A comprehensive review on designing nanocomposite adsorbents for efficient removal of 4-nitrophenol from water

Water is the basic entity required for the survival of any life form on earth. However, in the present scenario, due to its contamination with various types of contaminants, there is a global crisis of water. One of the major organic pollutants described to be present in most industrial-modeled water is 4-nitrophenol. Due to its persistence and high potential for bioaccumulation, it is considered a high-priority environmental and health concern. Numerous nanomaterials are considered to have huge potential in the treatment of contaminated water due to their unique high surface area as well as some beneficial properties that support work even in low concentrations. In the last few years, much attention has been paid by scientists to different applications of nanocomposites for water purification. This review represents a comprehensive approach to how to enhance nanocomposite-mediated adsorption for effective 4-NP removal from modeled water. It involves high adsorption capacity, with adsorbents calcium and aluminum layered double hydroxide-loaded magnetic nanocomposite and magnetite nanoparticles, with capacities as high as 598 mg g-1 and 636 mg g-1, respectively. Such advanced materials may improve the hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of the material. The processes could be endothermic and exothermic in nature. pH also plays a role in performance, where, in most studies, conditions above 6 corroborate the removal of 4-NP. Textural properties and functional groups present on the surface of the adsorbent also determine whether the process is physical or chemical. Further studies should be focused on large-scale decontamination of the contaminant, entrenching the use of low-cost and environmentally friendly adsorbents that are more environmentally acceptable in real applications. This would not enable researchers to follow up with new strategies for the remediation of water that is contaminated with 4-NP on the basis of making a model for engineering nanocomposites for the remediation of contaminants.