Preface

The sonochemistry method is preferred in different application areas (biomedical, textile, dye, and environmental) to prepare nano-sized materials. This book, Sonochemical Reactions, comprises eight chapters that provide an overview to the definition of the sonochemical method and applications areas (biotechnolgical, food, environmental).

The aim of the sonochemical process is to produce high energy to uniformly disperse a solution. In the ultrasound-assited method, the formation, growth, and explosive collapse of bubbles in a liquid occurs due to acoustic cavitation. This method is known as green synthesis in the production of small sized materials.

Recently, in the preparation of nanostructures, the sonochemical method has been preferred because it is economical, simple, and does not require high temperature and energy. Occupational health and safety, economy, and time are the most important factors in the synthesis of superior nanostructures. In the sonochemical method, in the case of cavitation, intense heating (5000°C) and pressure (500 atm) exposure of the bubbles occurs in a short time period (microseconds).

It is emphasized in this book that aqueous systems modified by ultrasonic irradiation behave differently according to their physical and chemical properties.

The sonochemical degradation of chemicals was investigated in various environmental samples (sea water, urban runoff, and domestic wastewater) as well as in model solutions (pure and salt water).

The synthesis of different nanostructures such as polymeric nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles were exemplified in detail in this book. The role of sonochemistry in the synthesis of graphene-based nanosheets, which are a trend material in recent days, is explained.

With the support of the authors of this book, this book has added a new critical value to different fields such as ultrasonic assisted adsorption and food application.

We sincerely thank our authors who have contributed with experience and knowledge to this book. Especially, our thanks go to Haydar Düven, Serife Düven, Alpaslan Düven, and the editorial team from IntechOpen Publishing for their assistance in preparing this book.

**Selcan Karakuş**

Assistant Professor, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Istanbul, Turkey

Section 1
