Adsorptive Remediation of Heavy Atoms Contaminated Water Using Graphene Oxide: A Review

Abstract

The use of graphene-related two-dimensional (2D) materials in water treatment have gained tremendous attention in diminishing the worldwide water scarcity owing to their unique water transport properties, high surface area, excellent mechanical strength, non-corrosive features and tunable surface chemistry as discussed in patents. Graphene oxide (GO) has also received extensive coverage in water treatment processes as a promising adsorbent candidate because of its higher adsorption capacity for the removal of several hazardous contaminants. Compared to the conventional adsorbents, GO may offer several advantages; such as two basal planes available for toxin adsorption, scalable production, oxy- gen-containing functional groups and catalyst free conditions. The current review is focused on the synthesis methods, chemical, and adsorption properties of GO, and their applications for the removal of heavy metal species.