ABSTRACT
The development of modern cutting-edge technology relies heavily on the huge success and advancement of nanotechnology, in which nanomaterials and nanostructures provide the indispensable material cornerstone. Owing to their nanoscale dimensions with possible quantum limit, nanomaterials and nanostructures possess a high surface-to-volume ratio, rich surface/interface effects, and distinct physical and chemical properties compared with their bulk counterparts, leading to the remarkably expanded horizons of their applications. Depending on their degree of spatial quantization, low-dimensional nanomaterials are generally categorized into nanoparticles (0D); nanorods, nanowires, and nanobelts (1D); and atomically thin layered materials (2D). This review article provides a comprehensive guide to low-dimensional nanomaterials and nanostructures. It begins with the classification of nanomaterials, followed by an inclusive account of nanofabrication and characterization. Both top-down and bottom-up fabrication approaches are discussed in detail. Next, various significant applications of low-dimensional nanomaterials are discussed, such as photonics, sensors, catalysis, energy storage, diverse coatings, and various bioapplications. This article would serve as a quick and facile guide for scientists and engineers working in the field of nanotechnology and nanomaterials.
ABSTRACT
Oil spills on the surfaces of bodies of water are now a great concern as they affect marine creatures and the ecosystem. Therefore, a facile technique for removal of oil from water is of much interest. In this study, superhydrophobic and superoleophilic coating is synthesized on stainless steel mesh via chemical etching using a mixture of FeCl3 and HCl followed by treatment with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane. Surface morphology analysis shows the presence of flower like microstructures on the surface after treatment. Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties have been achieved on stainless steel mesh with water static contact angle of 167°â¯±â¯3°, water tilting angle of 6°â¯±â¯1°, and oil static contact angle of nearly 0°. The coating shows excellent thermal, chemical and mechanical stability. Kerosene-water and hexane-water mixtures were successfully separated via a simple filtering process using coated steel mesh with a separation efficiency of more than 98%. This approach can be implemented on any shape or size of stainless steel mesh and will have industrial applications.
