New Technologies for Energy Transition Based on Sustainable Development Goals

A lot of people are interested in functional nanomaterials because of their unique sensing and optoelectronic capabilities, biocompatibility, chemical and environmental stability, and controllable form across several research domains, particularly within the healthcare sector. Biosensors possessing exceptional sensitivity, specificity, and a minimal detection threshold, enabling the quantification of biomolecules at nano/picomolar concentrations, hold significant relevance in the realm of medical sciences and the healthcare sector. The emergence of 2D materials has significantly expedited the investigation into producing cost-effective electrode materials because of its distinctive physical characteristics, such as its notable specific surface area, exceptional carrier mobility, elevated electrical conductivity, flexibility, and optical transparency. The hydrophilicity of 2D nanosheets is significantly boosted by the presence of surface functional groups, which in turn enables the chemical modification necessary for the development of a variety of 2D-based composites. These composites exhibit heightened sensitivity, making them particularly suitable for biosensor applications. This chapter provides a summary of the advancements in cholesterol sensing using 2D materials, as well as their combinations with organic, inorganic, and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for prospective detection purposes.

Biopolymers are an essential near grow an ecologically welcoming, non-toxic, recyclable polymer that can substitute natural and synthetic based polymers. They need supreme rank trendy medicinal requests then merged biopolymers must exposed talented possessions against separate complements. An excellent presentation of biopolymers merged with combined films derived from chitosan is now being regarded as major. A salt leaching technique allowed guar gum and polyvinyl alcohol (CS/GG/PVA) to remain ready. In this process, films were manufactured on CS, GG, and PVA continuously. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) revealed a resolute understanding of polymer surface morphology, construction, and interface, as well as water fascinating volume characteristics. Inverse scanning electron microscope (IE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and swelling characteristics are examined. FTIR showed intermolecular attachment among the biopolymer’s charity aimed at films groundwork. FESEM films displays a framework displayed good absorbent constructions. The swollen designs stayed importantly enhanced by great bulge share. Consequences exposed that the chitosan, guar gum besides polyvinyl alcohol of ternary mergers through need latent aimed at regulator painkiller announcement.

This chapter is focusing on the recent advances in the field of nanomaterials and nanotechnology in satisfying the health-related and safety requirements of the human race in terms of diagnosis of various harmful and infectious diseases, and treatment of the diseases with highly sensitive and technically sound full equipment. Diseases will become deadly unless it is diagnosed at the earliest stage of their spread. In the olden days due to a lack of scientific approach and insufficient and untrained expertise, even the birth delivery for a woman was very worst in those days, and many were dead at the time of delivering babies. Superstitions and believing in unproved theories and stories lead the mankind in wrong way. Like the green revolution, innovations in science and technology created revolutionary impacts among the experts in the medical field as well as the researchers. Many findings reported on the application of nanotechnology and engineered nanomaterials in the field of medicine brought adverse effects in the point of view of correct diagnosis, treatment of diseases by utilizing the metal nanoparticles (NPs), metal-oxide composites, polymers, micelles, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), quantum dots (QDs), genetically modified liposomes, and its application in the bio-imaging techniques showcased its potential against various diseases. In this context, all those materials and their efficacy in dealing with patient care and improvement in health are discussed in detail. The deadliest diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, brain-related diseases (neurological disorders), lung cancer, etc., and the advanced methodology in treating these diseases in the current scenario was disused in this chapter. Also, the advancements in diagnostic and bio-imaging techniques including a computed tomography (CT), computer-assisted diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), improvement in ultrasound scanning technology (UST), photo-ablation therapy (PAT), monotherapy, photothermal therapy (PTT), photoacoustic therapy (PAT), drug delivery utilizing nanotechnology, implementation of artificial intelligence in monitoring patients, manipulation of data and efficacy in the curing the diseases are discussed in detail. Hopefully, this chapter will provide the researchers and the readers to have a clear idea of the recent innovations in terms of improved facilities by the implication of nanomaterials cum technology toward the near future is fulfilled.

Biosensor is a biorecognition element device that measures biological reactions via physical and chemical sensing. Enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, proteins, receptor molecules, or any other intercellular agent that acts as an input, recognizes, and transfers signals and outputs them as digitalization, color, absorbance, or odor could be the biorecognition element. Biosensors play an unquestionable role in clinical and biomedical settings because they reduce diagnostic time, produce rapid results, are portable to any location where there is an emergence or natural disaster, are small in size, economically affordable, and have high sensitivity, specificity with a low detection limit. According to forecasts, clinical biosensors will be worth more than $36.7 billion by 2036, even though the biosensor function is prominent and enormous during covid-19. This chapter will focus on biosensors and their clinical applications.

