Bio-inspired nanocomposite materials applicable in environmental remediation

工业流程(例如，沥青提炼、化石燃料燃烧、矿产开采、化学制造等)新兴的纳米复合材料是解决这些问题的一种非常有前途的新型材料，它结合了具有高表面体积比纳米特征的无机和/或有机化合物，并提供了显著的物理和化学性质。人们致力于开发适用于废水处理/修复的纳米复合材料。然而，尽管付出了巨大的努力，但设计和生产具有成本效益的纳米复合材料用于废水处理仍然是一个重大的科学挑战。通过对纳米探针界面特性和相互作用力的基本了解，将指导废水修复材料的发展。使用环保的方法来合成纳米复合材料，最大限度地减少有毒化学品的使用，是另一个科学挑战。大自然为绿色材料的灵感提供了一个学校，例如，贻贝在汹涌的海洋中的粘附性和生存能力揭示了多巴胺在新型绿色纳米复合材料开发中的重要性。

Industrial processes (e.g., bitumen extraction, fossil fuel combustion, mineral exploitation, chemical manufacturing, etc.) have caused some serious environmental issues, e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, wastewater generating, tailings accumulation, soil contamination, etc. Emerging novel nanocomposite materials are very promising for resolving these problems, which combine inorganic and/or organic compounds incorporated with high-surface-to-volume-ratio nanoscale features, and provide remarkable physical and chemical properties. Significant research efforts have been devoted to the development of nanocomposites applicable in wastewater treatment/remediation. However, despite great efforts, the design and producing of cost-effective nanocomposites in wastewater treatment still remains a major scientific challenge. A basic understanding of interfacial characteristics and interaction forces by nano-scale probes will guide the material development in wastewater remediation. Using eco-friendly approaches to synthesize nanocomposites with minimal use of toxic chemicals is another scientific challenge. Nature provides a school for green material inspiration, e.g., the adhesion and survival capability of mussels in turbulent sea unveils the importance of dopamine in novel and green nanocomposite materials development.