres. The yolk-shell Sn@C microspheres show superior electrochemical properties as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Ternary Sn-Ti-O based nanostructures as anodes for lithium ion batteries

SnO(x) (x = 0, 1, 2) and TiO(2) are widely considered to be potential anode candidates for next generation lithium ion batteries. In terms of the lithium storage mechanisms, TiO(2) anodes operate on the base of the Li ion intercalation-deintercalation, and they typically display long cycling life and high rate capability, arising from the negligible cell volume change during the discharge-charge process, while their performance is limited by low specific capacity and low electronic conductivity. SnO(x) anodes rely on the alloying-dealloying reaction with Li ions, and typically exhibit large specific capacity but poor cycling performance, originating from the extremely large volume change and thus the resultant pulverization problems. Making use of their advantages and minimizing the disadvantages, numerous strategies have been developed in the recent years to design composite nanostructured Sn-Ti-O ternary systems. This Review aims to provide rational understanding on their design and the improvement of electrochemical properties of such systems, including SnO(x) -TiO(2) nanocomposites mixing at nanoscale and nanostructured Sn(x) Ti(1-x) O(2) solid solutions doped at the atomic level, as well as their combinations with carbon-based nanomaterials.

Designed hybrid nanostructure with catalytic effect: beyond the theoretical capacity of SnO2 anode material for lithium ion batteries

Transition metal cobalt (Co) nanoparticle was designed as catalyst to promote the conversion reaction of Sn to SnO₂ during the delithiation process which is deemed as an irreversible reaction. The designed nanocomposite, named as SnO₂/Co₃O₄/reduced-graphene-oxide (rGO), was synthesized by a simple two-step method composed of hydrothermal (1^st step) and solvothermal (2^nd step) synthesis processes. Compared to the pristine SnO₂/rGO and SnO₂/Co₃O₄ electrodes, SnO₂/Co₃O₄/rGO nanocomposites exhibit significantly enhanced electrochemical performance as the anode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The SnO₂/Co₃O₄/rGO nanocomposites can deliver high specific capacities of 1038 and 712 mAh g⁻¹ at the current densities of 100 and 1000 mA g⁻¹, respectively. In addition, the SnO₂/Co₃O₄/rGO nanocomposites also exhibit 641 mAh g⁻¹ at a high current density of 1000 mA g⁻¹ after 900 cycles, indicating an ultra-long cycling stability under high current density. Through ex-situ TEM analysis, the excellent electrochemical performance was attributed to the catalytic effect of Co nanoparticles to promote the conversion of Sn to SnO₂ and the decomposition of Li₂O during the delithiation process. Based on the results, herein we propose a new method in employing the catalyst to increase the capacity of alloying-dealloying type anode material to beyond its theoretical value and enhance the electrochemical performance.

The role of graphene for electrochemical energy storage

Since its first isolation in 2004, graphene has become one of the hottest topics in the field of materials science, and its highly appealing properties have led to a plethora of scientific papers. Among the many affected areas of materials science, this 'graphene fever' has influenced particularly the world of electrochemical energy-storage devices. Despite widespread enthusiasm, it is not yet clear whether graphene could really lead to progress in the field. Here we discuss the most recent applications of graphene - both as an active material and as an inactive component - from lithium-ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors to emerging technologies such as metal-air and magnesium-ion batteries. By critically analysing state-of-the-art technologies, we aim to address the benefits and issues of graphene-based materials, as well as outline the most promising results and applications so far.

