About this Research Topic

Background

The pervasive challenge of air pollution poses significant hurdles, inflicting profound adverse impacts on public health and ecosystems. This challenge is compounded by the presence of harmful substances in air pollution, such as particulate matter, ground-level ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and various other airborne contaminants. Additionally, microorganisms like viruses, mold spores, and bacteria also contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution, as evidenced by the airborne transmission of diseases like COVID-19. Emerging reports on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and micro/nano-plastics in air pollution are also alarming, emphasizing the urgency of addressing air quality concerns. The increasing time spent indoors, whether in educational settings or modern work environments, highlights the critical significance of indoor air quality. Indoor air pollutants, such as dust, mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), tobacco smoke, and airborne pathogens, also pose significant health risks, irritating the respiratory system, and contributing to chronic health conditions. The 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study underscores the gravity of the issue, identifying air pollution as a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Addressing air quality concerns is imperative for safeguarding public health and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Nanotechnology has recently introduced innovative applications in air purification. These applications include nanomaterials-based filters engineered with unique properties to efficiently trap pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pathogens. Other key novel applications are photocatalytic nanomaterials, activated by UV/visible light, which break down pollutants into harmless products, and nanoscale sensors enabling real-time monitoring of air quality, facilitating timely responses to pollution events. Through these innovative applications, advanced nanomaterials contribute to higher purification levels, reduced energy consumption, and extended filter lifespans, ushering in a new era of air purification technology.

In this Research Topic, we welcome submissions that explore the role of nanotechnology in revolutionizing air purification, offering ground-breaking solutions to enhance filtration efficiency, remove pollutants, and ultimately improve overall air quality. To deepen our understanding and propel advancements in the realm of nanotechnology-enabled air purification, we invite submissions of original research, reviews, mini reviews, and perspective articles on a variety of themes, including but not limited to:

• Nanomaterials in photocatalysis: Explore the diverse applications of nanomaterials in photocatalysis.

• Nanomaterials-based filters: Investigate the efficacy of various nanomaterials in filter technologies.

• Nanomaterials in adsorbents: Examine the utilization of nanomaterials in adsorbent systems, exploring their enhanced adsorption for capturing pollutants and improving air quality.

• Nanomaterials in sensor technology: Explore the role of nanomaterials in sensor technology for air quality monitoring.

Please note that Dr Avtar Singh is employed by Molekule Group Inc, and confirms that they do not have any funding or financial support from the company to contribute to this project.

Keywords: Air purification, nanotechnology, photocatalysis, nanomaterial-based filters

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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