Nanocellulose, is a single besides auspicious natural polymer material removed from native cellulose, takes increased abundant care aimed at the situation habit by way of biomedical material for the reason that of its extraordinary superior surface chemistry, physical properties, and excellent biological properties. Nanocellulose comes in three types: nanocrystals, nanocrystalline cellulose, and nanocrystalline cellulose nanofibers. A cellulose nanofibril (CNF) is a very small piece of cellulose and bacterial cellulose (BC), are presented then associated trendy positions of manufacture, possessions, and biomedical claims fashionable this manuscript. Due to its elasticity, nanocellulose holds an extensive variety of potential requests owing near the situation energetic efficient groups and amino groups. The biodegradability and biocompatibility of nanocellulose also its products laterally by their numerous biochemical functionalities variety among the development and application of innovative technologies in the pharmaceutical, nutritional, medicinal, environmental, agricultural, and drug delivery industries. In the current paper, we goal near offer an inclusive and planned account reformed nanocellulose, and its derivatives used to build biomedical nanomaterials. It covered nanocomposite materials’ biological and physicochemical properties, including the advantages of nanocellulose and its derivatives as well as better physical biological constancy then compartments flesh interface, painkiller relief control, and improved bio-obtainability, besides ability to perform medical exercises. In addition, this review does not fully explore the multitude of alteration methods and their practical uses.

Cardiovascular illness is a major issue worldwide. So many treatments are established to treat this cardiac illness, but they have some drawbacks like poor survivability, high cost, and laboriousness. Instead of these methods, nano-based polymeric scaffolds are introduced for treatments of cardiac illness. This book chapter discussed the characterization of nano-based polymeric scaffold and their components. The polymers are essential to prepare the scaffolds. Because they act as the backbone of the scaffold, they give physical and mechanical strength to the scaffolds. The polymers are grouped into two divisions; they are natural and synthetic polymers. Collagen, gelatin, chitosan, alginates, silk fibroin, hyaluronic acid, fibroin, and keratin are natural polymers. Polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, and polyvinyl alcohol act as synthetic polymers. Nanotechnology is an emerging field; the nano-size metals play a vital role in drug-targeting mechanisms. Hence, metals are employed in the treatment of cardiac illness. Among the nanoparticles, selenium, gold, silver, copper, and platinum nanoparticles’ properties and their medicinal uses are discussed in this review. Scaffolds are nothing but polymeric biofilm that can imitate the extracellular matrix. It should also be allowed to permeate selective molecules to the cells or tissue and be biodegradative. This kind of scaffold preparation and how they are employed in cardiac tissue engineering treatment were also discussed in this chapter.

Conductive nanobiomaterials (CNBs) have gained significant attention in the discipline of biomedicine due to their distinctive electrical and mechanical characteristics. These materials are superior to conventional materials in many ways, and they offer tremendous possibilities in a series of biomedical applications. The several types of CNBs, comprising metallic, carbon-based, and organic materials, as well as their characteristics and manufacturing processes, have been covered in this review. In addition, we have emphasized the application of CNBs in biosensors, drug transport, and regenerative medicine, demonstrating their potential for advancing medical therapies, diagnostics, and tissue engineering. CNBs offer an extremely adaptable system for the development of advanced biomedical devices and therapies, and future research will undoubtedly unveil even more opportunities for their use in biomedicine.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing health issue, all over the world (~8.5%) 422 million in 2014. Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels and is one of the top five causes of mortality. The main reason of hyperglycemia-induced diabetic problems is an increased level of oxidative stress and the low levels of metal ions, particularly zinc. Zinc (Zn) is a vital trace element that acts as homeostasis Process in the human body. Indeed, zinc an essential micronutrient is associated with more than 300 metalloenzymes, and it plays a crucial role in various biological processes involving glucose metabolism. There is a correlation between the levels of zinc and diabetes-related diseases. The herbal plant extracts have been used successfully in extracellular biosynthesis of metal oxides nanoparticles in therapeutic applications in diabetes. This chapter explained the role of zinc and zinc oxide nanoparticles in the management of diabetes. Moreover, the focus is on the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from various sources, zinc and diabetes, the pathophysiology of zinc and diabetes, the correlation between zinc, insulin, diabetes, and zinc in diabetes associated with diseased conditions.

Cells grow and organize themselves on nanobiomaterials scaffolds that provide a supportive structure. In dental procedures such as periodontal regeneration, they create a conducive environment for tissue regeneration. By applying these materials to damaged oral tissues, cells adhere, multiply, and differentiate, improving tissue regeneration.

