Smart nanomaterials with controlled properties: from rational synthesis to sustainable application

Abstract

The presentation Smart Nanomaterials with Controlled Properties: From Rational Synthesis to Sustainable Application” offered a comprehensive overview of the design, development, and application of advanced nanomaterials capable of exhibiting tunable properties to address challenges in sectors such as energy, health, environment, and manufacturing. The speaker emphasized the importance of rational synthesis—an approach based on a deep understanding of material structure, surface chemistry, and physicochemical dynamics—as the foundation for creating functional systems with optimized performance.

One of the central themes of the presentation was the explanation of how precise control over the size, morphology, crystallinity, and chemical composition of nanomaterials enables the adjustment of key characteristics such as conductivity, reactivity, thermal stability, and response to external stimuli. Rodrigues illustrated how these developments enable the creation of smart materials capable of selectively interacting with their surroundings, making possible applications in green catalysis, advanced sensors, controlled drug delivery, and more efficient energy technologies.

The presentation also addressed the challenges associated with scaling and the sustainable implementation of these materials, including synthetic reproducibility, production costs, reduction of environmental impact, and the need to integrate green chemistry principles throughout the entire life cycle. Additionally, it highlighted how micro- and nanoengineering oriented toward sustainability constitutes a strategic axis for driving cleaner technological solutions, minimizing waste, and promoting responsible industrial development grounded in advanced science.