A review of carbon-based adsorbents for the removal of organic and inorganic components

Abstract Carbon-based adsorbents like graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes, activated carbon, and biochar are commonly used for removing heavy metals from water solutions. The changeable exterior functional groups of efficient carbon adsorbents for HMs are one of their key features. Detailed documentation of the synthesis and interactions of functionalized carbon adsorbents with metals in an aqueous solution is crucial for advancing the utilization of these materials in HM exclusion. This paper reviews the carbon-based adsorbent for material removal. It examines several carbon adsorbents’ exterior functional groups to better understand how they eliminate HMs from aqueous solutions. First, the controlling mechanisms for the deletion of aqueous HMs by carbon adsorbents are described, with a particular emphasis on the functions of exterior functional groups. The following section lists and organises the numerous synthetic techniques that are frequently employed to add heteroatoms to carbon surfaces, particularly oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur, to increase their exterior properties and their sorptive capabilities towards HMs in aqueous solutions. Following that, the impact of dissimilar functional groups on the adsorption characteristics of HMs on carbon adsorbents is examined. While the adsorption capacity and metal removal efficiency of the changed carbonaceous materials are high, the alteration operation is complicated, particularly chemical modification. This review analyses the shortcomings that are now present and offers ideas for future research while emphasising the removal of inorganic and organic components utilising carbon-based materials as adsorbents. In summary, there is room for additional study on the efficacy of functional carbon adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals and their potential uses in various fields. This includes the development of new materials and techniques to enhance adsorption efficiency and selectivity for specific heavy metals, along with the investigation of additional functionalities for these carbon adsorbents in various industrial processes. There is a need for continued innovation and collaboration in this field to address the growing concerns regarding heavy metal pollution and to explore the full capabilities of functional carbon adsorbents.