Nanomaterials: Engineering the Next Generation of Future sustainable Construction

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the revolutionary potential of nanoparticles in sustainable construction while also addressing significant financial and regulatory barriers to their widespread use. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes a bibliometric analysis of 550 peer-reviewed studies (2010–2024) and five international case studies, we develop significant insights into the performance-cost gap. Our findings demonstrate that advanced nanomaterials, such as graphene composites, can reduce structural weight by 20–30%, while self-healing concrete significantly reduces fracture propagation by 60–80% (Young’s modulus >1 TPa). Furthermore, we estimate that lifecycle CO₂ savings, as exemplified by projects like the perovskite panels on the Burj Khalifa, range between 25 and 35%. Notwithstanding these noteworthy benefits, nanomaterials continue to encounter fragmented regulatory frameworks, scalability problems, including the aggregation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and production costs that are 20–40% higher. To overcome these challenges, we propose a framework of strategies that includes global standardization, targeted subsidies with a target of 40% cost reduction by 2030, and the integration of nanotechnology into educational programs. This study emphasizes the crucial role that nanomaterials play in enabling robust, net-zero architecture and urges greater collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers with the objective of creating a $200 billion market by 2030. Graphene-enhanced concrete for 3D printing and cutting-edge research on advanced CNT applications are combined in this study to provide a robust, evidence-based roadmap for sustainable urban development.