Development of New Generation of Environmental Adsorbents Based on Natural Nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanocomposites are polymers filled with particles the dimensions of which are in the nanometer range. Numerous approaches have been studied for the development of cost-effective adsorbents containing natural polymers like polysaccharides or their derivatives based on chitin, chitosan, starch and cyclodextrin. The polysaccharide materials are described and their advantages in the removal of pollutants from aqueous model solutions discussed. Natural fibers, biopolymers and biocomposites integrate the principles of sustainability, industrial ecology, eco-efficiency, green chemistry and engineering in the development of the new generation of materials, products and processes.