Graphene family nanomaterials as emerging sole layered nanomaterials for wastewater treatment: Recent developments, potential hazards, prevention and future prospects

Layered carbon nanomaterials (LCNs) are interesting topic of research owing to their compelling applications in diverse fields, simple preparation methods, and several exciting traits. In LCNs, graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs) i.e. graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are highly exploited in recent years due to their planer morphology rendering extraordinarily high surface area (∼2600m2/g), amphiphilic nature, tunable optical and electrical properties, and rich surface oxy-functionalities (as in GO). Owing to these factors, GFNs have been emerged as the sole multifunctional layered nanomaterial with high potential of tailoring its properties through simple doping (n or p-type) and replacing metal based nanomaterials for various catalytic and adsorption-based environmental remediation strategies. In order to summarize the latest advancements, applications, potential benefits, risks, assessment of limitations, and challenges related to these materials, a well-crafted comprehensive review article is very valuable resource for researchers, and policymakers working towards environmental sustainability. Additionally, a review article on layered carbon nanomaterials for environmental applications is significant to bridge the gap between academia and industry by shedding light on the scalability, cost-effectiveness, and commercial viability of LCNs, facilitating their translation from the laboratory to real-world applications. The presented review article thoroughly discusses the morphological, structural, and chemical features of GFNs which enables them to adsorb both cationic and anionic organic contaminants in superlative manners. Additionally, several emerging applications of such GFNs as a sole nanomaterials in form of excellent adsorbents (for various species), photocatalysts, antibacterial agents, and as sensing materials mainly in water treatment are thoroughly discussed. In addition to this, the presented review also articulates a potential hazard associated with the subsequent recovery process of the employed dye/chemical adsorbed GFNs during adsorption or photodegradation processes. The current review summarizes all such recent efforts of environmental remediation using sole GFNs in details. Apart from that, the review article also suggests the future trends exploring the wide range of types and applications of these materials