Potentialities of graphene-based nanomaterials for wastewater treatment

CUKIERMAN, A.L.; PLATERO, E.; FERNANDEZ, M.E.; BONELLI, P.R.

Smart Materials for Waste Water Applications

Wiley-Scrivener Publishing LLC

Lugar: Salem, Massachusetts; Año: 2016; p. 47 - 86

Due to its exceptional properties and potentialities for technological innovations in several fields, graphene - a single atomic layer of sp2 -bonded carbon atoms densely arranged into a two dimensional (2D) honeycomb lattice- has been subject of intense research worldwide since its discovery in 2004. In particular, its remarkably high theoretical surface area has led to explore the feasibility of using nano-materials related to this new carbon allotrope, such as graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene-based nano-composites, for wastewater treatment. Within this scenario, the present chapter provides an overview of recent research studies and advances concerned with the potential of graphene-based nano-materials as novel promising adsorbents for the removal of various pollutant species, such as heavy metals, dyes, phenolic compounds, emerging contaminants, from wastewater. A brief description of main routes to synthesize graphene, as well as attempts to regenerate and reuse the adsorbents loaded with the contaminants after saturation are also included.