The unique properties of graphene oxide (GO) have attracted the attention of the research community and cost-effective routes for its production are studied. The type and percentage of the oxygen groups that decorate a GO sheet are dependent on the synthesis path, and this path specifies the carbon content of the sheet. The chemical reduction of GO results in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) while the removal of the oxygen groups is also achievable with thermal processes (tpGO). This review article introduces the reader to the carbon allotropes, provides information about graphene which is the backbone of GO and focuses on GO synthesis and properties. The last part covers some characterization techniques of GO (XRD, FTIR, AFM, SEM-EDS, N2 porosimetry and UV-Vis) with a view to the fundamental principles of each technique. Some critical aspects arise for GO synthesized and characterized from our group.
Through epistemic efforts in water remediation, numerous sorbents have emerged as either low-cost or more expensive. This review article describes the properties, functions and modifications of cost-effective sorbents based on chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) blends for aqueous solutions treatment from heavy metals. Interesting synthesis routes have been reported for the production of membranes, beads, foams and mats, while the kinetic and thermodynamic studies provide spherical knowledge of the system. Tables with the adsorbent’s capacity and enthalpy change are included, while indicative images from the synthesis and characterization techniques of the adsorbents are presented.
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