Carbon Nanotubes in Wastewater Remediation

Abstract

Environmental pollution by water-soluble toxic species is receiving great attention worldwide. Advanced and efficient materials are therefore necessary for the management of the enormous environmental pollution. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a prospective material for varied applications because of their excellent properties. They have a tubular hollow assembly, large surface area, high porosity, great mechanical strength, hydrophobic walls that can be simply modified and a high ratio of length to radius. CNTs have found diverse applications in thermal devices, sensors, electrical devices and electronics, and furthermore, they have also developed applications in environmental remediation. Because of their powerful chemical and physical interactions, high sorbent capacity, rapid equilibrium and tailored surface chemistry, they are accepted as potential alternatives to common sorbents such as activated carbon, clay and zeolite. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are the most common types of CNTs. Recently, intensive research work has been published on the applications of CNTs to the removal of various organic and inorganic impurities from air and water streams. Modified CNT nanocomposites with 3D interconnected networks have extraordinary properties and find a wide variety of environmental applications. Modification of CNTs through surface functionalization showed better selectivity and sensitivity than the original materials and has found modern applications in wastewater treatment. In the first section, this chapter provides a brief overview of the features and fabrication techniques of CNTs. The second section covers the potential technological developments and application in wastewater treatment for the elimination of organic pollutants and heavy metals.