Environmental applications of silver nanoparticles: state-of-the-art review and emerging trends

• Soni Prajapati,
• Akash Kumar and
• Ranjana Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 697–736, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.49

• properties, making them a strong candidate for environmental applications in water, air, and soil. Indeed, various reviews are available, though a significant gap persists in addressing all environmental pollutants. This review comprehensively and critically analyses the advancement in AgNP research spanning

• from synthesis and characterisation to practical deployment and ecotoxicological assessment. The AgNP-based systems are evaluated regarding antimicrobial disinfection, adsorptive and catalytic/photocatalytic removal of persistent organic pollutants, and integration into antifouling nanofiltration and

• ultrafiltration membrane technologies used for management of water pollutants. In addition, AgNPs-assisted nanosystems in fibrous filter membranes and photocatalytic composite coatings for the removal of volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and gaseous pollutants are reviewed. Furthermore, AgNP

Decontamination from water pollutants and pathogens by electrospun nanofibers doped with heavy-atom-free borafluorene-BODIPY photosensitizers

• Angelika Zaszczyńska,
• Paulina H. Marek-Urban,
• Karolina Wrochna,
• Agnieszka E. Kuklewska,
• Kacper Kręgielewski,
• Marta Grodzik,
• Dawid R. Natkowski,
• Jolanta Mierzejewska,
• Ewa Iwanek,
• Agata Blacha-Grzechnik,
• Paweł Sajkiewicz and
• Krzysztof Durka

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 668–682, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.46

• photocatalyst for the degradation of the pharmaceutical agents ranitidine, propranolol, and cimetidine, selected as model water pollutants. The obtained nanofibers showed smooth and uniform morphology along with very high durability and resistance toward oxidation, remaining active even after 20 reaction cycles

• findings highlight the potential of the electrospun PCL nanofibers as optimal matrix for the immobilization with singlet oxygen photosensitizers and subsequent application in the decontamination of water from pollutants and pathogens. Keywords: antimicrobial photodynamic therapy; BODIPY; electrospun

• photosensitizers, that is, light-activated molecules producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen (1O2), capable of degrading organic pollutants or microbes [2][3][4][5][6]. Among various groups of organic photosensitizers, boron dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs, i.e., 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s

Cellulose as a photocatalyst support material: extraction, structural features, and environmental applications

• Yee Teng Lim,
• Nur Farhana Jaafar,
• Azizul Hakim Lahuri and
• Endang Tri Wahyuni

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 635–652, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.44

• water treatment performance as shown in Figure 2 [14]. Photocatalytic degradation is an advanced oxidation process (AOP) in which a catalyst is used to accelerate the degradation or breakdown of organic pollutants in water or air using light energy. This AOP relies on the ability of the catalyst to

• materials that can absorb light energy and generate electron–hole pairs, which then participate in redox reactions to produce ROS that degrade organic pollutants. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are the common catalysts that have been used [18][19]. Figure 3 illustrates the general mechanism of

• photodegradation of organic pollutants by photocatalyst. This review aims to summarize current methods for extracting cellulose-based materials, focusing on their technical, economic, and environmental aspects. Key considerations include yield, purity, energy use, and scalability. The discussion includes

Two-step laser synthesis of Ag@TiO₂ nanomaterials for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

• Marija Kovačević,
• Miloš Tošić,
• Rafaela Radičić,
• Vladimir Rajić,
• Nikša Krstulović,
• Miloš Momčilović and
• Sanja Živković

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 622–634, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.43

• numerous modification strategies. Silver-modified titanium dioxide (Ag@TiO2) nanoparticles have gained significant attention as advanced photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants, particularly under visible-light irradiation. The incorporation of silver introduces localized surface plasmon

Laser–material interactions in liquids for the synthesis of nanomaterials: current status and perspectives

• Carlos Doñate Buendia,
• Bilal Gökce and
• Leonid V. Zhigilei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 571–575, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.38

• processing parameters has enabled a wide range of applications [53]. These include catalysis [54] (e.g., for oxygen [55] and hydrogen evolution reactions [56] in hydrogen production), sensing (e.g., surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy [51] for detection of pollutants and optical sensing of glucose [57

Synthesis of Cu–Mo/TiO₂ and Co–Mo/TiO₂ photocatalysts for the efficient degradation of organic pollutants in water

• Ilse Acosta,
• Brenda Zermeño,
• Edgar Moctezuma,
• Luis F. Garay-Rodríguez and
• Isaías Juárez-Ramírez

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 559–570, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.37

• organic contaminants. These products are frequently detected in aquatic bodies due to human use and include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, which significantly degrade drinking water quality [1]. To achieve the efficient removal of emerging pollutants, advanced oxidation processes

