Nanomaterials are defined as materials with at least one dimension smaller than 100 nanometres (nm), while nanoparticles are structures whose dimensions are all below this threshold. At this scale, their properties change significantly compared with conventional materials, offering new applications in multiple scientific and technological fields.

These differences are mainly due to:

🔹 The increase in surface effects, resulting from a higher ratio between surface atoms and volume.
🔹 Their high reactivity and adaptability, which depend both on the size and the shape of the nanoparticle.
🔹 Their multifunctionality, which opens up new possibilities in areas such as environmental remediation.

Use of nanomaterials in environmental remediation

Environmental engineering is actively incorporating nanotechnology to develop innovative solutions. In our group, we investigate:

✔ Nanoparticles for water treatment, to reduce metals, nutrients and pesticides.
✔ Nanoparticles for the mitigation of greenhouse gases (CH₄ and N₂O) in air.
✔ Iron nanoparticles to optimize anaerobic digestion, significantly increasing biogas production when added under controlled conditions.

Nanomaterials and chemical catalysis for a sustainable future

Nanomaterials have enormous potential to improve chemical processes and make them more efficient, especially in the field of chemical catalysis. In our research group, we focus on the development of new nanomaterials capable of optimising reactions of interest in the energy sector.

We work along two main lines:

⚡ Conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to methanol: a sustainable alternative for the production of fuels and chemicals.
⚡ Conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to methane: a key strategy for carbon capture and reuse.

These studies contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions and to the development of more sustainable energy sources.

Nanotoxicology: the environmental impact of nanomaterials

Despite their potential, the environmental impact of nanomaterials is not yet fully understood. For this reason, we work on assessing their toxicity using methodologies such as:

🔬Seed germination tests.
🔬Bioassays with bioluminescent bacteria.
🔬Aerobic respirometry.
🔬Anaerobic digestion tests.

These research lines allow us to deepen our understanding of nanomaterials and to develop safer and more efficient environmental solutions.