Nanomaterials in Geoscience: Emerging Model for Sustainable Earth Systems

Abstract

The field of geoscience has witnessed the advent of nanomaterial technology that holds promise as revolutionary tools in the fields of environmental management, resources recovery, energy efficiency, and climate change mitigation. Due to their unusual physical and chemical properties, such as high surface area, enhanced reactivity, and controllable structures, nanomaterials have seen applications in areas like groundwater remediation, mining exploration, geotechnical engineering, carbon sequestration, environmental monitoring, and enhanced resource recovery. In this article, we present an overview of the applications, properties, and classification of nanomaterials in geoscience along with the role played by nanomaterials in sustainable earth system management. Some of the key developments have included the application of nanoscale zero-valent iron in degrading contaminants, nano-sensors for environmental assessment, and nanostructures in mineral separation and energy recovery. However, there are some major obstacles, like nanoparticle toxicity, environmental persistence, economics, and regulation, in large scale application of these nanomaterials. Considering the inherent complications and uncertainties of the sustainability impact assessment process, the current study introduces a fuzzy logic-driven framework. In the introduced model, important parameters, such as resource exploration efficiency, remediation potential, carbon capture efficiency, energy optimization, and ecological risk mitigation, have been considered in determining the Sustainability Impact Index (SII). With the use of fuzzy inference system, the suggested framework will help in making decisions amid uncertainties and changing environmental conditions. The introduced framework is an effective way of assessing the sustainability performance of nanomaterial usage in the field of geoscience through the use of proper resource management and environmental protection.