Carbon based nanomaterial for removal of heavy metals from wastewater: a review
Sanjeev Kumar
Abstract
Having the ability to control the size and shape of materials on a nanoscale, nanotechnology is an advanced field of science that can address a variety of environmental issues. Due to their non-toxic nature, large surface area, easier biodegradability, and particularly useful ability to remediate the environment, carbon nanomaterials are unique. Human health is at risk from heavy metal contaminated water. The high physicochemical properties of carbon nanomaterials make them attractive as advanced treatments for heavy metal-contaminated water. In addition to their large surface areas, nanoscale sizes, and availability of different functionalities, carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, graphene and graphene oxide are readily available for chemical modification. In this article, we review the recent advances in using these carbon nanomaterials as a treatment for heavy metal-contaminated water.