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