Sustainable routes and green synthesis for nanomaterials and nanocomposites production

Abstract Although the term nanotechnology was first mentioned in 1974, the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope and the discovery of fullerenes in the 1980s were the precursor events for its dissemination and application in several areas of human knowledge. Operating with material handling in nano dimensions and high surface-to-volume ratio allows obtaining greater performance of the same materials when compared to the micrometric scale. In this way, the combination between nanometric materials or larger scale materials plus nanometric one leads to unlimited possibilities and it is impacting everyday life. Also, the nanotechnology is indelibly associated with the concept of sustainability. Less material is needed to attain high performance if compared to the conventional micrometer systems. Sustainable routes and green synthesis have been experienced to improve performance and reduce the waste to lower levels. Metals, oxides, double lamellar hydroxides, phyllosilicates, carbon nanotubes, graphenes, lamellar phosphates, among others are being synthesized as nanomaterials applied in single way or for polymeric nanocomposites and nanostructured materials. This chapter presents recent works related to the sustainable routes and green synthesis for development and implementation of procedures and protocols aiming to reducing and / or eliminating harmful agents of the environment and human health.