Progress in the application of carbon nanotubes for wastewater treatment: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

The global decline in access to safe and potable water is a growing social concern with increasing relevance projected to escalate in the coming decades. Different techniques for purifying water have been developed and tested to address this issue. More recently, there has been a technological trend in adopting carbon nanotube (CNT) technology for wastewater treatment. However, due to the immature state of research in the area, several aspects remain. In response to these challenges, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis to assess the current knowledge regarding the utilization and advancement of CNTs in wastewater treatment. The study utilised various software applications to map the relevant literature published between 2013 and 2023, encompassing 699 scholarly articles that underwent content analysis. The findings revealed how the knowledge on the topic is organized, highlighting key collaboration patterns among authors, institutions, and journals. They also identified the most influential authors, providing valuable insights into the networks and dynamics that shape research progress in this area. The research findings also reveal the primary technological trends in utilizing CNTs for water treatment and the challenges that hinder their practical application. To guide advancements in this field, the article contributes to indicating future research avenues systematically organized into three critical categories: (i) investigations targeting the most frequently identified literature gaps, (ii) studies focusing on process optimization and operational efficiencies, and (iii) exploration of emerging technologies and evolving trends. This structured approach provides a clear roadmap for overcoming existing barriers and unlocking the full potential of CNTs in wastewater treatment applications. This article can serve as a reference for subsequent technological investigations.