A comprehensive review of applications of magnetic graphene oxide based nanocomposites for sustainable water purification

With the rapid growth of industrialization, water bodies are polluted with heavy metals and toxic pollutants. In pursuit of removal of toxic pollutants from the aqueous environment, researchers have been developed many techniques. Among these techniques, magnetic separation has caught research attention, as this approach has shown excellent performance in the removal of toxic pollutants from aqueous solutions. However, magnetic graphene oxide based nanocomposites (MGO) possess unique physicochemical properties including excellent magnetic characteristics, high specific surface area, surface active sites, high chemical stability, tunable shape and size, and the ease with which they can be modified or functionalized. As results of their multi-functional properties, affordability, and magnetic separation capability, MGO's have been widely used in the removal of heavy metals, radionuclides and organic dyes from the aqueous environment, and are currently attracting much attention. This paper provides insights into preparation strategies and approaches of MGO's utilization for the removal of pollutants for sustainable water purification. It also reviews the preparation of magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposites and primary characterization instruments required for the evaluation of structural, chemical and physical functionalities of synthesized magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposites. Finally, we summarized some research challenges to accelerate the synthesized MGO's as adsorbents for the treatment of water pollutants such as toxic and radioactive metal ions and organic and agricultural pollutants.