Carbon Allotropes in Phenolic Compounds Removal

Abstract

The phenolic compounds and their derivatives were mainly released during the agriculture farming and industrial processes including the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, paper coal conversion, metal coating, pulp, food processing, polymer and resins production, and oil refining. As a result of the above process and its wide utilization, they may exist in natural and wastewater causing a serious effect on human beings, animals and the aquatic environment. Carbon-based materials play a vital role in removing phenolic compounds through adsorption, photocatalysis and biodegradation. The present chapter summarized the use of carbon allotropes in the removal of various phenolic compounds. Among the carbon materials, activated carbon is extensively used in adsorption, photocatalysis, and microbial degradation. Relatively, the use of carbonaceous materials in dye degradation is larger than their use in phenol removal. Removal of phenolic pollutants by using cost-efficient and eco-friendly techniques is challenging at present. More research must be oriented on the utilization of these carbon materials in phenol removal as the carbon and their allotropes act as better and more efficient supports for photocatalysts to remove the organic pollutants. Since using microbes adsorbed on carbon materials to cause microbial deterioration is an easy and affordable technique, future research must be more focused on this area.