Making Nanofabrication Greener: Harnessing the Power of Bottom-up Methodologies

The interest in nanostructured materials is expanding across many fields of research and technology due to their unique properties, including high surface area, versatile chemical functionalization, and distinct magnetic, electrical, optical, and catalytic characteristics compared to their bulk counterparts. As a result, nanostructured materials find utility in a wide range of fields, including sensing, medicine, and energy storage. However, the fabrication of these nanostructures presents challenges that intersect with the goals of sustainable development. Thus, traditional nanofabrication techniques, often involve hazardous chemicals, high energy consumption, and generate significant waste. Additionally, their scalability is often limited. Addressing these challenges requires the development of greener fabrication processes that minimize environmental harm and energy usage, as well as the integration of sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle of nanostructured materials. In this regard, bottom-up approaches, and in particular colloids, biomolecules, and block copolymers, offer promising solutions. These versatile materials can self-assemble into precise nanostructures with minimal energy input, reducing environmental impact. Finally, innovations involving to the usage of bio-based building blocks have put the focus not only on addressing the environmental footprint of nanostructure fabrication but also on promoting the use of renewable resources and enhancing their recycling.