Enhanced and rapid adsorptive removal of toxic organic dyes from aqueous solution using a nanocomposite of saponified polymethyl acrylate grafted dextrin with embedded nanosilica

Technological trends in nanosilica synthesis and utilization in advanced treatment of water and wastewater

Water and wastewater treatment applications stand to benefit immensely from the design and development of new materials based on silica nanoparticles and their derivatives. Nanosilica possesses unique properties, including low toxicity, chemical inertness, and excellent biocompatibility, and can be developed from a variety of sustainable precursor materials. Herein, we provide an account of the recent advances in the synthesis and utilization of nanosilica for wastewater treatment. This review covers key physicochemical aspects of several nanosilica materials and a variety of nanotechnology-enabled wastewater treatment techniques such as adsorption, separation membranes, and antimicrobial applications. It also discusses the prospective design and tuning options for nanosilica production, such as size control, morphological tuning, and surface functionalization. Informative discussions on nanosilica production from agricultural wastes have been offered, with a focus on the synthesis methodologies and pretreatment requirements for biomass precursors. The characterization of the different physicochemical features of nanosilica materials using critical surface analysis methods is discussed. Bio-hybrid nanosilica materials have also been highlighted to emphasize the critical relevance of environmental sustainability in wastewater treatment. To guarantee the thoroughness of the review, insights into nanosilica regeneration and reuse are provided. Overall, it is envisaged that this work's insights and views will inspire unique and efficient nanosilica material design and development with robust properties for water and wastewater treatment applications.

Recent advancement in 3-D printing: nanocomposites with added functionality

Three-Dimentional (3-D) printing is currently a popular printing technique that is used in many sectors. Potentially, this technology is expected to replace conventional manufacturing in the coming years. It is accelerating in gaining attention due to its design freedom where objects can be produced without imagination boundaries. The review presents a perspective on the application of 3-D printing application based on various fields. However, the ordinary 3-D printed products with a single type of raw often lack robustness leading to broken parts. Improving the mechanical property of a 3-D printed part is crucial for its applications in many fields. One of the promising solutions is to incorporate nanoparticles or fillers into the raw material. The review aims to provide information about the types of additive manufacturing. There are few types of raw materials can be used as foundation template in the printing, enhanced properties of the printed polymer nanocomposites with different types of nanoparticles as additives in the printing. The article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of different materials that are used as raw materials or base materials in 3-D printing. This can be a guideline for the readers to compare and analyse the raw materials prior to a decision on the type of material to be selected. The review prepares an overview for the researchers to choose the types of nanoparticles to be added in the printing of the products depending on the targeted application. With the added functionality of the 3-D polymer nanocomposites, it will help in widespread of the application of 3-D printing technology in various sector.

Preparation, Performances, and Mechanisms of Microbial Flocculants for Wastewater Treatment

In recent years, close attention has been paid to microbial flocculants because of their advantages, including safety to humans, environmental friendliness, and acceptable removal performances. In this review, the preparation methods of microbial flocculants were first reviewed. Then, the performances of bioflocculants in the removal of suspended solids, heavy metals, and other organic pollutants from various types of wastewater were described and commented, and the removal mechanisms, including adsorption bridging, charge neutralization, chemical reactions, and charge neutrality, were also discussed. The future research needs on microbial flocculants were also proposed. This review would lead to a better understanding of current status, challenges, and corresponding strategies on microbial flocculants and bioflocculation in wastewater treatment.