Carbon-based nanomaterials for water treatment: A comprehensive review of recent advances and mechanisms

Heavy metal defilement in water resources positions a serious risk to social health and environment. Carbon-based nanomaterials, due to their sole physico-chemical properties like tunable surface functionalities, high surface area, and excellent adsorption capabilities, have considered as one of the potential candidates for water treatment. This comprehensive review offers a contemporary advances in the development and application of numerous carbon derived nano-materials, comprising of activated-carbon, biochar, carbon nano-tubes, carbon-quantum dots, and graphene-based materials, for the elimination of toxic heavy metals from aqueous environments. The mechanisms of metal adsorption, surface alterations to boost performance, regeneration potential, and challenges for real-world application are critically discussed. Future research directions are proposed to bridge existing gaps and promote sustainable utilization of carbon derived nano-materials in water treatment technologies.