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194 Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications
commonly known as ion-exchange resins. Porous polymeric adsorbents have showed
to be perfect substitutes to assemble similar hybrid adsorbents when observing their
exceptional mechanical strength and tunable surface chemistry of the polymeric sup-
ports [55,138]. Hydrated ferric oxides with polymeric supports can selectively grasp
anionic ligands (e.g., arsenate and phosphate) via inner-sphere complex formation
[139–141]. Gong et al. fabricated β-cyclodextrin polymer functionalized magnetic
nanoparticles via a one-step coprecipitation method by anchoring a carboxymethyl-
β-cyclodextrin polymer onto the surface of Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles and success-
fully employed to adsorb the phenolic compounds [142].
Polymer-clay nanocomposites are one of the most suitable candidates for the
removal of inorganic contaminants from aqueous solutions and have also been inten-
sively used for the elimination of organic pollutants from water. These nano-
composites are successfully used to remove phenolic compounds and emerging
contaminants [143–146].
Magnetic nanoparticles offer several unique rewards over nonmagnetic nano-
particles due to its easy separation under a magnetic field. These methodologies have
been projected with magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ), maghemite (Fe 2 O 3 ), and jacobsite (MnFe 2 O 4 )
nanoparticles supported on polymeric supports. A series of magnetic nanoparticles
with polymeric supports were prepared and successfully investigated for the removal
of heavy metal ions [147–150].
6.3.3 Green chemistry
Green chemistry is the assignment of chemical products and routes that minimize or
eradicate the usage and production of dangerous substances [151,152]. Nanomaterials
are playing a major factor in green procedure by diminishing the usage of toxic ele-
ments, solvents, and energy and polymer NCs.
Polymer-based NCs can create chemical manufacturing eco-friendly approach by
delivering greater selectivity for anticipated reaction yields, serving to eradicate lavish
secondary reactions/toxic reactions and diminish energy utilization [153–156]. For
instance, polymer NCs based on bimetallic alloy nanoclusters were served as catalyst
materials to switch the activity, selectivity, and chemical stability of assured reactions,
which is projected to reduce the depletion of chemical reagents and generation of dan-
gerous materials [155]. Moreover, polymer NCs may also be useful in energy con-
struction and storage [156,157].
6.4 Conclusions and future prospects
The application of polymer NC-based materials concerning energy storage applica-
tion and environmental related applications holds great assurance. This is mainly
attributed to their superior electronic conductivity, huge specific surface area, great
specific charge, and comparatively cheap and eco-friendly nature of PNCs related
to that of metal electrodes. This chapter reviewed the recent growths of PNC-based
materials for energy storage and environmental related applications. The substantial