ABSTRACT

This chapter provides an overview of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) for environment application, PNC fabrication methods, and strategies for the implication of PNC materials for controlling contaminants and pollutant sensing and identification. It focuses on nanoadsorbents of polymer-based multifunctional nanocomposites as well as magnetic nanocomposites. The chapter also focuses on various properties, synthesis, and applications of magnetic nanoparticles and their polymer nanocomposites that contain surfactants or polymers or are covered with an inorganic layer, such as carbon and silica. There are mainly three types of magnetic nanocomposites: core-shell inorganic nanocomposites, self-assembled nanocomposites, and organic-inorganic nanocomposites. Magnetic polymer nanocomposites are of particular interest because of the combination of excellent magnetic properties, stability, and good biocompatibility. Multifunctional magnetic nanocomposites have found a variety of applications in electronics, and magnetic sensing. With the industrial advancement, solid waste treatment has become a major problem with the increased use of plastics. The removal of metal ions using magnetic adsorbents has recently grabbed attention for wastewater treatment.