A review on carbon nanotubes in an environmental protection and green engineering perspective

Abstract

-Recent developments in nanotechnologies have helped to benchmark carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as one of the most studied nanomaterials. By taking advantages of CNTs extraordinary physical, chemical and electronic properties, a wide variety of applications has been proposed in various engineering fields. In this short review, the contribution of CNTs is addressed in terms of sustainable environment and green technologies perspective, such as waste water treatment, air pollution monitoring, biotechnologies, renewable energy technologies, supercapacitors and green nanocomposites. Consideration of CNTs for large scale application from the aspect of cost and potential hazards are also discussed. Based on the literature studied, CNTs pose a great potential as a promising material for application in various environmental fields.

Removal of Pollutants from Water by Using Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) and Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)

“…The walls of these tubes are constructed of a hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms and capped by fullerene-like structures. The unique structure of CNTs can be divided mainly into multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) [8]. CNTs have an exceptional sorption capability and high sorption efficiency with their high surface active site to volume ratio and controlled pore size distribution, compared to conventional granular and powder activated carbon [8].…”

“…The unique structure of CNTs can be divided mainly into multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) [8]. CNTs have an exceptional sorption capability and high sorption efficiency with their high surface active site to volume ratio and controlled pore size distribution, compared to conventional granular and powder activated carbon [8]. CNTs show adsorption capability and high adsorption efficiency for removal of organic pollutants like 1, 2-dichlorobenzene, trihalomethanes, n-nonane, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) [9][10][11][12][13] [16].…”

“…However, recent experimental studies have demonstrated the possibility of mass producing high quality CNTs at lower cost [7,[25][26]. The possibility of mass production of CNTs has catalyzed the vision to commercialize and apply CNT technology in large scale applications [8]. As a new and emerging technology, CNTs can be used from pilot scale to larger scale application in water treatment processes, such as in household water purification facilities and in industrial sectors.…”

Letter to the Editor:

“…Dear Editor, This is a comment on a recently published (Ong, Ahmad, Zein, & Tan, 2010) article, 'A Review on Carbon Nanotubes in an Environmental Protection and Green Engineering Perspective'. Recent developments in carbon nanotube (CNT) applications in sustainable technologies were discussed.…”

Authors' Reply to the Letter to the Editor: Reply to "Non green perspective on biodegradable polymer nanocomposites"

“…We appreciate the effort of Dr. Swapnil L. Fegade for writing a letter to editor entitled "Non green perspective on biodegradable polymer nanocomposites", on the published review article by Ong et al (2010). Below is the response to his comment.…”