Introduction to smart nanomaterials for environmental remediation

Developing smart nanomaterials for cutting-edge applications is a topic that brings together recent advances and new methodologies. In the last few years, smart nanomaterials have captured significant attention due to their ability to be triggered by external elements, such as temperature, pH, light, stress, moisture, pressure, and enzymes. Smart nanomaterials include carbon nanodots, carbon nanoparticles, and other noble nanomaterials. Smart materials are traditionally classified as materials fabricated as having one or more interesting analytical properties that can be appreciably fine-tuned in a controlled fashion in response to external stimuli. The chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of smart nanomaterials, smart approaches for creating various nanomaterial analogies and hybrids, classifications of smart nanomaterials based on applied stimuli, and methods for producing synergistic nanomaterials for environmental applications based on heterojunction formation. Additionally, we discussed the inherently eco-friendly method of preparing nanomaterials, the challenges associated with diverse nanomaterials, and the chemistry of blending nanoparticles together for synergistic effects. The chapter summarizes innovative manufacturing methods for smart nanomaterials used for the treatment of wastewater contaminants and for the detection of pollutants.