Ionanofluids for Environmental Remediation

Ionanofluid is a novel class of advanced nanofluids. In this nanofluid, ionic liquids (ILs) are used as base fluids with dispersed nanoparticles to create multifunctional systems possessing unique thermal, electrical, and chemical properties. By combining the inherent advantages of ionic liquids, such as negligible volatility, high thermal stability, and tunable physicochemical behavior, with the surface reactivity and catalytic functionality of nanoparticles, ionanofluids offer transformative potential in environmental remediation. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of ionanofluids, beginning with the fundamental properties of ionic liquids and their interactions with nanomaterials. Key physicochemical characteristics, including thermal and electrical conductivity, viscosity, and stability, are discussed with emphasis on their role in pollutant removal. Special focus is given to applications in water and wastewater treatment, soil and sediment remediation, and air pollution control, where ionanofluids have demonstrated efficient removal of heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and greenhouse gases such as https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> CO 2 https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href=" https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781003628071/4cf83c91-4355-4be6-ba21-1579c8f56e0b/content/ieq0069.tif "/> . Mechanistic insights into adsorption, ion exchange, photocatalysis, and redox transformations highlight their multifunctionality. Challenges, including synthesis cost, scalability, and environmental safety, are critically analyzed, along with emerging strategies such as green ionic liquids, hybrid functionalized systems, and life cycle assessment frameworks. By bridging materials science with environmental engineering, ionanofluids are positioned as next-generation sustainable solutions for pollution control and resource recovery. This chapter underscores their promise while outlining future research directions toward industrial implementation and environmentally responsible deployment.