Application of Core–Shell Nanohybrid Structures in Water Treatment

Core–shell nanoparticles have been the centre of attention of the researchers in various fields as the transition from bulk/micro particles to nanoparticles to core shell nanoparticles was seen to lead to enormous changes in the physical and chemical properties of the materials like increased surface to volume ratio, dominance of surface atoms over those in the core etc. Core–shell nanohybrid structures are nanocomposites which incorporates the advantages of both core–shell nanoparticles and other component of the hybrid material like polymer, ceramic, oxide structures. In recent times core–shell nanohybrid structures have gained wide attention in different energy and environment applications including sorption of pollutants from aquatic medium. Drinking water pollution is one of the major problems the world is facing today. Various technologies have been developed for removal of various contaminants from aquatic streams. Core–shell hybrid nanostructures can be tailored by chemical modification or by incorporation in the polymeric matrix. This not only makes them specific to some metal ions, radionuclides even nanoparticles but also enhances their sorption capacity. These materials can be synthesised by dispersion of building blocks in polymeric network, in situ polymerisation, sol–gel process, self-assembly of unit building blocks through layered structures or interpenetrating networks. In this book chapter, a series of core shell nanohybrid structures having application in water decontamination have been reviewed and discussedextensively. Synthesis strategies, sorptive properties of these core shell nanohybrid structures are summarised with emphasis on decontamination of conventional pollutants, radionuclides, dyes and organic pollutants.