General techniques for recovery of nanomaterials from wastes

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-90982-2.00008-1

In recent decades there has been tremendous growth in the utilization of different types of nanomaterials (NMs) for various applications in medicine, electronics, energy, aerospace, and sports and leisure activities, and innovative products have been introduced into the market in different sectors. As the demand for the utilization of NMs increases, new challenges have occurred in terms of recyclability, handling nanowaste, safety, and risks to human health and the environment. Attention is being given to recycling nano-based products and the recovery of NMs from different matrices to provide sustainable solutions and develop new approaches to exploit recycled NMs. This chapter addresses the importance of the type of NM and matrix in the recovery of NMs from waste sources by classifying the potential recovery techniques. NM recycling processes from waste sources are investigated by providing an understanding of the chemical composition and structural properties of the NMs and discussing the methodologies for their efficient separation from the matrix by applying magnetic separation, antisolvents, aqueous dispersion, colloidal solvents, centrifugation/solvent evaporation, and other techniques. Consequently, this chapter highlights general procedures and methods for recycling NMs by bringing new insight into their recyclability and opportunities.