Formation of core-shell-structured Zn2SnO4-carbon microspheres with superior electrochemical properties by one-pot spray pyrolysis

Core-shell structured Zn2SnO4-carbon microspheres with different carbon contents are prepared by one-pot spray pyrolysis without any further heating process. A Zn2SnO4-carbon composite microsphere is prepared from one droplet containing Zn and Sn salts and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Melted PVP moves to the outside of the composite microsphere during the drying stage of the droplet. In addition, melting of the phase separated metal salts forms the dense core. Carbonization of the phase separated PVP forms the textured and porous thick carbon shell. The discharge capacities of the core-shell structured Zn2SnO4-carbon microspheres for the 2(nd) and 120(th) cycles at a current density of 1 A g(-1) are 864 and 770 mA h g(-1), respectively. However, the discharge capacities of the bare Zn2SnO4 microspheres prepared by the same process without PVP for the 2(nd) and 120(th) cycles are 1106 and 81 mA h g(-1), respectively. The stable and reversible discharge capacities of the Zn2SnO4-carbon composite microspheres prepared from the spray solution with 15 g PVP decrease from 894 to 528 mA h g(-1) as current density increases from 0.5 to 5 A g(-1).

One-step synthesis of Ni-doped SnO2 nanospheres with enhanced lithium ion storage performance

Ni-doped SnO₂ nanospheres were prepared and exhibited excellent cycle performance and capacity retention.

Green synthesis of 3D SnO2/graphene aerogels and their application in lithium-ion batteries

3D SnO₂/GAs were constructed by a simple, facile and environmental friendly process, and show excellent performance when used as anode material in lithium ion batteries.

Ethanol gas sensor based on a self-supporting hierarchical SnO2 nanorods array

3D hierarchical SnO₂ nanorods array on homogeneous substrate was prepared by a one-step solvothermal route, which exhibited a high response to ethanol gas.

Cyano-bridged coordination polymer gel as a precursor to a nanoporous In2O3–Co3O4 hybrid network for high-capacity and cycle-stable lithium storage

A cyanogel-derived three-dimensional nanoporous In₂O₃–Co₃O₄ hybrid network as a high-capacity and long-life anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

Synthesis of tin oxide nanospheres under ambient conditions and their strong adsorption of As(iii) from water

SnO₂ nanospheres demonstrated effective As(iii) adsorption even with exceptionally high concentrations of co-existing ions, and a good regeneration capability.

Engineering microtubular SnO2 architecture assembled by interconnected nanosheets for high lithium storage capacity

A self-sacrificing template method is developed to prepare hollow SnO₂ microtubes assembled by interconnected nanosheets, which exhibited excellent lithium storage performance.

Visible light-induced enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic studies of gold decorated SnO2nanostructures

Visible light-induced photocatalytic degradation of colored dyes using Au–SnO₂nanocomposite.

SnO2 nanotube arrays embedded in a carbon layer for high-performance lithium-ion battery applications

SnO₂ nanotube arrays embedded in a carbon layer were fabricated via a simple sol–gel method, which has shown good battery performance.

Highly crystalline Ti-doped SnO2 hollow structured photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of organic dyes

We developed a facile infiltration route for synthesizing hollow-structured SnO₂ with an adjustable Ti doping content using SiO₂ microspheres as hard templates via an improved Stober method.

Amorphous Cu-added/SnOx/CNFs composite webs as anode materials with superior lithium-ion storage capability

Cu-addition plays a significant role in restricting the aggregation of Sn particles during a continuous charge–discharge progress and improving the cycling stability of SnO_x/CNFs electrode.

Ultrafine SnO2 nanoparticles decorated onto graphene for high performance lithium storage

A SnO₂–graphene nanocomposite shows a high level of homogeneous dispersion and exhibits a very high performance for lithium storage.

Cyanogel-derived formation of 3 D nanoporous SnO2-MxOy (M=Ni, Fe, Co) hybrid networks for high-performance lithium storage

Three-dimensional (3 D) nanoporous SnO2 -Mx Oy (M=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, etc.) hybrid networks possess unique compositional and structural features that are beneficial to lithium storage and are thus anticipated to meet the performance requirements of advanced lithium-ion batteries for transportation and stationary energy storage. Herein, a facile, scalable, and versatile cyanogel-derived method for the construction of 3 D nanoporous SnO2 -Mx Oy hybrid networks was developed for the first time. The formation of 3 D nanoporous SnO2 -NiO, SnO2 -α-Fe2 O3 , and SnO2 -NiO-Co3 O4 hybrid networks was illustrated by using Sn-M cyanogels as precursors. Moreover, the anodic performance of the 3 D nanoporous SnO2 -NiO hybrid network was examined to demonstrate proof of concept. After coating with polypyrrole-derived carbon, the SnO2 -NiO@C hybrid network exhibited superior lithium-storage capabilities in terms of specific capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability.

