Hierarchically Organized Nanocomposites Derived from Low-dimensional Nanomaterials for Efficient Removal of Organic Pollutants

Abstract

Low-dimensional nanocarbon materials and metal/metal oxide (hydroxide) or semiconductors have been world-widely investigated due to their distinct physical and chemical properties for potential applications in environmental remediation. Three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical nanocomposites can be facilely constructed by using different low-dimensional nanomaterials as building blocks, thus leading to the full utilization or even synergistic effect of all the component materials with multifunctional properties. Herein, an overview is presented on the design and construction of hierarchically organized nanocomposites derived from low-dimensional nanocarbons (i.e. one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes (CNTs), two-dimensional (2D) graphene, and 3D aerogels) and metal, metal oxide (hydroxide) or semiconductors (i.e. 0D nanoparticles (NPs), 1D nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes or nanofibers, 2D flakes), and their potential applications for efficient removal of organic pollutants through adsorption or catalytic reactions. Keywords: Hierarchical organization, low-dimensional, metal/metal oxides, nanocarbons, organic pollutant removal.