Nanocomposites offer an exclusive advantage over bulk materials in terms
of efficiency on account of their greater surface area, higher reactivity, ease of
modification, good dispersion, and hence, multi-faceted applications. The various
forms of nanocomposites derived from low-cost resources, especially carbon-based
materials, are of unique interest. Activated carbons offer the unique advantage as the
matrix for nanocomposites synthesis due to their graphite structure, thereby providing
strength and the ease of modification on the surface of nanocomposites while
introducing desired functional groups. Apart from this, they are widely popular for
their large surface area and porosity. Therefore, carbon-based nanocomposites offer
vivid applications in various fields, such as environmental remediation as adsorbents,
suitable sorbents in the analytical determination of organics, targeted drug delivery,
diagnostic agents, fuel cells and sensors, to name a few. Amongst these, the role of
nanocomposites as sensors and environmental remediation tools has been studied
extensively. The varied modes of action include adsorption, nano-catalysis, membrane
filtration, etc ., for pollutants ranging from inorganic ions, heavy metals, pesticides,
dyes, anti-bacterials, oil spills, and many more. However, there are constraints in their
stability, cost, storage and disposal triggered by varying environmental conditions.This
chapter presents a review of the synthesis, application and challenges of nanostructured
composite materials in environmental remediation.
Keywords: Carbon nanotubes, Environmental decontamination, Nanocomposites, Synthesis.
