Adsorption and catalysis of graphene in environmental remediation

Abstract

This chapter introduces the versatile applications of graphene as adsorbents, supporting and hybridization materials, and catalysts for removal of pollutants in contaminated water and air. The strong adsorption for many types of pollutants, such as gases, heavy metals, inorganic anions, dyes, and many other organic contaminants, on graphene and graphene oxides is discussed. Insightful mechanism of structure-related adsorption and the effect of functional groups (epoxys, hydroxyls, and carboxylic groups) on the adsorption will be studied. The large surface area, porosity, surface charges, and functional groups are considered as the key roles for adsorption of different pollutants. Recent research also showed that graphene or its oxide is able to be used as a catalyst in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) by means of photocatalysis or chemical oxidation. The active sites and related charge transfers in the catalysis with or without irradiation are discussed. The findings open a venue to green catalysis that employs novel and nontoxic metal-free catalysts for AOPs, leading to a sustainable remediation strategy.