Graphene oxide synthesis and applications in emerging contaminant removal: a comprehensive review

Abstract

This thorough review explores the pioneering applications of graphene oxide (GO) in tackling emerging environmental pollutants, highlighting its distinct role in environmental remediation. Setting itself apart, this review meticulously synthesizes cutting-edge research, focusing on GO’s practical applications in eliminating emerging contaminants from water. It is worth highlighting that there is a limited number of reviews focused on this particular subject, making this work outstanding. It provides specific instances of successful contaminant removal, identifies knowledge gaps, and proposes future directions. Serving as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners, it offers practical insights into applying GO in contaminant remediation, especially in challenging environments. The review critically analyzes crucial gaps in current research, including understanding the long-term environmental effects of GO, its interactions with diverse pollutants, and effective large-scale implementation. This review not only expands our knowledge, but also guides future research endeavors. Furthermore, it outlines clear pathways for future studies, advocating for in-depth ecological research, advanced contaminant interaction analyses, and innovative large-scale implementation strategies. This work establishes a strong foundation, defining the unique novelty of GO applications in environmental remediation and shaping the future discourse in this essential field of study.

Toward a Brighter Future: Enhanced Sustainable Methods for Preventing Algal Blooms and Improving Water Quality

“…This study calls for enhancing water quality and ecosystem health on a global scale through ongoing advancements, regular monitoring, and extensive research. It advocates for developing efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly water treatment technologies, with a focus on refining the selectivity and efficiency of treatment methods to target contaminants without harming aquatic ecosystems [204][205][206][207][208][209][210][211][212][213]. International coop-eration is essential, as demonstrated by events like the "PICES GlobalHAB International Workshop on HAB Control Solutions in Marine and Estuarine Waters," held in Seattle, Washington, in 2023 [214].…”

Footsteps of graphene filled polymer nanocomposites towards efficient membranes—Present and future

“…Graphene mostly develops torturous pathways in the matrices to facilitate gas-or water-based ionic or molecular diffusion processes [17]. Homogeneous graphene dispersion in polymeric membranes has been used to enhance the separation of impurities and toxic molecules from air mixtures or contaminated water [18,19]. In this regard, several membrane processes have been studied, like nanofiltration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis [20][21][22].…”

Graphene in gas separation membranes—State-of-the-art and potential spoors

“…Primarily, the graphene derived nanocomposite membranes have been developed with torturing pathways in the matrices to promote gaseous, water molecules, ions, or diffusion of other species [5]. Consistent graphene dispersion in the membranes was found to improve the targeted impurities and toxic molecules from the medium of interest [6,7]. The membrane processes studied for these nanocomposites include the ultrafiltration, microfiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis [8][9][10].…”