Specific Surface Area Versus Adsorptive Capacity: an Application View of 3D Graphene-Based Materials for the Removal of Emerging Water Pollutants

Three-dimensional graphene-based materials have emerged as adsorbents for various contaminants. This property is usually attributed to its high surface area. However, studies showing a positive correlation between surface area versus adsorptive capacity are not found in the literature. This review summarizes recent studies involving different types of adsorbents based on 3D graphene (including pure 3D graphene and composites) from the angle of experimental parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, and initial concentration. A particular focus is given to the correlation of their adsorption efficiency characteristics from the specific surface area, demonstrating that this parameter is not essential to obtaining good adsorption results. Furthermore, we will discuss their applications in removing various emerging pollutants from water (drugs, pesticides, hydrocarbons, organic solvents, endocrine disruptors), oils, dyes, and heavy metal ions, correlating fundamental properties of 3D materials with their efficiency. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of 3D graphene-based materials will be pointed out. Hopefully, this review will help design efficient 3D graphene adsorbents for pollutant removal.

Automated summary

Three-dimensional graphene-based materials are effective adsorbents for various contaminants, despite the lack of a positive correlation between surface area and adsorptive capacity. This review summarizes recent studies on different types of adsorbents based on three-dimensional graphene, emphasizing the role of experimental parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, and initial concentration. The review also discusses the applications of these materials in removing emerging pollutants and identifies the challenges and prospects of three-dimensional graphene-based materials.