Assessment and Perspectives: Polymer-Supported Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation and Sustainability: A Critical Review

Abstract

Polymer-based nanomaterials have demonstrated potential as sustainable alternatives for environmental remediation. However, developing these polymer-supported nanomaterials with robust stability presents a significant challenge. The present review article summarizes different types of nanomaterials employed toward environmental remediation. These materials (adsorbents) manifest in diverse forms like particles, tubes, wires, and fibers. They form composites after being combined with polymers, which can be effectively employed to treat a range of inorganic and organic pollutants and biological agents including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and antibiotics. Nanomaterials outperform conventional environmental remediation methods due to their extensive surface area, significantly increasing their reactivity. The development of innovative polymer-supported nanomaterials (PSNMs) and techniques for treating drinking and industrial water contaminated by emerging contaminants (CECs), harmful metal ions, and organic pollutants has been underlined in recent studies. The operational mechanisms of PSNMs and their regenerative potential are closely examined to boost their reuse capabilities. Due to their superior efficiency in removing pollutants and their capacity for regeneration, PSNMs are viewed as viable replacements for current, costlier remediation technologies. The conclusions offer future perspectives, underlining the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the field and the importance of further research to enhance the efficacy and sustainability of polymer-based nanomaterials for sustainable environmental remediation.