• . Mo doping introduces a donor level below the conduction band, thereby reducing the semiconductor bandgap. As a disadvantage, the addition of Mo can result in the formation of large crystals, affecting the surface area and the ability to adsorb pollutants. In contrast, Cu2+ and Co2+ are transition

• pollutants. The significant reduction in the bandgap energy as a result of copper incorporation is an effect previously reported in the literature as the introduction of Cu ions generates d orbitals below the conduction band, which reduces the bandgap energy [33][34]. To assess the efficiency of the

Upcycling agroindustrial waste into graphene oxide supports for gold nanoparticles: toward sustainable nanomaterials

• Juan Marcos Castro-Tapia,
• Selene Acosta,
• Hiram Joazet Ojeda-Galván,
• Elsie Evelyn Araujo-Palomo,
• Edgar Giovanni Villabona-Leal and
• Mildred Quintana

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 489–504, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.32

• organic pollutants, including nitroaromatic compounds and dye molecules, under mild reaction conditions [57][58][59]. The synergistic interaction between AuNPs and GO enhances electron transfer, enabling lower noble-metal loading while maintaining high catalytic performance. Furthermore, AuNPs@GO

Functional surface engineering for cultural heritage protection: the role of superhydrophobic and superoleophobic coatings – a comprehensive review

• Giuseppe Cesare Lama,
• Marino Lavorgna,
• Letizia Verdolotti,
• Federica Recupido,
• Giovanna Giuliana Buonocore and
• Bharat Bhushan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 63–96, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.6

• , pollutants, and oily substances. These functional surfaces, often based on coatings consisting of polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials, can provide durable, non-invasive protection tailored to specific substrate weaknesses and exposure environments (indoor and outdoor). Objective of this review

• environmental conditions, offering long-term protection against light, humidity, pollutants, and other agents of deterioration. Finally, the coating should be safe and ethically acceptable, avoiding the use of hazardous substances and respecting the cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance of the object

• protection. Gryparis et al. [65] investigated self-cleaning photocatalytic coatings to protect cementitious materials from environmental pollutants (i.e., methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO)). Titanium dioxide, known for its photocatalytic properties, was combined with carbon dots (C-dots) to enhance

Optical bio/chemical sensors for vitamin B₁₂ analysis in food and pharmaceuticals: state of the art, challenges, and future outlooks

• Seyed Mohammad Taghi Gharibzahedi and
• Zeynep Altintas

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2207–2244, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.153

Microplastic pollution in Himalayan lakes: assessment, risks, and sustainable remediation strategies

• Sameeksha Rawat,
• S. M. Tauseef and
• Madhuben Sharma

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2144–2167, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.148

• . provided a comprehensive historical analysis of water and emerging pollutants, specifically microplastics, in the Indian Himalayas, highlighting how such pollutants have progressively affected surface and groundwater as a result of unregulated use of plastic and a lack of waste management infrastructure

• they frequently demand substantial energy input and can produce secondary pollutants [47]. Biological processes can utilize the natural ability of microorganisms to degrade synthetic polymers. Microorganisms such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus, which have enzymatic activity, can degrade plastics into

• . According to Goh et al., these results are especially important for expanding MP remediation technology to industrial applications [43]. Tables 4–6 presents a comprehensive comparison of various nanomaterials explored for MP remediation, detailing their synthesis methods, target pollutants, removal

Current status of using adsorbent nanomaterials for removing microplastics from water supply systems: a mini review

• Nguyen Thi Nhan and
• Tran Le Luu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1837–1850, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.127

• supply systems is a global concern due to their persistence and ability to adsorb toxic pollutants. Despite having effectiveness, conventional water treatment processes still have limited efficiency in removing MPs, especially smaller particles. Thus, it requires researchers to develop effective and

• (MPs) related to public health and environmental risks have gained significant attention [1]. Because of their small size, high surface area, and hydrophobic properties, MPs can act as vectors for toxic chemicals, including heavy metals (lead, cadmium, or mercury) and persistent organic pollutants like

• reaction pathways of these materials. Classification and potential of adsorbent nanomaterials Carbon-based adsorbents. Carbon-based adsorbents, such as graphene oxide (GO), activated carbon, biochar, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have been extensively investigated regarding the treatment of pollutants in

Piezoelectricity of layered double hydroxides: perspectives regarding piezocatalysis and nanogenerators

• Evgeniy S. Seliverstov,
• Evgeniya A. Tarasenko and
• Olga E. Lebedeva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1812–1817, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.124

• demonstrated great piezo-photocatalytic capabilities, achieving degradation rates of 99% for nitenpyram and 100% for tetracycline hydrochloride within 45 min [14]. Notably, the degradation was performed with coexistent pollutants. These composites exhibited enhanced piezoelectric properties compared to Zn/Al

Nanotechnology-based approaches for the removal of microplastics from wastewater: a comprehensive review

