Issue

Vol. 38 No. 8 (2026): Vol 38, Issue 8 (2026)

Copyright (c) 2026 Muskan Gupta, Dr. Ashish Kapoor, Sunita Chauhan, Rahul Mishra

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Metal Oxide Nanotechnology in the Paper Industry: ZnO and TiO2 Nanoparticles for Next-Generation Functional Papers

https://doi.org/10.14233/ajchem.2026.35964
Muskan Gupta
Department of Bio-Chemical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur-208002, India; Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute, Jaipur-302029, India
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3193-397X
Ashish Kapoor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur-208002, India
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4686-394X
Sunita Chauhan
Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute, Jaipur-302029, India
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6870-5662
Rahul Mishra
Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute, Jaipur-302029, India; State Office, Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Jaipur-302004, India
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1691-5785

Corresponding Author(s) : Sunita Chauhan

knhpibiotechlab@gmail.com

Asian Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 38 No. 8 (2026): Vol 38, Issue 8 (2026)

Abstract

The pulp and paper industries are experiencing a transformative shift due to emphasis on enhanced functional performance, desired sustainability and value-added properties. Nanotechnology offers promising opportunities to tackle the existing challenges by strategic incorporation of nanomaterials such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) into paper matrices as viable solutions. This review highlights the potential of these nanomaterials to convert conventional paper sheets into multifunctional smart paper with improved properties such as ultraviolet blocking, antimicrobial activity, enhanced barrier performance and increased mechanical strength. Various processing approaches for incorporating nanoparticles onto paper surfaces are illustrated, considering their environmental and economic advantages. The physico-chemical structures, characteristic properties, process of green synthesis and the interaction mechanisms of both ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles with cellulose fibers are elaborated. A comparative analysis of ZnO and TiO2 NPs is presented herewith to underscore their relative effectiveness in paper-based applications. Furthermore, the existing research gaps and challenges associated with the integration of nanomaterials in the pulp and paper industry are identified. Finally, future prospects are discussed for the development of nanotechnology-enabled sustainable and high-performance paper materials. While previous reviews have discussed nanoparticle functionalised paper systems broadly, a focused consolidation of ZnO and TiO2 based approach remains limited. The present review provides an updated overview of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticle-enabled paper systems highlighting recent advances in green synthesis, nanocomposite integration and multifunctional paper design. It also emphasizes the relationship between material properties, functional performance and processing considerations while providing insight into current progress and future opportunities in sustainable paper technologies.

