Graphene quantum dots—Nascent adsorbent nanomaterials for water treatment

Due to industrial, commercial, and human activities, water pollution or contamination has become a stern environmental threat affecting all the living species. Consequently, efficient water pollution treatment technologies have been focused due to increasing global demands of clean water. Among various purification methodologies, competent adsorption processes via adsorbent materials have gained research interest. Graphene quantum dots are tiny spherical carbon nanoparticles having enormous technical potential owing to unique fluorescence, quantum, and electronic features. Characters of quantum dots have been further enhanced thru modification and nanocomposite formation. Accordingly, design, microstructure, robustness, and essential structural and physical features of graphene quantum dots derived nanomaterials have been foreseen in literature. This up-to-date overview highpoints the fabrication methodologies, attained features, and technical adsorption potential of graphene quantum dot, modified graphene quantum dot and resulting nanocomposites. Due to high surface area and specific physical/applied properties, graphene quantum dots have revealed fine potential towards the adsorption of hazardous water pollutants including dyes, toxic metal ions, and noxious heavy metal ions. Henceforth, graphene quantum dot derived nanocomposite adsorbents having high adsorption rate, capacities, and efficiencies have brought about numerous revolts in the fields of adsorption towards water treatment. Future research efforts on quantum dots adsorbents may resolve the challenges of efficient water treatment for industrial applications.