Graphene-based materials for adsorptive removal of pollutants from water and underlying interaction mechanism

Graphene-based materials have received much attention as attractive candidates for the adsorptive removal of pollutants from water due to their large surface area and diverse active sites for adsorption. The design of graphene-based adsorbents for target pollutants is based on the underlying adsorption mechanisms. Understanding the adsorption performance of graphene-based materials and its correlation to the interaction mechanisms between the pollutants and adsorbents is crucial to the further development of graphene-based functional materials and their practical applications. This review summarizes recent advances on the development of graphene-based materials for the adsorption of heavy metal ions, dyes, and oils, and the co-adsorption of their mixture from water. The material design, performance, regeneration and reuse of adsorbents, and the associated adsorption mechanisms are discussed. Various techniques for mechanistic studies of the adsorption of heavy metal ions, dyes, and oils on graphene-based materials are highlighted. The remaining challenges and perspectives for future development and investigation of graphene-based materials as adsorbents are also presented. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Graphene-based materials are considered ideal candidates for adsorptive removal of water pollutants due to their large surface area and active adsorption sites; the design of adsorbents is based on underlying adsorption mechanisms, and understanding the performance and interaction mechanisms is crucial for future development.