• Nayanathara O Sanjeev,
• Manjunath Singanodi Vallabha and
• Rebekah Rubidha Lisha Rabi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1607–1632, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.114

• disposal stages [6]. The tiny MP particles can directly harm marine life through ingestion or indirectly by attracting and accumulating environmental pollutants [7]. Experimental studies show that exposure to MPs can result in a wide range of harmful effects such as disruptions in metabolism, oxidative

• stress, immune system activation, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and damage to the nervous system [8]. MPs possess high specific area and strong adsorption capacity, enabling them to attract pollutants from the environment. They can accumulate harmful substances such as polycyclic aromatic

• key properties of nanoparticles include high surface area, extensive functionalization, high reactivity, and size-dependent characteristics. By leveraging these properties, water treatment methods can be refined at the nanoscale to selectively target pollutants [16][17]. This comprehensive review

Photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin in water assisted by TiO₂ nanowires on carbon cloth: contributions of H₂O₂ addition and substrate absorbability

• Iram Hussain,
• Lisha Zhang,
• Zhizhen Ye and
• Jin-Ming Wu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1567–1579, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.111

• unsatisfactory interaction with target contaminants diminishes photocatalytic degradation efficiency in water. Here, we present a mild solution method to precipitate anatase TiO2 nanowire arrays, measuring 1.5 μm in thickness, over carbon cloth to ensure substantial interactions with target pollutants and, in

• concentration were studied. The higher production of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in the degradation of organic pollutants enhances the degradation efficiency of OFL. The TiO2 nanowires exhibited significant photodegradation of OFL in water with a high initial concentration range of 50–200 ppm, which is much higher

• , which improves water spreading and facilitates the adsorption of aqueous pollutants during photocatalytic degradation [34]. The Ti foil covered with TiO2 nanowires (TiP/NW-450 °C) exhibits a contact angle of around 62.4° (Supporting Information File 1, Figure S9a), reflecting a moderate hydrophilicity

Laser processing in liquids: insights into nanocolloid generation and thin film integration for energy, photonic, and sensing applications

• Akshana Parameswaran Sreekala,
• Pooja Raveendran Nair,
• Jithin Kundalam Kadavath,
• Bindu Krishnan,
• David Avellaneda Avellaneda,
• M. R. Anantharaman and
• Sadasivan Shaji

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1428–1498, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.104

The role of biochar in combating microplastic pollution: a bibliometric analysis in environmental contexts

• Tuan Minh Truong Dang,
• Thao Thu Thi Huynh,
• Guo-Ping Chang-Chien and
• Ha Manh Bui

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1401–1416, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.102

• , soil improvement and climate mitigation. Life cycle assessments indicate that BC application can result in climate benefits ranging from −1.4 to −0.11 tonnes CO2-eq per tonne of biochar [17]. Its versatility extends to removing pollutants, enhancing plant growth, and decolorizing organic dyes in

Morphology and properties of pyrite nanoparticles obtained by pulsed laser ablation in liquid and thin films for photodetection

• Akshana Parameswaran Sreekala,
• Bindu Krishnan,
• Rene Fabian Cienfuegos Pelaes,
• David Avellaneda Avellaneda,
• Josué Amílcar Aguilar-Martínez and
• Sadasivan Shaji

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 785–805, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.60

• Earth, including toxic heavy metals and metalloids, radionuclides, and organic pollutants [5]. In addition to the aforementioned advantages as a semiconductor, it has the potential to be used in various applications through its nanostructures created via pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) and thin

Engineered PEG–PCL nanoparticles enable sensitive and selective detection of sodium dodecyl sulfate: a qualitative and quantitative analysis

• Soni Prajapati and
• Ranjana Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 385–396, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.29

• surfactants such as CTAB, SDS, Tween 20, and Triton X-100 at a concentration of 0.1%. These ions and surfactants were chosen due to their relevance in environmental samples, and are example of common pollutants. The study found that while these heavy metal ions and other surfactants were present, the PEG–PCL

Emerging strategies in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts

• Yunus Ahmed,
• Keya Rani Dutta,
• Parul Akhtar,
• Md. Arif Hossen,
• Md. Jahangir Alam,
• Obaid A. Alharbi,
• Hamad AlMohamadi and
• Abdul Wahab Mohammad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 264–285, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.21

• Emirates 10.3762/bjnano.16.21 Abstract In the constantly growing field of environmental sustainability, the threat of newly discovered pollutants, particularly antibiotics, has become a crucial concern. The widespread presence of these pharmaceutical substances in water sources presents a complex hazard

• degradation and solid–liquid separation are also commonly used in making the pollutants non-toxic or non-hazardous [13][23]. It should be noted that many of the conventional methods fail in degrading antibiotics completely since most antibiotics are very complex in structure and are even resistant to

