What are Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)?
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) refer to a set of chemical treatment procedures designed to remove organic and inorganic contaminants from water and air. These processes rely on the generation of highly reactive species such as hydroxyl radicals (·OH) to oxidize pollutants into harmless end products. AOPs are highly efficient in degrading complex molecules that are otherwise resistant to conventional treatment methods.
How does Nanotechnology enhance AOPs?
Nanotechnology can significantly enhance AOPs by providing materials with improved catalytic properties, higher surface areas, and unique electronic characteristics.
Nanocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively studied for their ability to generate reactive species when exposed to light or other stimuli. This makes them highly effective in degrading a wide range of pollutants.
Water Treatment: Removal of organic contaminants, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals from wastewater.
Air Purification: Degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other air pollutants.
Soil Remediation: Treatment of contaminated soil to degrade hazardous substances.
Medical Applications: Disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment and surfaces.
Toxicity: Some nanomaterials may pose risks to human health and the environment.
Cost: The synthesis and scaling up of nanomaterials can be expensive.
Stability: Nanomaterials can agglomerate or lose their catalytic properties over time.
Recovery and Reusability: Efficient methods are needed to recover and reuse nanocatalysts.
