Graphene’s Role in the Clean-Up Act: Progress in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Water scarcity and environmental pollution are the two pressing global challenges that demand innovative solutions. In recent years, graphene-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for revolutionizing the field of water purification, particularly in the treatment of industrial wastewater. This review article, the first part of a two-part series, comprehensively explores the applications, synthesis methods and mechanisms of graphene-based nanomaterials for industrial wastewater treatment. Industrial activities generate vast quantities of wastewater contaminated with a myriad of organic and inorganic pollutants, heavy metals and dyes. Traditional water treatment methods often fall short in efficiently removing these contaminants, leading to significant environmental repercussions. In contrast, graphene-based nanomaterials exhibit exceptional properties, including a high specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity and superior mechanical strength, making them highly attractive for wastewater treatment applications. This article begins by providing an overview of the properties of graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which form the foundation of graphene-based nanomaterials. Our discussion focuses on the many approaches to the synthesis of these nanomaterials, with particular attention paid to their scalability, cost-effectiveness, and influence on the environment. This review focuses on the various applications of graphene-based nanomaterials in the in the removal of organic pollutants and dyes through adsorption, coagulation and photocatalysis. The unique structural and chemical properties of graphene-based nanomaterials enable them to selectively adsorb pollutants, even in the presence of competing ions, making them highly efficient in complex wastewater matrices. Furthermore, we explore the mechanistic aspects of pollutant removal by graphene-based nanomaterials, elucidating the role of surface functionalization, intermolecular interactions and photocatalytic processes. In addition to their pollutant removal capabilities, graphene-based nanomaterials also exhibit remarkable regeneration potential, making them economically sustainable for long-term industrial wastewater treatment applications. The challenges associated with large-scale implementation, including cost considerations, environmental impact assessments and regulatory compliance are also discussed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research in graphene-based nanomaterials for industrial wastewater treatment. By critically evaluating the existing iterature, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to advance sustainable and effective strategies for the industrial wastewater treatment through the integration of graphene-based nanomaterials.