Uptake of Inorganic Water Toxicants by Polyaniline Nanocomposite Adsorbents: A Review

Abstract

Water contamination by organic and inorganic toxicants is a critical issue that needs to be successfully resolved using efficient remediation methodologies. Inorganic metal and nonmetal ions toxicants are contributed from industrial, urbanization, domestic, and natural activities to the water resources, and water-mediated consumption of these toxicants beyond the prescribed limit causes stern health problems for humans and other living beings and creates ecological imbalances. Polyaniline nanocomposites fabricated using various organic and inorganic nanomaterials attracted great attention in water purification owing to enhanced surface, physicochemical features, and better pollutant removal capacity. This review discusses recent advances in polyaniline nanocomposites as adsorbents for the removal of metallic and nonmetallic water pollutants, including key synthesis approaches, adsorption potential, and mechanisms followed in the exclusion of inorganic pollutants. It is deduced that polyaniline nanocomposites are efficient adsorbents for metallic and nonmetallic inorganic water pollutants. It concluded with major outcomes and challenges associated with the discussed adsorbents.