Graphene-Based Composites and Hybrids for Water Purification Applications

Abstract

The increasing water demand and the worldwide shortage of clean water call for new technologies for wastewater treatment, of which sorption is recognized as simplest and efficient method for all major water pollutants, including heavy metal ions, organic dyes and organic solvents. In this context, graphene, an atomically thin two-dimensional hexagonal arrays of carbon atoms, and its analogs have been visualized as ultimate materials for the separation of pollutants from water due to properties such as superhydrophobicity, superoleophilicity, chemical-environmental-thermal stability, chemical manipulability, controllable morphology, texture, porosity and accessible surface area, facile processing, low density, biocompatibility and low-cost synthesis from a variety of abundant carbonaceous precursors. This chapter begins with an introduction of water purification, related processes and fundamentals of adsorption and absorption phenomenon. The next section emphasizes the importance and advantages of graphene as sorbent, brief about its synthesis, types of graphene-based composites/hybrid systems and their synthesis strategies. The last section throws light on the performance of graphene-based foams, aerogels and composites/hybrids for the separation of metal ions, organic dyes and various oils/organic solvents, supported by comprehensive literature account. Finally, the chapter concludes with the comments on the current status, major challenges and future scope in the direction.

Innovation process of amorphous cellulose - graphene oxide hybrid structure for water treatment in a shrimp farm

“…Due to Mn2O7, the Hummer process has a high danger of explosion, requires extensive oxidation, and is expensive [53]. Furthermore, four synthesis strategies of graphene-based hybrids and composites were used, including dip-coating, surface coating by inti generation of graphene via thermal treatment, in its incorporation process, and hydrothermal process in the presence of gelationcausing agent [54]. Lastly, the methodologies for synthesis of three-dimensional graphene-based hybrid materials for water purification include template-based synthesis, self-assembly, freeze-drying, and 3D printing [1].…”