SnO2 nanocrystals anchored on N-doped graphene for high-performance lithium storage

A SnO₂–N-doped graphene composite with high-performance lithium storage properties is synthesized by a fast, facile and one-pot microwave-assisted solvothermal method.

Superior lithium-ion storage properties of si-based composite powders with unique Si@carbon@void@graphene configuration

Composite powders of the configuration Si@carbon@void@graphene were prepared by a one-step spray pyrolysis process, by adding polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to a precursor solution containing graphene oxide (GO) sheets and silicon nanoparticles (NPs). Morphological analysis indicates that the individual Si NPs are coated with amorphous carbon and encapsulated in a micrometer-sized graphene ball structure that offers a large amount of buffer space. The addition of PVP improves the stability of the colloidal spray solution containing the GO sheets and the Si NPs. Consequently, the prepared Si@C@void@graphene composite powders have a relatively more uniform morphology than the Si@void@graphene composite powders prepared from the spray solution without PVP. The first charge and discharge capacities of the Si@C@void@graphene electrode measured at 0.1 A g(-1) are as high as 3102 and 2215 mA h g(-1) , respectively. With an increase in the current rate from 0.5 to 11 A g(-1) , 46 % of the original capacity (i.e., 2134 mA h g(-1) ) is maintained. After 500 cycles at a high rate of 7 A g(-1) , the Si@C@void@graphene electrode shows 84 % capacity retention and 99.8 % of the average Coulombic efficiency. The superior cycling and rate capabilities of the prepared Si@C@void@graphene electrode could be attributed to the uniform carbon coating of the Si NPs and the graphene ball structure, which facilitates efficient diffusion of Li ions and prevents the penetration of electrolyte into graphene ball during cycling.

Normal-pressure microwave rapid synthesis of hierarchical SnO₂@rGO nanostructures with superhigh surface areas as high-quality gas-sensing and electrochemical active materials

Hierarchical SnO2@rGO nanostructures with superhigh surface areas are synthesized via a simple redox reaction between Sn(2+) ions and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets under microwave irradiation. XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, TG-DTA and N2 adsorption-desorption are used to characterize the compositions and microstructures of the SnO2@rGO samples obtained. The SnO2@rGO nanostructures are used as gas-sensing and electroactive materials to evaluate their property-microstructure relationship. The results show that SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with particle sizes of 3-5 nm are uniformly anchored on the surfaces of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets through a heteronucleation and growth process. The as-obtained SnO2@rGO sample with a hierarchically sesame cake-like microstructure and a superhigh specific surface area of 2110.9 m(2) g(-1) consists of 92 mass% SnO2 NPs and ∼8 mass% rGO nanosheets. The sensitivity of the SnO2@rGO sensor upon exposure to 10 ppm H2S is up to 78 at the optimal operating temperature of 100 °C, and its response time is as short as 7 s. Compared with SnO2 nanocrystals (5-10 nm), the hierarchical SnO2@rGO nanostructures have enhanced gas-sensing behaviors (i.e., high sensitivity, rapid response and good selectivity). The SnO2@rGO nanostructures also show excellent electroactivity in detecting sunset yellow (SY) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH = 2.0). The enhancement in gas-sensing and electroactive performance is mainly attributed to the unique hierarchical microstructure, high surface areas and the synergistic effect of SnO2 NPs and rGO nanosheets.

Hydrothermal fabrication of three-dimensional secondary battery anodes

A generalized hydrothermal strategy for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) battery electrodes is presented. The hydrothermal growth deposits electrochemically active nanomaterials uniformly throughout the complex 3D mesostructure of the scaffold. Ni inverse opals coated with SnO2 nanoparticles or Co3O4 nanoplatelets, and SiO2 inverse opals coated with Fe3O4 are fabricated, all of which show attractive properties including good capacity retention and C-rate performances.

