Surface modification of carbon-based nanoadsorbents for the advanced wastewater treatment

• Main Authors: Gul, Ayesha, Khaligh, Nader Ghaffari, Julkapli, Nurhidayatullaili Muhd
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier 2021
• Subjects: QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/26971/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Carbon-based nanoadsorbents (CNAs), including graphene (G), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and activated carbon (AC), and their derivatives have been widely employed in wastewater treatment owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. Adsorption technology is considered as one of the eminent approaches for treating wastewater because of maximum efficiency, simplicity, flexibility, eco-friendliness, and selectivity for heavy metals. Thus, the critical review is ascertained towards the CNAs synthesis, functionalization, modification, and their adsorption behavior towards heavy metal ions. To ensure the economic aspects of CNAs, desorption studies and recyclability of adsorbents are also reviewed. Different parameters influencing the adsorption mechanism such as pH, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and sorbate concentration are discussed. Specific attention is paid to pH solution, a crucial parameter in the adsorption of heavy metals. Also, the adsorption capacity, sorbent selectivity, sorbent-sorbate interaction, and adsorption mechanism are observed and equated. Besides, the advantages and disadvantages of the CNAs are described in detail. Conclusively, this review contributes to current and future research prospects using CNAs with posed challenges in this area. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.