A review on adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater using carbon nanotube and graphene-based nanomaterials

The rampant rise in world population, industrialization, and urbanization expedite the contamination of water sources. The presence of the non-biodegradable character of heavy metals in waterways badly affects the ecological balance. In this modern era, the unavailability of getting clear water as well as the downturn in water quality is a major concern. Therefore, the effective removal of heavy metals has become much more important than before. In recent years, the attention to better wastewater remediation was directed towards adsorption techniques with novel adsorbents such as carbon nanomaterials. This review paper primarily emphasizes the fundamental concepts, structures, and unique surface properties of novel adsorbents, the harmful effects of various heavy metals, and the adsorption mechanism. This review will give an insight into the current status of research in the realm of sustainable wastewater treatment, applications of carbon nanomaterials, different types of functionalized carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and their adsorption capacity. The importance of MD simulations and density functional theory (DFT) in the elimination of heavy metals from aqueous media is also discussed. In addition to that, the effect of factors on heavy metal adsorption such as electric field and pressure is addressed.

Automated summary

The contamination of water sources is accelerating due to the rapid growth in world population, industrialization, and urbanization. This poses a major concern as the non-biodegradable heavy metals in waterways disrupt the ecological balance. The removal of heavy metals from water has become increasingly important, with adsorption techniques using novel adsorbents like carbon nanomaterials attracting attention. This review paper focuses on the fundamental concepts, structures, and unique surface properties of these adsorbents, as well as the negative effects of heavy metals and the adsorption mechanism. It also discusses the current research status of sustainable wastewater treatment, the applications and adsorption capacity of carbon nanomaterials, functionalized carbon nanotubes, graphene, and graphene oxide, and the use of MD simulations and density functional theory (DFT) for heavy metal removal. Additionally, it addresses the influence of factors such as electric field and pressure on heavy metal adsorption.