The rapid advances in the synthesis techniques for nanomaterials over the past two decades have led to emerging nanostructures. Considerable progress has been made in synthesizing nanomaterials of controlled size, morphology, and composition. Recent efforts are directed towards building sophisticated self-assembly nanostructures, biohybrid inorganic nanostructures integrating biological and inorganic nanomaterials, multifunctional nanohybrids with combinations of carbonaceous and metallic nanomaterials, and biomimetic nanomaterials. These smart nanomaterials essentially have the advantage of combining the functions of component materials to achieve specific desirable properties. The complex nanoarchitectures offer immense possibilities from the environmental perspective. Most research to date have been focused on the risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials. However, studies on environmental application of these advanced nanostructures are relatively new and growing. This special issue aims to bridge the gap in understanding smart nanomaterials at the environmental interfaces. It is devoted to the environmental perspectives and potential of emerging nanomaterials, nanohybrids, and nanocomposites.

This issue covers a wide range of topics in environmental interactions of smart nanomaterials. The recent progress made in the synthesis of new nanostructures such as bio-hybrid nanomaterials will be captured in this special issue. Papers describing new characterization methods for analysis of complex nanostructures are also invited. Finally, particular emphasis is laid on advances in application of these nanomaterials for environmental remediation and catalysis. An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the synthesis, characterization, and environmental application of complex nanostructures can lead to new technologies for environmental applications. We hope to attract articles describing this current state of the art.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Synthesis of smart nanomaterials for environmental applications, e.g., biohybrid inorganic nanostructures, carbon-carbon or carbon-metal nanohybrids, self-assembly nanoarchitectures, polymeric materials, and magnetic nanoparticles
• Emerging metrology for complex nanostructures
• Smart nanomaterials for environmental catalysis and photocatalysis
• Smart nanomaterials for membrane based air and water treatment
• Smart nanomaterials for pollutant adsorption
• Emerging environmental application of nanomaterials