Graphene-based nanocomposite anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Graphene-based nanocomposites have been demonstrated to be promising high-capacity anodes for lithium ion batteries to satisfy the ever-growing demands for higher capacity, longer cycle life and better high-rate performance. Synergetic effects between graphene and the introduced second-phase component are generally observed. In this feature review article, we will focus on the recent work on four different categories of graphene-based nanocomposite anodes by us and others: graphene-transitional metal oxide, graphene-Sn/Si/Ge, graphene-metal sulfide, and graphene-carbon nanotubes. For the supported materials on graphene, we will emphasize the non-zero dimensional (non-particle) morphologies such as two dimensional nanosheet/nanoplate and one dimensional nanorod/nanofibre/nanotube morphologies. The synthesis strategies and lithium-ion storage properties of these highlighted electrode morphologies are distinct from those of the commonly obtained zero dimensional nanoparticles. We aim to stress the importance of structure matching in the composites and their morphology-dependent lithium-storage properties and mechanisms.

Hybrid organotin and tin oxide-based thin films processed from alkynylorganotins: synthesis, characterization, and gas sensing properties

Hydrolysis-condensation of bis(triprop-1-ynylstannyl)butylene led to nanostructured bridged polystannoxane films yielding tin dioxide thin layers upon UV-treatment or annealing in air. According to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data, the films were composed of a network of aggregated "pseudo-particles", as calcination at 600 °C is required to form cassiterite nanocrystalline SnO2 particles. In the presence of reductive gases such as H2 and CO, these films gave rise to highly sensitive, reversible, and reproducible responses. The best selectivity toward H2 was reached at 150 °C with the hybrid thin films that do not show any response to CO at 20-200 °C. On the other hand, the SnO2 films prepared at 600 °C are more sensitive to H2 than to CO with best operating temperature in the 300-350 °C range. This organometallic approach provides an entirely new class of gas-sensing materials based on a class II organic-inorganic hybrid layer, along with a new way to include organic functionality in gas sensing metal oxides.

Opportunities and challenges of nanotechnology in the green economy

In a world of finite resources and ecosystem capacity, the prevailing model of economic growth, founded on ever-increasing consumption of resources and emission pollutants, cannot be sustained any longer. In this context, the "green economy" concept has offered the opportunity to change the way that society manages the interaction of the environmental and economic domains. To enable society to build and sustain a green economy, the associated concept of "green nanotechnology" aims to exploit nano-innovations in materials science and engineering to generate products and processes that are energy efficient as well as economically and environmentally sustainable. These applications are expected to impact a large range of economic sectors, such as energy production and storage, clean up-technologies, as well as construction and related infrastructure industries. These solutions may offer the opportunities to reduce pressure on raw materials trading on renewable energy, to improve power delivery systems to be more reliable, efficient and safe as well as to use unconventional water sources or nano-enabled construction products therefore providing better ecosystem and livelihood conditions.However, the benefits of incorporating nanomaterials in green products and processes may bring challenges with them for environmental, health and safety risks, ethical and social issues, as well as uncertainty concerning market and consumer acceptance. Therefore, our aim is to examine the relationships among guiding principles for a green economy and opportunities for introducing nano-applications in this field as well as to critically analyze their practical challenges, especially related to the impact that they may have on the health and safety of workers involved in this innovative sector. These are principally due to the not fully known nanomaterial hazardous properties, as well as to the difficulties in characterizing exposure and defining emerging risks for the workforce. Interestingly, this review proposes action strategies for the assessment, management and communication of risks aimed to precautionary adopt preventive measures including formation and training of employees, collective and personal protective equipment, health surveillance programs to protect the health and safety of nano-workers. It finally underlines the importance that occupational health considerations will have on achieving an effectively sustainable development of nanotechnology.