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Graphene and Graphene‐Based Composites: A Rising Star in Water Purification ‐ A Comprehensive Overview
Author(s) -
Gandhi Muniyappan Rajiv,
Vasudevan Subramanyan,
Shibayama Atsushi,
Yamada Manabu
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
chemistryselect
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 2365-6549
DOI - 10.1002/slct.201600693
Subject(s) - graphene , photocatalysis , materials science , nanocomposite , desalination , catalysis , portable water purification , adsorption , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , carbon fibers , composite number , membrane , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry , biochemistry , engineering
Graphene is an interesting two‐dimensional carbon sheet possessing single‐layered atom thickness that confers unique physical and chemical properties. The pristine graphene sheets have some limited applications in water purification, but the modification of graphene into the graphene composite by the incorporation of some functional groups or nanoparticles on the surface extensively increases its environmental applications. Recently, graphene nanocomposites have found to show very promising applications in all types of water purification. The present review highlights the recent developments in the applications of graphene and graphene‐based composites as adsorbent, catalyst, photocatalyst, electrocatalyst, photoelectrocatalyst, and disinfection and desalination agent in comprehensive water purification systems. We primarily focus on the environmental engineering applications of graphene nanocomposites as sorbent materials for the elimination of toxic inorganic (cationic and anionic), organic, and mixed/multiple pollutants, and as catalysts for the degradation of toxic organic contaminants using catalytic oxidation, photocatalytic oxidation, electrocatalytic oxidation, and photoelectrocatalytic oxidation. We have also discussed the use and feasibility of graphene nanocomposites in water disinfection and desalination. Finally, the future challenges and perspectives are discussed.