An overview on atmospheric carbonaceous particulate matter into carbon nanomaterials: A new approach for air pollution mitigation.

Air pollutants consisting of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) poses a major threat to the environment and human health. However, due to their carbonaceous nature, these atmospheric PM can also be used as a precursor for fabrication of high-valued carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) leading to waste to wealth as well as mitigation of air pollution. Over the few years, various results have been reported on different types of physical and chemical methods for the synthesis of CNMs from atmospheric particulate matter with the help of top down and bottom up methods; however, there is a lack of review on these innovative processes and outcome in order to assess their feasibility and suitability for further investigation. This review critically assesses the synthesis, identification, and characterization of different types of CNMs derived from the atmospheric PM. The fascinating fluorescence properties along with the novel multifarious applications of such PM-derived CNMs are also extensively discussed in this review work. This unique review will certainly help to make a new avenue for air pollution mitigation through conversion of PMs in to value added nanomaterials (VNMs) and will boost the research activity in the field of environmental nanotechnology for a cleaner environment. [Display omitted] • For the first time, the chemistry of atmospheric particulate matter and carbon nanomaterials is reviewed. • PM-derived carbon dots consist of graphitic core and an amorphous shell having the average size <10 nm. • The nanostructure of PM-derived fullerene reported to be short- and irregular-shaped layers of carbon. • A new approach for air pollution mitigation is also critically reviewed and demonstrated with future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]