Meticulous Review on Potential Nano–Sized Catalysts for Air and Water Purifiers

Authors

• P Vivek ¹
• M Rekha ²
• Ananth Steephen * ³
• M Kowsalya ⁴
• M Magesh ⁵

1. Sri Sankara Arts & Science College (Autonomous), Enathur, Kanchipuram 631561, Tamilnadu, India
2. Department of ICE, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College, Puducherry-605 107, India.
3. Department of Physics, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
4. School of Electrical Engineering, Department of Energy and Power Electronics, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632 014, India
5. Institute of Materials Research, Washington State University, Pullman – 99613, USA.

Abstract

This review focuses on the usage of nano–sized catalysts in eco–remedial for polluted air and water. The metal nanomaterials, metal oxide-based nano-photocatalysts, and non-metallic nanomaterials have the proficiency for inactivating viruses and purifying air. These nano catalysts have more active sites at their surface in comparison with normal materials and hence more effective catalysts. In eco-remedial, the nano–sized catalyst provides increased possibility for effective deletion of contaminants and organic impurities from air and water. Nano–sized catalyst in several forms/structures, like nano–sized particles, fibres, wires, tubes etc., serves as adsorbents and catalysts which are used for the elimination of toxic gases in air, polluted elements, biological contaminants and organic materials such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and antibiotics. Nano catalysts enhance the chemical reaction speed and can make the reaction more effective and more efficient. Nano–sized catalyst provides an improved act in eco remedial measures than other regular methods due to their high surface area and their accompanying great reactivity. Numerous nanosized materials were synthesized and designed for environmental protection purpose. Novel developments in the making of new nano–sized catalyst and procedures are stressed for action of – intake water and industrialized wastewater polluted by poisonous radionuclides, metal ions, organic and inorganic solutes, bacteria and viruses and action of air. There are two important ways through which nanotechnology is being used to reduce air pollution: a) nano-sized catalysts, which are constantly being improved and widely used in various areas and b) nano-structured membranes, with highly active adsorbing and absorbing sites.

Keywords

• Nano – Sized Materials
• Eco Remedial Activities
• Catalyst
• Graphene quantum dots (GQDs)