Graphene-based membrane techniques for heavy metal removal: A critical review

Abstract

As good quality water is becoming increasingly scarce, efficient methods for water recovery, recycling, and reuse must be developed to ensure a reliable water supply. This endeavor may take into account other water supplies such as sea and wastewater. Due to its unique structure and excellent physical and chemical properties, graphene and its derivatives are appealing for a variety of applications, including pollutant removal and water desalination. The graphene-based membranes (GBMs) displayed extremely high molecular separation and mass-transport properties, as well as antifouling properties that are not found in the existing state-of-art commercial membranes. As such, there is a huge potential for technology disruption. The present paper reviews the latest developments, discoveries, and prospective applications related to graphene-based membranes with an in-depth focus on heavy metal removal. The review offers a summary and outlook on the opportunities and challenges in this arising field. It was observed that GBM techniques are capable of producing large, leak-free, and fouling-free membranes that have a promising potential for the removal of hazardous pollutants from water.