Heavy metal poisoning of water is one of the major environmental issues with serious health risks. Heavy metals are significant inorganic pollutants due to their toxicity and availability in water. Effective removal of metal ions from contaminated water bodies has grown to be a critical task in the modern era, even though metal ions are supplied to water streams at amounts far higher than the authorized limits. The bulk of heavy metals can enter live animals through the food chain and are hazardous even at very low amounts. They can build up in the cells and tissues of living animals and cause major complications. The fast-escalating environmental deterioration brought on by solid wastes because of ongoing industrialization is another serious environmental problem. The geology and hydrogeology of the intake area, the water treatment techniques used, and the chemical composition and characteristics of WTRs, which vary due to the wide range in the type and chemical composition of raw water.

Current advanced energy technologies are continuously developing and searching the novel sustainable nanomaterials. Green nanocomposites combine exclusive properties of sustainable polymers, nanoparticles, and nanomaterials. Green or environmental nanomaterials have advantages of inexpensiveness, light weightiness, environmentally friendliness, and competence for energy related technical applications. Ecological, biodegradable, and sustainable nanocomposites have been applied in number of energy devices including the fuel cells, batteries, light-emitting diodes, etc. Among all energy storage devices, supercapacitors have been acknowledged as the record competent charge and energy-storing systems. Therefore, the main focus of this chapter is to highlight the energy storage application of the green nanocomposites particularly focusing the supercapacitors. This episode initially covers the fundamentals of green sustainable nanocomposites. Subsequently, the energy storage connected solicitations of the eco–nanocomposites have been stated. Consequently, the developments of the multi-functional high-performance supercapacitors based on the ecological nanocomposites have been debated. Additionally, the challenges and forthcoming forecasts of the sustainable nanocomposites toward energy storage devices were deliberated.

Low-cost spin coating of p-type silicon substrates enables the fabrication of dye brilliant green (BG)-based devices. In order to achieve the front gold contact, BG thin film is deposited at high vacuum conditions. Various light intensities at room temperature are used to measure current and voltage in the dark. Electrical parameters of BG-based devices are extracted from experimental data, and they describe non-ideal diode behaviors. Using Cheung and Norde approximations and the thermionic emission theory, appropriate electrical parameters are calculated, including ideality factor (n), barrier height (Φ_b), series resistance (R_S), open-circuit voltage (V_OC), short-circuit current (I/_SC), and interface state density (D_it). Various characteristics of the Au/BG/p–Si/Al heterostructure are discussed at room and dark temperatures, including capacitance–voltage (C–V) and conductance–voltage (G–V). Further, the dark and illumination modes of operation of the diodes are influenced by resistance series and interface states.

Energy fuels human progress, which is essential for all universal processes. The sun is Earth’s primary energy source. High energy consumption, mainly from fossil fuels, has led to environmental issues. Growing technology demands sustainable energy solutions. The pursuit of renewable energy is urgent, driving innovations in energy storage. This chapter focuses on advancing electrical energy storage, including batteries, capacitors, and more, to meet future needs. Energy can be transformed, not stored indefinitely. Experts work on efficient energy storage for easy conversion to electricity. Storage involves internal, potential, or kinetic energy, managed through charging, storing, and discharging in energy storage systems. ESS types are: thermal, electrical, mechanical, and chemical. Advanced ESS offers quick dispatch and more extended backup. The comparison includes power, energy, discharge duration, output, cycle life, and efficiency. Effective ESS accelerates global energy transition, reducing fossil fuel reliance. Cutting-edge research is reshaping the landscape of rechargeable batteries. Focus areas encompass comprehending battery interfaces, self-healing battery technologies, monitoring battery health, refining manufacturing processes, and enhancing battery recyclability. These breakthroughs hold immense significance for applications ranging from electric vehicles and drones to biomedical devices. Thermal energy storage (TES) reduces reliance on conventional thermal energy through optimized storage. Supercapacitors offer high-power storage for electronics, while SMES offers lossless energy storage. Chemical energy storage uses bonds and electrolysis for sustainability. Fuel cells convert chemical energy to electricity using electrolytes, anodes, and cathodes. Stacking cells boost power, categorized by electrolyte and fuel types. This overview encapsulates these strides, underscoring their capacity to revolutionize industries and advance sustainable energy solutions.

