Work

Tailored nanomaterials from urban lignocellulosic waste for soil and wastewater remediation: advancing towards sustainable environment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The escalating generation of urban lignocellulosic waste poses significant environmental and resource management challenges, necessitating sustainable valorization strategies. This article critically examines the conversion of urban lignocellulosic biomass into molecularly tailored nanomaterials (NMs) for targeted soil and wastewater remediation. A particular emphasis is placed on the biochar-based NMs and nanocomposites, synthesis methodologies, molecular engineering approaches, and the intrinsic physicochemical properties governing their remediation performance. The key factors influencing material characteristics, including pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, residence time, and feedstock composition, are systematically analyzed. Tailored NMs produced at elevated pyrolysis temperatures exhibit enhanced microporosity, increased specific surface area, and greater hydrophobicity, favoring the adsorption of non-polar organic contaminants. Conversely, low-temperature derived NMs, enriched with oxygenated functional groups, demonstrate superior affinity towards polar organic and inorganic pollutants via surface complexation, electrostatic attraction, and precipitation mechanisms. The review further addresses critical challenges such as feedstock variability, process scalability, environmental risks, and regulatory considerations associated with field-scale applications. Future research directions emphasize the precision design of NMs for contaminant-specific remediation, process optimization for large-scale deployment, and comprehensive environmental impact assessments. Overall, this study highlights the transformative potential of urban biomass-derived NMs in advancing sustainable environmental remediation technologies and contributing to circular economy frameworks.

Source: Nanotechnology

DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ae83bd

Authors: Xun Yuan, Xiaoyu You, Kexiu Wang, Tianli Zhu

Institution: Hankou University

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,325