This invention relates to high surface area materials, such as nanoparticles,that are coated with metal ions. These modified nanoparticles have activesites that bind various gases and/or odorous compounds, thereby removing thesecompounds from a medium such as air or water. Metal ions are adsorbed onto thesurface of the nanoparticle and bound strongly to the surface. By selection ofthe metal ion, specific gaseous compounds and/or odorous compounds can betargeted and removed efficiently and effectively from both aqueous phase andfrom the air. The modified nanoparticles are useful in numerous article ofmanufacture for industrial and consumer use.