Keywords

Paper functionalisation Green synthesis ZnO nanoparticles TiO2 nanoparticles Smart paper Cellulose fibers
(1)
Gupta, M.; Kapoor, A.; Chauhan, S.; Mishra, R. Metal Oxide Nanotechnology in the Paper Industry: ZnO and TiO2 Nanoparticles for Next-Generation Functional Papers. ajc 2026, 38, 1967-1977.
Download Citation
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
BibTeX
References
  1. H.H. Gustafson, D. Holt-Casper, D.W. Grainger and H. Ghandehari, Nano Today, 10, 487 (2015); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nantod.2015.06.006
  2. P.J.T. Rocha, R. Moreira, P. Pinto, L. Durães and P.J.T. Ferreira, Prog. Org. Coat., 219, 110360 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2026.110360
  3. P. Porwal, H.R. Taghiyari and A. Husen, in eds.: A. Husen and K.S. Siddiqi, Use of Nanomaterials in the Forest Industry, In: Advances in Smart Nanomaterials and Their Applications., Elsevier, Chap. 20, pp. 469-487 (2023).
  4. A. Khan, S. Malik, N. Ali, M. Bilal, F. Sher, V. Kumar, L.F. Ferreira and H.M.N. Iqbal, in eds. R. Bhat, A.K. Nadda, T.A. Nguyen and S. Sharma, Nano-Driven Processes Toward the Treatment of Paper and Pulp Industrial Effluent: From the View of Resource Recovery and Circular Economy, In: Nanotechnology in Paper and Wood Engineering: Fundamentals, Challenges and Applications, Elsevier, Chap. 20, pp. 471-492 (2022).
  5. Y. Ngo, D. Li, G.P. Simon and G. Garnier, Adv. Colloid Interface Sci., 163, 23 (2011); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2011.01.004
  6. Z. Li, L. Zhai, Y. Ge, Z. Huang, Z. Shi, J. Liu, W. Zhai, J. Liang and H. Zhang, Natl. Sci. Rev., 9, nwab142 (2022); https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwab142
  7. S.V. Kaymaz, H.M. Nobar, H. Sarıgül, C. Soylukan, L. Akyüz and M. Yüce, Adv. Colloid Interface Sci., 322, 103035 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2023.103035
  8. K. Ariga, Materials, 18, 654 (2025); https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030654
  9. A. Kelarakis, Polymers, 16, 1611 (2024); https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111611
  10. K. Al Abdullah, S. Awad, J. Zaraket and C. Salame, Energy Procedia, 119, 565 (2017); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.07.080
  11. H.T. Truong and L.Q. Le, Mater. Technol., 40, 2439832 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1080/10667857.2024.2439832
  12. S. Bhosale, N. Kannor, N. Shinde and N. Sahane, Curr. Catal., 13, e22115447323237 (2024); https://doi.org/10.2174/0122115447323237241016100917
  13. V. R. Lebaka, P. Ravi, M.C. Reddy, C. Thummala and T.K. Mandal, Nanomaterials, 15, 754 (2025); https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15100754
  14. J. Nandhini, K. Elumalai and S. Rajeshkumar, Resour. Chem. Mater., 3, 294 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.recm.2024.05.00
  15. M. Onyszko, A. Markowska-Szczupak, R. Rakoczy, O. Paszkiewicz, J. Janusz, A. Gorgon-Kuza, K. Wenelska and E. Mijowska, Sci. Rep., 12, 1321 (2022); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-05458-7
  16. B.K. Dejene, J. Nat. Fibers, 21, 2311304 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2024.2311304
  17. X. Li, H. Chen, L. Zhang, Z. Wang, S. Wu and J. Ma, J. Colloid Interface Sci., 641, 539 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2023.03.096
  18. R. Irkin and O.K. Esmer, J. Food Sci. Technol., 52, 6095 (2015); https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-1780-9
  19. D. Alqaffaf, A.M. Atoom, R. Abu Huwaij, M.A.H.A. Abusalah, B.T. Alzubi, A. Al-Kaabneh, M.A.H.A. Abusalah and M.A. Sughayer, PLoS One, 21, e0340470 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0340470
  20. B. Aslam, W. Wang, M.I. Arshad, M. Khurshid, S. Muzammil, M.H. Rasool, M.A. Nisar, R.F. Alvi, M.A. Aslam, M.U. Qamar, M.K.F. Salamat and Z. Baloch, Infect. Drug Resist., 11, 1645 (2018); https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S173867
  21. H. Nguyen, J.V. Trujillo-Paez, Y. Umehara, H. Yue, G. Peng, C. Kiatsurayanon, P. Chieosilapatham, P. Song, K. Okumura, H. Ogawa, S. Ikeda and F. Niyonsaba, Int. J. Mol. Sci., 21, 7607 (2020); https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21207607
  22. I. Rabani, S.-H. Lee, H.-S. Kim, J. Yoo, S. Hussain, T. Maqbool and Y.-S. Seo, J. Environ. Chem. Eng., 3, 28 (2015); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105845
  23. R. Alves Junior., H.P.A. Alves, J.M. Cartaxo, A.M. Rodrigues, G.A. Neves and R.R. Menezes, Ceramica, 67, 316 (2021); https://doi.org/10.1590/0366-69132021673833128
  24. A. Abd El-Tawab, A.A.S. El-Hamalawy and A.A. El-Gendy, Int. J. Adv. Res. (Indore), 6, 24 (2018).
  25. F. Alhosani, D. Islayem, S. Almansoori, A. Zaka, L. Nayfeh, A. Rezk, A.F. Yousef, A.M. Pappa and A. Nayfeh, Sci. Rep., 15, 17321 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02372-6
  26. T. Gul, L. Tabassam, A. Basharat, A. Amir, Z. Baqar and M.J. Khan, Braz. J. Microbiol., 55, 3839 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1007/s42770-024-01522-8
  27. M.R. Ahmad, A.A. Ansari, M. Dhayal and R. Lv, Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., 219, 115767 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2025.115767
  28. M. Sasani Ghamsari, S. Alamdari, W. Han and H. Park, Int. J. Nanomedicine, 12, 207 (2016); https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S118637
  29. S. Guo, L. Yang, B. Dai, F. Geng, Z. Yang, P. Lei, P. Wang, G. Gao, J. Han, V. Ralchenko and J. Zhu, Mater. Lett., 216, 88 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2017.12.112
  30. A. Ghosh, R. Sharma, A. Ghule, V.S. Taur, R.A. Joshi, D.J. Desale, Y.G. Gudage, K.M. Jadhav and S.-H. Han, Sens. Actuators B Chem., 146, 69 (2010); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2010.01.044
  31. S. Ni, H. Zhang, P.M. Godwin, H. Dai and H. Xiao, Mater. Lett., 230, 207 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2018.07.075
  32. G. Nabi, Qurat-ul-Aain, N.R. Khalid, M.B. Tahir, M. Rafique, M. Rizwan, S. Hussain, T. Iqbal and A. Majid, J. Inorg. Organomet. Polym. Mater., 28, 1552 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1007/s10904-018-0812-0
  33. Z. Fan and J.G. Lu, J. Nanosci. Nanotech., 5, 1561 (2005); https://doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2005.182
  34. M. Abbas, M. Buntinx, W. Deferme and R. Peeters, Nanomaterials, 9, 1494 (2019); https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9101494
  35. S.-Y. Fu, X.-Q. Feng, B. Lauke and Y.-W. Mai, Composites Part B: Engineering, 39, 933 (2008); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2008.01.002
  36. M. Zheng, P.-L. Wang, S.-W. Zhao, Y.-R. Guo, L. Li, F.-L. Yuan and Q.-J. Pan, Carbohyd. Polym., 195, 525 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.05.016
  37. K.M. Sequeira, L.E. Morinigo, G. Suarez, M.M. Olguin, L.R. Pizzio, F.P. Cometto, G. Bertolini and M.R. Tejerina, Mater. Sci. Eng. B, 321, 118546 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mseb.2025.118546
  38. A.A. Ashale, K.P. Gattu, K. Ghule, V.H. Ingole, S. Dhanayat and R. Sharma, Compos. Part B, 99, 297 (2016); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.06.015
  39. D.A. Tonpe, K.P. Gattu, V.V. Kutwade, S.H. Han, B.R. Sathe and R. Sharma, J. Energy Storage, 81, 110434 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.110434
  40. P.S. Jassal, D. Kaur, R. Prasad and J. Singh, J. Agric. Food Res., 10, 100361 (2022); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2022.100361
  41. R.A. Jawad, L.S. Alhiti, A.A. Sekeb and R.A.A. Alwaahed, J. Environ. Nanotechnol., 15, 509 (2026); https://doi.org/10.13074/jent.2026.03.2612008
  42. U. Diebold, Surf. Sci. Reports, 48, 53 (2003); https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-5729(02)00100-0
  43. X. Chen and S.S. Mao, Chem. Rev., 107, 2891 (2007); https://doi.org/10.1021/cr0500535
  44. S. El-Sherbiny, F. A. Morsy, M. Samir and O.A. Fouad, Appl. Nanosci., 4, 305 (2014); https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-013-0196-y
  45. F.A. Morsy, S. El-Sherbiny, M. Samir and O.A. Fouad, J. Coat. Technol. Res., 13, 239 (2016); https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-015-9735-7
  46. F. Scarpelli, T.F. Mastropietro, T. Poerio and N. Godbert, in Titanium Dioxide- Material for a Sustainable Environment, IntechOpen (2018); https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.74244
  47. S. Islam Sadia, M.K. Hossain Shishir, S. Ahmed, A.R. Aidid, M.M. Islam, M. Masud Rana and S.M. Al-Reza, S. Afr. J. Chem. Eng., 50, 51 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajce.2024.07.005
  48. A.L. da Silva, D. Hotza and R.H.R. Castro, Appl. Surf. Sci., 393, 103 (2016); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2016.09.126
  49. P. Maity, O.F. Mohammed, K. Katsiev and H. Idriss, J. Phys. Chem. C Nanomater. Interfaces, 122, 8925 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b00256
  50. K. Chalastara, F. Guo, S. Elouatik and G.P. Demopoulos, Catalysts, 10, 407 (2020); https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10040407
  51. A. Eshaghi and A. Eshaghi, Thin Solid Films, 520, 1053 (2011); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsf.2011.08.055
  52. G. Žerjav, K. Žižek, J. Zavašnik and A. Pintar, J. Environ. Chem. Eng., 10, 107722 (2022); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2022.107722
  53. S. Liu, D. Tao and H. Bai, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 126, E282 (2012); https://doi.org/10.1002/app.34576
  54. G. Lin, Int. J. Art Innov. Dev., 1, 14 (2020); https://doi.org/10.38007/IJAID.2020.010302
  55. B. Siffert and J.M. Metzger, Colloids Surf., 53, 79 (1991); https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-6622(91)80037-O
  56. L. Yang, Color Res. Appl., 50, 621 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1002/col.22993
  57. X.L. Li, Y.H. Zang, Z.J. Wu and Y. Xu, Adv. Mater. Res., 236, 1367 (2011); https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.236-238.1367
  58. J.C. Roberts, Tappi J., 72, 145 (1989).
  59. J. Alava and H. Paulapuro, Tappi J., 5, 35 (2002).
  60. R. Farnood, in eds.: S.J. I’Anson, Optical Properties of Paper: Theory and Practice, In: Advances in Pulp and Paper Research: Trans. XIVth Fund. Res. Symp., Oxford, U.K.: FRC, pp. 273-352 (2018); https://doi.org/10.15376/frc.2009.1.273
  61. Tania and Mohammad, Heliyon, 10, e37899 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37899
  62. A.W. Morawski, E. Kusiak-Nejman, J. Przepiórski, R. Kordala and J. Pernak, Cellulose, 20, 1293 (2013); https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-013-9906-6
  63. J. Alava and H. Paulapuro, Nordic Pulp Paper Res. J., 16, 404 (2001).
  64. O.O. Oloyede and S. Lignou, Foods, 10, 1035 (2021); https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10051035
  65. T. Diab, Materials, 13, 1326 (2020); https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13061326
  66. S.N. Backer, S.E. Oussadou, I.W. Almanassra, M.K. Mousa, M.A. Atieh and A. Shanableh, Results Eng., 20, 101432 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.101432
  67. B. Stefanov, Coatings, 13, 1568 (2023); https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13091568
  68. J. Wolfart, J.V.S. de Melo, A.L. Manfro, B.S. Barra and R.C. Barbosa, Nanomaterials, 15, 1779 (2025); https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15231779
  69. J.J. Reinosa, P. Leret, C.M. Álvarez-Docio, A. del Campo and J.F. Fernández, Bol. Soc. Esp. Ceram. Vidr., 55, 55 (2016); https://doi.org/10.1016/jj.bsecv.2016.01.04
  70. M. Azizi-Lalabadi, A. Ehsani, B. Divband and M. Alizadeh-Sani, Sci. Rep., 9, 17439 (2019); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-54025-0
  71. A.H. Navidpour, B. Xu, M.B. Ahmed and J.L. Zhou, Mater. Sci. Semicond. Process., 184, 108518 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mssp.2024.108518
  72. A. Balea, A. Blanco, M. Delgado-Aguilar, M.C. Monte, Q. Tarrés, E. Fuente, P. Mutjé and C. Negro, BioResources, 16, 4382 (2021); https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.16.2.Balea
  73. M.A. Hubbe, O.J. Rojas, L.A. Lucia and M. Sain, BioResources, 3, 929 (2008).
  74. L.H. Lee and J.A.W.S. van de Ven, Tappi J., 76, 151 (1993).
  75. N. Doskocz, K. Affek, M. Matczuk, M. Drozd and M. Załęska-Radziwiłł, Desalination Water Treat., 321, 100988 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2025.100988
  76. S. Lekamge, A.S. Ball, R. Shukla and D. Nugegoda, in eds.: P. de Voogt, The Toxicity of Nanoparticles to Organisms in Freshwater, In: Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Springer, Cham., vol 248, pp. 1-80 (2018).
  77. C. Amraoui, A. El Mahi, R. Medimagh and K.K. Khlifi, Curr. Opin. Green Sustain. Chem., 31, 10051 (2021); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2021.100512
  78. H.A.R. Hidayatullah, J.W. Tan, N.S. Jasmi Shah and K.N. Mohd Amin, J. Chem. Eng. Ind. Biotechnol., 10, 25 (2024); https://doi.org/10.15282/jceib.v10i1.10534
  79. W. Perdoch, Z. Cao, P. Florczak, R. Markiewicz, M. Jarek, K. Olejnik and B. Mazela, Molecules, 27, 4696 (2022); https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154696
  80. A. Mazega, Q. Tarrés, R. Aguado, M.À. Pèlach, P. Mutjé, P.J.T. Ferreira and M. Delgado-Aguilar, Nanomaterials, 12, 3675 (2022); https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203675
  81. B.M. Trinh, B.P. Chang and T.H. Mekonnen, Prog. Mater. Sci., 133, 101071 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2023.101071.
  82. Z. Shen, A. Rajabi-Abhari, K. Oh, G. Yang, H.J. Youn and H.L. Lee, Polymers, 13, 1334 (2021); https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13081334
  83. M. Michelin, D.G. Gomes, A. Romaní, M.L.T.M. Polizeli and J.A. Teixeira, Molecules, 25, 3411 (2020); https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25153411
  84. P. Bajpai, Biotechnol. Progr., 15, 147 (1999); https://doi.org/10.1021/bp990013k
  85. R.A. Sheldon, Advan. Synth. Catal., 349, 1289 (2007); https://doi.org/10.1002/adsc.200700082
Read More
Author biographies is not available.
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC
Download
PDF
Statistic
Read Counter : 1 Download : 0
PlumX