Preface
Green nanotechnology has two goals: producing nanomaterials and products without harming the environment or human health, and producing nanoproducts that provide solutions to environmental problems. It uses existing principles of green chemistry and green engineering to make nanomaterials and nanoproducts without toxic ingredients, at low temperatures using less energy and renewable inputs wherever possible, and using lifecycle thinking in all design and engineering stages1.
Green nanotechnology aims to develop clean technologies to minimize potential environmental and human health risks associated with the manufacture and use of nanotechnology products, and to encourage replacement of existing products with new nanomaterials that are more environmentally friendly.
There are two key aspects to green nanotechnology. The first involves nanoproducts that provide solutions to environmental challenges. These green nanoproducts are used to prevent harm from known pollutants and are incorporated into environmental technologies to remediate hazardous waste sites, clean up polluted streams, and desalinate water, among other applications. The second aspect of green nanotechnology involves producing nanomaterials and products containing nanomaterials with a view toward minimizing harm to human health or the environment2.
