Nanostructured Polymer Composites for Water Remediation

Nano-based advanced processes and technologies for water treatment operations provide innovative and progressive approaches with the capability to solve water scarcity, and contamination challenges across the globe. The incorporation of the numerous nanomaterials employed in this field into polymeric matrices bequeaths safer and more environmentally friendly materials-nanostructured polymer composites, for water treatment processes. In addition, the various functionalities of the polymers in combination with those of the incorporated nanomaterials often create synergistic treatment efficiencies in the hybrid composites. In this chapter, we focused on the complete process overview involved in the utilization of nanostructured polymer composites in water remediation and monitoring operations; this includes the different types of polymer matrices and nanomaterials in use, the design and synthesis methods, and characterisation techniques employed to elucidate their morphological, composite structural and functional properties. Scrutiny of their application potentials and efficiencies was done based on the different mode of applications which includes catalysis, adsorption, membrane filtration, microbial control, and monitoring and detection programs. This contribution harped on some areas of future concern for their sustainability as a treatment option such as the development of multifunctional hybrid composites, the composites life span or cycle, and the safe disposal of the spent nanostructured polymer composites and their regeneration medium or solution.