Nanoclays: Structure, Functionalization, Applications, and Future Perspectives in Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Technologies
نویسندگان
1 College of Agriculture, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
2 College of Agriculture, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
3 College of Al-Mussaib Technical, University of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical, Iraq
4 Al-Qasim Green University, Iraq
doi
10.22052/JNS.2026.01.050چکیده
Lately, there’s been a growing global interest in nanoclays, which are essentially naturally layered silicate minerals. This attention is largely due to their unique chemical, physical, and even biological properties, not to mention their very large specific surface area. Because of their high aspect ratio and all that surface area, it’s easier to modify their interfaces, which in turn helps improve things like soils and nutrient media. This review looks at some of the key clay minerals that are active in soil—think montmorillonite, hectorite, and kaolinite. We’ll also go over some of the common ways their surfaces are modified to make them more compatible with different organic and mineral substances. From there, the discussion broadens to the wide range of industrial uses for these nanoclays, especially in agriculture. This includes everything from polymer nanocomposites and protective coatings to drug delivery, cleaning up environmental messes, creating flame-resistant materials, and even new packaging technologies. We’ll also touch on recent progress in nanoclay research, with a particular focus on new developments in bio-nanomaterials and materials that respond to specific stimuli. Of course, there are still challenges to deal with, like getting the particles to disperse evenly, improving their surface interactions, and making sure they’re environmentally safe. This work considers some potential strategies for tackling these issues to meet sustainability goals. Finally, this investigation wraps up by outlining where the field might be headed next. We’re seeing emerging trends in nanoscience, like the design of multifunctional nanoclays and their integration into smart materials. These developments point to some really promising avenues for future scientific research and could lead to even more industrial applications in both agriculture and environmental management.