Application of zeolite based nanocomposites for wastewater remediation: Evaluating newer and environmentally benign approaches

The presence of heavy metal ions and emerging pollutants in water poses a great risk to various biological ecosystems as a result of their high toxicity. Consequently, devising efficient and environmentally friendly methods to decontaminate these waters is of high interest to many researchers around the world. Among the varied water treatment and desalination means, adsorption and photocatalysis have been widely employed. However, the discussion and analysis of the use of zeolite-based composites as adsorbents are somehow minimal. The porous aluminosilicates (zeolites) are excellent candidates in wastewater treatment owing to various mechanisms of pollutants removal that they possess. The purpose of this review is thus to provide a synopsis of the current developments in the fabrication and application of nanocomposites based on zeolite as adsorbents and photocatalysts for the extraction of heavy metals, dyes and emerging pollutants from wastewaters. The review goes on to look into the effect of weight ratio on photocatalyst, photodegradation pathways, and various factors that influence photocatalysis and adsorption.

Automated summary

The presence of heavy metal ions and emerging pollutants in water poses a great risk to various biological ecosystems due to their high toxicity. Researchers worldwide are interested in developing efficient and environmentally friendly methods to decontaminate these waters. Adsorption and photocatalysis have been widely used for water treatment, but the discussion and analysis of zeolite-based composites as adsorbents are limited. Zeolites, as porous aluminosilicates, are excellent candidates for wastewater treatment due to their various pollutant removal mechanisms. This review provides an overview of the current developments in fabricating and applying zeolite-based nanocomposites as adsorbents and photocatalysts for extracting heavy metals, dyes, and emerging pollutants from wastewaters. The review also examines the effect of weight ratio on photocatalyst, photodegradation pathways, and various factors influencing photocatalysis and adsorption.