Recent advances in carbon-based nanomaterials for the treatment of toxic inorganic pollutants in wastewater

Abstract

Wastewater contains inorganic pollutants, generated by industrial and domestic sources, such as heavy metals, antibiotics, and chemical pesticides, and these pollutants cause many environmental problems. Carbon-based nanomaterials can easily and effectively remove environmental pollutants from wastewater via adsorption and photocatalytic reactions. Nanotechnology, for example nanomaterials, nanoadsorbents, and nanomembranes, is an emerging technology that is used to treat many inorganic pollutants in wastewater. Carbon nanotubes, carbon-based quantum dots, fullerenes, graphene and its derivatives, graphene oxide, nanoparticles, and nanodiamonds are examples of carbon-based nanomaterials. Graphene and its derivatives and carbon-based nanomaterials have been the main focus for the treatment and removal of industrial and organic waste from wastewater. The effects on human health and the environment are reduced by the use of carbon-based nanomaterials and nanoparticles. In this paper, the removal of heavy metals and inorganic pollutants from wastewater using adsorption methods are summarized. The challenges, environmental effects, uses of nanomaterials and pollutant removal efficiency are explained in this review. In addition, industrial and nanotechnology applications are discussed. Further, the nanoadsorption process and the Fenton reaction are highlighted. Future perspectives to enhance the usage of carbon-based nanomaterials and increase their removal efficiencies are also discussed.