Leveraging the ingenuity of carbon nanomaterials towards water quality amelioration

In this review, carbon nanomaterials are evaluated for their application in the removal of major kinds of contaminants present in polluted waters. A comprehensive examination of their structure, properties, and synthesis pathways is done, and their action in pristine/composite form(s) for water remediation is explored. As water is the essence of life, the upkeep of its quality is imperative for the health and development of all living beings. With rapid urbanization, climate change, population growth and unsustainable practices, the availability and quality of water have been largely compromised. Carbonaceous nanomaterials are fascinating and possess exceptional properties with great potential for use in water quality amelioration. As per the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 in particular), there is a need to design the right strategies for managing current water resources and making safe and affordable drinking water globally available. For recycling as well as treating wastewater for reuse, technological developments in material design are crucial as these form the basis of the water remediation process. This review examines the unique features of carbon nanomaterials and their engineering for water purification. Designing materials for filtration and water quality monitoring methods needs to be cohesive and must consider the environmental, social, financial and health aspects of the society. Therefore, this article details the structural features, preparation schemes, the properties of carbon materials and their mechanism of removal of impurities, such as heavy metals, VOCs, oils, dyes, alkyl halides, pharmaceuticals, PFAS and common organic contaminants present in wastewater. The detrimental effects of these contaminants on humans have been highlighted. The challenges and limitations of carbon materials, along with the technoeconomic analysis and future scope encompassing AI assistance, have been considered. This study presents an overview of the qualities of carbon nanomaterials and reiterates their dedicated action in water remediation.