E-waste, also referred to as electronic waste, is a term used to describe discarded or obsolete electronic devices and equipment. It includes a wide range of electronic items such as computers, laptops, smartphones, televisions, printers, cameras, and other consumer electronics. E-waste also encompasses electronic components, circuit boards, cables, and accessories. The proliferation of technology and rapid advancement in electronic devices has led to a significant surge in global e-waste production. The constant evolution of electronic products, driven by technological progress, results in their frequent replacement, raising valid environmental concerns. The management and disposal of e-waste pose substantial environmental and health hazards. Hazardous elements like lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and several others are present in various electronic devices. These hazardous components can leach into the soil, water, and air when e-waste is discarded in landfills or incinerated, causing ecological harm and posing risks to public health. In response to these challenges, numerous countries have enacted regulations and initiatives to foster responsible e-waste management. The core pillars of effective e-waste management involve recycling and proper disposal. Recycling processes for electronic devices encompass the recovery of valuable metals (such as gold, silver, and copper), polymers, and glass. These actions are pivotal in ensuring efficient e-waste management, mitigating environmental impact, and promoting sustainable practices. The extraction and processing of raw materials can be minimized by using these resources in the production of new electrical devices.

Additionally, some organizations and manufacturers have established e-waste collection programs and take-back initiatives to ensure the safe disposal of electronic devices. These initiatives strive to avert the deposition of e-waste in landfills and the illicit exportation of such waste to developing nations with lenient environmental standards. Additionally, endeavors are underway to enhance public consciousness regarding the significance of e-waste recycling, alongside advocating for the creation of electronic products characterized by prolonged usability and simplified recyclability. This includes encouraging manufacturers to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as using fewer hazardous materials, designing products for easy disassembly and recycling, and providing repair options to extend the lifespan of electronic devices. In conclusion, e-waste refers to discarded electronic devices and equipment. Proper management, recycling, and responsible disposal of e-waste are crucial to minimize environmental damage and health risks associated with hazardous materials present in electronic devices. The notion of a circular economy presents a hopeful blueprint for tackling these predicaments and advocating for sustainable methodologies. Within this context, this chapter delves into the interconnection between e-waste and the circular economy, accentuating the conceivable advantages and pivotal factors entailed in executing a circular strategy for the management of electronic waste.

The LiCoO₂ powder was synthesized using a simple co-precipitation process in order to create thin films. After annealing the ITO substrate to 200 °C, this powder was deposited on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate using the electron beam evaporation technique (E-beam). The structure and morphology of the LiCoO₂ thin film formed on an ITO substrate were examined using structural, scanning electron microscopy with EDAX analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The performance of the LiCoO₂ thin film was calculated and plotted extensively for cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies. Therefore, the prepared LiCoO₂ thin film was found to be suitable for cyclic voltammetry studies and their findings are reported in detail here.

Efforts must be made to develop cleaner and more sustainable energy conversion systems in response to the exhaustion of fossil fuels and the resulting ecological problems. Supercapacitors and batteries have become essential for maintaining a continuous and balanced power supply in the face of limitations of these new energy sources, such as their time and location limitations. A novel electrode material is being explored by researchers to overcome these challenges. In an advanced technique, conductive carbon matrix is incorporated with electrochemically active oxide metals to form an electrode hybrid. Li-ion batteries (LIB) and supercapacitors have already demonstrated significant electrical performance improvements using metal oxide/graphene composites despite being relatively new research fields. Aside from amplified capacity/capacitance, enhanced rate capabilities, and improved cycling stability, these improvements also make it possible for the device to deliver higher energy and power densities. Energy storage technologies have been revolutionized because of graphene’s remarkable properties, and further research is being undertaken in this area because of its potential.

Environmental pollution and water scarcity are major challenges facing humanity. One promising approach for addressing these challenges is photocatalysis, a technology that uses semiconducting materials to harness sunlight and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can break down pollutants in water and air. Photocatalysis is a process in which a photocatalyst is activated by light and initiates a chemical reaction that leads to the degradation of organic pollutants, microorganisms, and inorganic contaminants. One of the major advantages of photocatalysis is that it does not produce any secondary pollutants, making it an eco-friendly technology. Additionally, the use of renewable energy sources such as sunlight as a source of energy for photocatalysis can significantly reduce the operating costs of the process. Furthermore, photocatalysis is a versatile technology that can be used for the treatment of various types of pollutants, including organic compounds, heavy metals, and pathogens. Photocatalysis has been thoroughly researched in the field of water treatment for the removal of organic contaminants, water disinfection, and the removal of heavy metals. The use of photocatalysis for water treatment has several advantages over conventional water treatment methods such as activated carbon adsorption, reverse osmosis, and chlorination. For instance, photocatalysis can achieve higher removal efficiencies for certain pollutants, and it can be used to treat a wide range of pollutants simultaneously.

