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Review Article Open Access

Sustainable Design of Functional Nanomaterials Through Green Chemistry: Concepts, Mechanistic Insights, and Applications

Leanne Hutchison*, Paul T. Plata

Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
Leanne Hutchison, et al./Int.J. Chemical Concepts. 2021,7(1),pp 1-5
Abstract
The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has transformed modern chemistry by enabling the design of materials with tunable physicochemical properties at the atomic and molecular scale. However, conventional synthesis routes for nanomaterials often involve hazardous reagents, high energy consumption, and environmentally detrimental by-products, raising concerns regarding sustainability and scalability. Green chemistry provides a robust conceptual framework for the development of environmentally benign nanomaterials through the reduction of toxic substances, energy-efficient processes, and renewable feedstocks. This article critically examines fundamental chemistry concepts underlying green synthesis approaches for functional nanomaterials, including nucleation and growth mechanisms, surface chemistry, and structure property relationships. Various green synthesis strategies—such as plant-mediated, microbial, solvent-free, and microwave-assisted methods—are discussed in detail. The physicochemical characterization techniques essential for understanding nanomaterial performance are reviewed, followed by an evaluation of applications in catalysis, environmental remediation, energy storage, and biomedicine. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for integrating green chemistry principles into nanomaterials design are outlined. This work aims to provide a comprehensive conceptual and practical reference for researchers developing sustainable nanomaterials for next generation chemical technologies

Keywords

Green chemistry; Nanomaterials; Sustainable synthesis; Surface chemistry; Catalysis; Structure property relationship; Environmental chemistry