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review · Environmental Sciences Europe

Graphene oxide synthesis and applications in emerging contaminant removal: a comprehensive review

2024147 citationsOpen accessUniversity of Benin

In plain language

Graphene oxide presents significant potential for environmental remediation, particularly in eliminating emerging contaminants from water systems. Research demonstrates successful instances of using this nanomaterial to remove pollutants, offering practical methods for contaminant remediation even in challenging environments. However, key challenges remain before wide deployment can occur. Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the long-term ecological consequences of releasing graphene oxide into the environment, as well as the intricate mechanisms governing its interactions with diverse chemical pollutants. Furthermore, strategies for scaling up implementation from laboratory research to large-scale operations require substantial development. Addressing these hurdles through focused ecological studies, detailed chemical interaction analyses, and innovative engineering for large-scale use is critical for establishing safe and effective water treatment solutions based on graphene oxide.

Key takeaways

  • Graphene oxide effectively removes emerging contaminants from water, including in challenging treatment environments.
  • Major knowledge gaps remain regarding the long-term environmental impacts and ecological safety of graphene oxide.
  • The complex interactions between graphene oxide and varied waterborne pollutants require more detailed analysis.
  • Practical deployment currently faces hurdles in developing effective large-scale implementation strategies.

Why it matters

Emerging pollutants in water sources pose persistent hazards to ecosystems and public health. Nanomaterials like graphene oxide offer powerful solutions for capturing these difficult contaminants, even in harsh conditions. Understanding both the operational capabilities and the ecological risks of such materials is vital to ensuring that next-generation water purification techniques do not introduce new environmental harms while treating existing pollution.

Commercialisation angle

Water treatment operators and environmental remediation practitioners could use graphene oxide technologies to remove stubborn emerging contaminants from water bodies. The technology appears to be at an early to intermediate stage of readiness: while successful removal has been demonstrated in specific contexts, significant barriers remain around large-scale implementation, pollutant interactions, and long-term environmental impacts that must be resolved before commercial adoption is viable.

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Abstract

Abstract This thorough review explores the pioneering applications of graphene oxide (GO) in tackling emerging environmental pollutants, highlighting its distinct role in environmental remediation. Setting itself apart, this review meticulously synthesizes cutting-edge research, focusing on GO’s practical applications in eliminating emerging contaminants from water. It is worth highlighting that there is a limited number of reviews focused on this particular subject, making this work outstanding. It provides specific instances of successful contaminant removal, identifies knowledge gaps, and proposes future directions. Serving as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners, it offers practical insights into applying GO in contaminant remediation, especially in challenging environments. The review critically analyzes crucial gaps in current research, including understanding the long-term environmental effects of GO, its interactions with diverse pollutants, and effective large-scale implementation. This review not only expands our knowledge, but also guides future research endeavors. Furthermore, it outlines clear pathways for future studies, advocating for in-depth ecological research, advanced contaminant interaction analyses, and innovative large-scale implementation strategies. This work establishes a strong foundation, defining the unique novelty of GO applications in environmental remediation and shaping the future discourse in this essential field of study.

Research topics

  • Graphene and Nanomaterials Applications
  • Graphene research and applications
  • Carbon and Quantum Dots Applications

Read the original research

This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.

DOI: 10.1186/s12302-023-00814-4

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