Affiliation:
1. aDepartment of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
2. bDepartment of Chemistry, Division of Chemical and Environmental Technology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Abstract
The continuously increasing broad area covering applications of nanoparticles such as nanoelectronics, molecular assemblies, tissue engineering, biomedicine, LED lighting, electronic devices, solar panels, water filtration, consumer products and nanocomposites result in the respective increase of nanowastes, followed by an uncontrolled release in the environment. The lack of a specific framework for nanoparticle waste management sets nanowaste recycling as a matter of high importance due to sustainability and economic reasons. Even though the field of nanoparticle reuse is crucial, relevant research is still premature, while recycling methods are limited. Thus, the present chapter on post-use recovery of nanoparticles provides an overview of the following subjects: (a) optimum approaches and available methodologies to capture, recover and regenerate nanoparticles after their use in environmental applications and (b) classification and evaluation of their potential according to economic viability and sustainability.
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry