Nanomaterials Assessment Tool (NAT): A novel open-access framework for performance and sustainability evaluation

Abstract Nanotechnology is the field of science that has achieved remarkable advances over the past few decades, enabling significant developments in biomedical, chemical, and environmental applications. The rapid expansion of nanomaterial research has led to the synthesis of a wide variety of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials with exceptional functional properties. However, alongside performance optimization, increasing attention is being directed toward the sustainability, environmental impact, and greenness of nanomaterial synthesis routes. Despite this growing concern, a standardized and user-friendly tool for simultaneously evaluating nanomaterial performance and green synthesis conditions is still lacking. In this work, we introduce the Nanomaterials Assessment Tool (NAT), a novel, open-access software, available at https://nattool.az3093.info/NanoTool, It is designed to systematically assess nanomaterials based on both their functional performance and the extent of greenness in their synthesis processes. NAT evaluates four main aspects: the nature of materials and reagents used, the sustainability of synthesis conditions, the properties of the synthesized nanomaterial, and its applicability. The tool consists of sixteen carefully designed evaluation questions with a quantitative scoring system with a maximum total score of 100 supported by visual illustrations. By providing a standardized assessment framework, NAT aims to encourage researchers to adopt green precursors, optimize eco-friendly synthesis strategies, and minimize environmental impact without compromising material performance. The tool is applicable to a wide range of nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, carbon-based nanomaterials, nanozymes, metal–organic frameworks, and nanocomposites. - Green Analytical Chemistry

17 - May - 2026