Nanomaterials have gained significant attention as a remarkable class of materials due to their unique properties and the fact that they encompass a wide range of samples with at least one dimension ranging from 1 to 100 nm. The deliberate design of nanoparticles enables the achievement of extremely large surface areas. In the field of cost-effective electrochemical devices for energy storage and conversion applications, nanomaterials have emerged as a key area of research. Their exceptional physical and chemical properties have led to extensive investigations aimed at improving the performance and cost-effectiveness of electrochemical devices, including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. The continuous development and enhancement of these high-performance materials are driven by the demand for enhanced productivity, connectivity, and sustainability at a reduced cost. This review focuses on the electrochemical performance of electrodes, energy storage, and electrochemical sensors (ES) based on nanotechnology. It discusses the application of nanotechnology in electrochemistry for water purification and the fate of substances in water, while also introducing green nanotechnology and cost-effective, high-fidelity product creation through electrochemical methods. The study emphasizes the synthesis of novel nanomaterials, such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and MXenes, with applications in electrochemical devices. Furthermore, it explores the integration of nanostructures with electrochemical systems in economically significant and future applications, along with the challenges faced by nanotechnology-based industries. The paper also explores the interplay between nanomaterials and biosensors, which play a vital role in electrochemical devices. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of nanomaterials in the development of cost-effective electrochemical devices for energy storage and conversion. It highlights the need for further research in this rapidly evolving field and serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers interested in the latest advancements in nanomaterials for electrochemical devices.

Open access peer-reviewed chapter

Carbon capture and use may provide motivation for the global problem of mitigating global warming from substantial industrial emitters. Captured CO₂ may be transformed into a range of products such as methanol as renewable energy sources. Polymers, cement, and heterogeneous catalysts for varying chemical synthesis are examples of commercial goods. Because some of these components may be converted into power, CO₂ is a feedstock and excellent energy transporter. By employing collected CO₂ from the atmosphere as the primary hydrocarbon source, a carbon-neutral fuel may be created. The fuel is subsequently burned, and CO₂ is released into the atmosphere like a byproduct of the combustion process. There is no net carbon dioxide emitted or withdrawn from the environment during this process, hence the name carbon-neutral fuel. In a world with net-zero CO₂ emissions, the anthroposphere will have attained its carbon hold-up capacity in response to a particular global average temperature increase, such as 1.5 °C. As a result, each carbon atom removed from the subsurface (lithosphere) must be returned to it, or it will be expelled into the atmosphere. CO₂ removal technologies, such as biofuels with carbon sequestration and direct air capture, will be required to lower the high CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere if the Paris Agreement’s ambitious climate targets are to be realized. In a carbon-neutral scenario, CO₂ consumption with renewable energy is expected to contribute to the displacement of fossil fuels. This article includes a conceptual study and an evaluation of fuel technology that enables a carbon-neutral chemical industry in a net-zero-CO₂-emissions environment. These are based on the use of collected CO₂ as a feedstock in novel chemical processes, along with “green” hydrogen, or on the use of biomass. It will also shed light on innovative methods of green transformation and getting sustainable, environmentally friendly energy.

Heavy metals are inorganic elements with something like a density of more than 5 g/cm3. Essential and non-essential heavy metals were divided into two groups based on their toxicity. Heavy metals, unlike organic pollutants, are non-biodegradable and tend to accumulate in living things. Many heavy metal ions are hazardous or carcinogenic. The majority of heavy metals, such as cadmium, copper, and zinc, are linked to pollution and hazardous concerns. There are more than 50 elements categorized as heavy metals, with 17 of them being extremely hazardous and easily accessible. Metal pollutants are often non-degradable and have no recognized homeostasis mechanism. Their mere presence in aquatic habitats is enough to have a direct or indirect impact on living systems. The anthropogenic pollution of heavy metals in ancient mining regions refers to areas where the concentration of one or more heavy metals exceeds normal values. Heavy metals disrupt cellular organelles and components in biological systems. Nanoscale zero-valent iron is a promising alternative for heavy metal cleanup. Heavy metal ions are poisonous, non-degradable, and tend to bioaccumulate and biomagnify. The purpose of this chapter is to display some heavy metals and the environmental impact of these minerals, which includes soil, plants, and humans.