Recent advances in chitosan-polyaniline based nanocomposites for environmental applications: A review

The release of contaminants into aquatic ecosystems has become a critical environmental concern that has severely affected human health and the aquatic environment. Over the past few years, chitosan-polyaniline (Ch-PANI) grafted nanocomposites have played a significant role in the treatment of environmental pollutants due to their several advantages, including improved chemical, mechanical and thermal stability, in addition to their eco-friendly nature. Nowadays, research on innovative methods for the preparation of biodegradable, eco-friendly nanohybrid materials without the use of hazardous chemicals is of great interest and a hot topic among the scientific community. This review comprehensively presents the multifunctional talent of chitosan-supported nanocomposites in different fields, with a special focus on the remediation of environmental pollutants and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). This review critically focuses on nanocomposites that have been prepared using hydrothermal, oxidative polymerization, sol-gel chemical routes, and characterized via advanced analytical techniques. The adsorption-desorption mechanism for the removal of pollutants is also discussed with suitable examples. The review identifies key points that demonstrate how synchronization of chitosan and polyaniline might be a ground-breaking pillar to supervise water pollution. At the end, future perspectives of chitosan-polyaniline-based nanocomposites are also included to guide new researchers working in this area of current importance.