• semiconductor-based photocatalysts for the degradation of antibiotics (Figure 1). The appeal of photocatalysis lies in its potential to achieve extensive mineralization, converting organic pollutants into harmless mineral compounds. Furthermore, its nonselective nature enables it to address a broad spectrum of

A review of metal-organic frameworks and polymers in mixed matrix membranes for CO₂ capture

• Charlotte Skjold Qvist Christensen,
• Nicholas Hansen,
• Mahboubeh Motadayen,
• Nina Lock,
• Martin Lahn Henriksen and
• Jonathan Quinson

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 155–186, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.14

Clays enhanced with niobium: potential in wastewater treatment and reuse as pigment with antibacterial activity

• Silvia Jaerger,
• Patricia Appelt,
• Mario Antônio Alves da Cunha,
• Fabián Ccahuana Ayma,
• Ricardo Schneider,
• Carla Bittencourt and
• Fauze Jacó Anaissi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 141–154, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.13

• ; Introduction The most found dye pollutants in wastewater on a global scale originate from textile, plastic, paper, food, cosmetics, mineral, and pharmaceutical industries, among others, resulting in significant environmental impacts [1]. Dyes, as chemical compounds that impart color to different materials

• , play a crucial role in industries requiring coloring, such as textile, food, cosmetics, rubber, printing, paper, and plastic. Globally, an estimated 7 × 105 tons of dyes are produced, with 10–15% typically disposed of as wastewater pollutants [2]. Among the most used dyes, methylene blue (MB) is an

• residues from the original organic matter, thus avoiding the disposal of sludge [8]. This approach allows the removal of various organic pollutants, including textile dyes, using solid semiconductors (e.g., NbOPO4 and Nb2O5) and photons (with energy greater than the bandgap energy of the semiconductor) to

Modeling and simulation of carbon-nanocomposite-based gas sensors

• Roopa Hegde,
• Punya Prabha V,
• Shipra Upadhyay and
• Krishna S B

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 90–96, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.9

• nanocomposites, like high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and chemical stability, make them ideal candidates for the development of high-performance CO gas sensors. Carbon-nanocomposite gas sensors find their application in detecting pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2

Facile synthesis of size-tunable L-carnosine-capped silver nanoparticles and their role in metal ion sensing and catalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol

• Akash Kumar,
• Ridhima Chadha,
• Abhishek Das,
• Nandita Maiti and
• Rayavarapu Raja Gopal

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1576–1592, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.124

• with various contaminants. Keywords: catalysis; heavy metals; ʟ-carnosine; p-nitrophenol; silver nanoparticles; Introduction The persistent rise in environmental pollution, notably from heavy metal ions and organic pollutants, has propelled the development of innovative and efficient environmental

• biomagnification [1]. Similarly, organic pollutants such as p-nitrophenol (P-NP), from agricultural and industrial processes, are of significant concern because of their toxicity and resistance to degradation [2]. Consequently, detection and removal of these contaminants have become crucial for environmental

• pollutants [4][5][6]. Biomolecule-capped silver nanoparticles, particularly those stabilized by naturally occurring peptides such as ʟ-carnosine, have shown exceptional sensing and catalytic degradation capabilities. ʟ-Carnosine, a dipeptide consisting of β-alanine and histidine, stabilizes the nanoparticle

Nanoarchitectonics with cetrimonium bromide on metal nanoparticles for linker-free detection of toxic metal ions and catalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol

• Akash Kumar and
• Raja Gopal Rayavarapu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1312–1332, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.106

• , India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India 10.3762/bjnano.15.106 Abstract Heavy metal ions and organic pollutants, such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), pose significant environmental and human health threats. Addressing these challenges necessitates using advanced

• and silver) nanoprobes are emerging as versatile colorimetric and spectrophotometric nanosensors for rapid detection/degradation of heavy metal ions and toxic pollutants that pose a serious challenge to environment and human health. Globally, acceleration of industrial growth and urbanization led to

• the increased release of pollutants into the environment, causing health concerns to humans. Untreated industrial effluents are released, and most heavy metal ions accumulate in water higher than the permissible limits, pollute drinking water, and are non-biodegradable. Heavy metal ions are

Interaction of graphene oxide with tannic acid: computational modeling and toxicity mitigation in C. elegans

• Romana Petry,
• James M. de Almeida,
• Francine Côa,
• Felipe Crasto de Lima,
• Diego Stéfani T. Martinez and
• Adalberto Fazzio

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1297–1311, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.105

• , phototransformation, and degradation [8]. Furthermore, because of the presence of sites for different types of interaction mechanisms (i.e., hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interaction, and π–π stacking), its structure favors the adsorption of different molecules (i.e., biomolecules and organic pollutants) and metal