Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Carbon Capture and Clean Energy Applications

Authors

• Ranjana Rayaraddi, Department of Physics, RNS Institute of Technology (RNSIT), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India AND International and Interuniversity Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IIUCNN), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India 686560Follow
• Sathyabama Balaji, Department of Physics, SSN Research Centre, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603110, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• Blessy Babukutty, International and Interuniversity Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IIUCNN), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India 686560
• Mahendra Kolya, Department of Physics, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, (Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi), Bengaluru 560054, India
• Sunil Meti, Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, India
• Sabu Thomas, International and Interuniversity Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IIUCNN), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India 686560, School of Energy Materials, School of Polymer Science and Technology, School of Chemical Science, Doornfontein, 2028 Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028 Johannesburg, South Africa, TrEST Research Park, TC-4/2322, GEM Building, Opposite College of Engineering Trivandrum, Kulathoor Rd, Sreekariyam, Trivandrum, Kerala 695016, India, Department of Physics & Electronics, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; AND Polymer and Process Engineering, IIT Roorkee, IndiaFollow

Abstract

The rapid increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and the growing global energy demand have intensified the search for sustainable carbon mitigation and clean energy solutions. Nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for carbon capture, energy conversion, and storage technologies due to their high surface area, tunable physicochemical properties, and superior catalytic performance. However, conventional nanomaterial synthesis routes often involve toxic chemicals, harsh reaction conditions, and high energy consumption, limiting their environmental sustainability. In this context, green synthesis of nanomaterials has gained significant attention as an eco-friendly alternative that aligns with the principles of green chemistry. This review presents a comprehensive and critical overview of green synthesis strategies for nanomaterials and their applications in carbon capture and clean energy technologies. Biological, green chemical, and low-energy physical synthesis routes are discussed, along with classification of green-synthesized nanomaterials including metal, metal oxide, carbon-based, and biopolymer-based nanocomposites. The role of these materials in CO2 adsorption, carbon capture and storage (CCS), CO2 conversion, solar energy conversion, energy storage, and hydrogen energy systems is systematically analyzed. Environmental impact, toxicity concerns, life-cycle sustainability, and scalability challenges are critically evaluated. Finally, future research directions and technological opportunities are highlighted, emphasizing the potential of green nanotechnology in achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable energy transitions.

Recommended Citation

Rayaraddi, Ranjana; Balaji, Sathyabama; Babukutty, Blessy; Kolya, Mahendra; Meti, Sunil; and Thomas, Sabu (2026) Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Carbon Capture and Clean Energy Applications, Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science: Vol. 31: Iss. 2, 177-186.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53539/2414-536X.1439
Available at: https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/9