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.