The use of biofuel like hydrogen instead of fossil fuel in various sectors such as vehicle transport, electricity generation, running industries, and powering homes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. At present form, the costs of producing biofuel are relatively higher than fossil fuels. The contributions from worldwide researchers in the experimental study of hydrogen production by various routes are essential which may help in designing the reactors for generating the hydrogen with less cost and optimizing the experimental conditions. This chapter initially discusses about the bad effects of greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels and the importance of renewable hydrogen energies toward the hydrogen era in the introduction section. The hydrogen extraction techniques from the leftover biowaste materials into hydrogen production through biological (fermentation, biophotolysis, and microbial electrochemical cells) and thermochemical routes (gasification, pyrolysis, and high-pressure aqueous) have been discussed in a separate section. Few portions of this chapter summarize the analysis results of recently published articles focused on the title of “H” generations from the various biowaste, or leftover living cells derived biomass and microorganism biomass sources. The information such as types of techniques (biological and thermochemical routes), substrates, and inoculum used, hydrogen production rate, and new advancements and achievements done by the various worldwide researchers are summarized in Table. From the summarization results of the table, it is revealed that most of worldwide researchers have used fermentation techniques for hydrogen generation. The biowastes such as agricultural residues, food waste, and wastewater were used as a main source for the hydrogen generations by worldwide researchers.

Biomass in general can be defined as the organic matters which are produced by the plants of both the terrestrial and aquatic means. Due to the chemical reaction by the bioactive microorganisms, the huge mass of the wastes generated in the environment has been processed into biomass wastes. Being the source of power biomass plays a vital role in the field of the energy sector. The whole world is looking for an alternative way of producing energy from sources that are available as raw materials to generate different forms of energy. According to a recent study, fossil fuels will get depleted in a few decades due to overconsumption, and also a lot of practical difficulties are there in the case of nuclear-based energy sources. All over the world millions and trillion tons of waste are generated per day from various fields including agricultural waste, food waste, industrial waste, wastes produced from forests, animal waste, poultry droppings, sewage waste, etc. All these wastes can be utilized into useful energy using different conversion technologies including fermentation, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, combustion, transesterification, gasification, thermochemical conversion, etc. In this chapter, the waste generated from biomass and the process involved in the conversion of biomass into useful energy are depicted. Also, the by-products generated from biomass, like biodiesel, biogas, and other products and their role as a biofuel are discussed.

Nanotechnology is a fast-developing area with huge potential in many human-serving industries. Nanomaterials created and produced using the aid of nanoscale have a wide range of uses including farming and health care. The utilization of nanomaterials in agriculture helps in managing the climatic conditions. Nanofertilizers and nanopesticides support in improving the yield of crops and they are safe. Considering a focus on a range of food, agricultural, and ecological issues, nanosensors are precise, efficient, and economical. The application of cutting-edge nanotechnological techniques in crop phytonanotechnology is crucial for ensuring more secure and consistent cultivation of food. In the field of medicine, nanotechnology helps in diagnosing and treating many diseases. By using nanovaccine, bacterial, viral infections, and malaria can be treated. Compared with other kinds of nanoparticles, the nanosponges are harmless and sustainable at higher degrees. By altering treatment intake, lowering digestion, extending their biological lifespan, and lowering toxic effects, nanoliposomes are being utilized to increase the therapeutic value of new or old pharmaceuticals. Hence, the usage of nanotechnology in agriculture helps in increasing the yield of crops, whereas in medicine it helps to treat various diseases.

In the chapter, the adverse effects of nanomaterials, nanotechnology in seed germination, plant growth, crop yield, and increased crop production are focused. The existing situation in the world is the rapid growth of population leads to the demand for agriculture-related products. Due to the overconsumption of natural resources, food products, and other essential items needs an interesting factor. Internal and external factors like water, salinity, drought, temperature, mineral and salt stress, nutrition availability of the soil source, nutrition inside the seeds, seed dormancy, and harmonic response to the external stimuli decide the germination and growth factor of any crop. Many reports revealed the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers has improved crop production and as well as yield. Nowadays, innovation in science and technology urges the research community to implement it in the field of crops to achieve maximum yield. In this connection, nanoparticles including metal nanoparticles, metal oxides, nanocomposites, nanorods, nanofibers, quantum dots, and CNTS have been used as a nanofertilizer, and there is a tremendous increase in crop production. Also, nanotechnology can be used as a nano–biosensor, and nanopesticide in preventing disease, crop protection, and other related issues. This chapter mainly focuses on the technologies that are used for seed priming for efficient seed germination, methods of incorporating nanotechnology into the plant such as soil amendment, foliar application, and stem injection have been discussed. Also, the efficacy of various NPs and post-harvest methods is discussed in detail.