Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials in Adsorptive Water Remediation: Progress, Mechanisms, and Future Directions

Abstract

Urbanization and industrialization have significantly impaired the quality of water resources, putting human health and aquatic ecosystems at risk. Heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, organic pollutants, and microorganisms have found their way into groundwater, rendering a significant portion of this resource unusable. Modern-day monitoring and management approaches cannot be effective without embracing measures that protect and enhance the sustainable use of freshwater resources. Nanotechnology and the use of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are promising avenues for wastewater treatment. Most recent advances in the synthesis of 2D nanomaterials, such as graphene, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ), borophene, black phosphorus, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), and MXenes, have shown excellent properties, such as an extremely high surface-to-volume ratio, controllable electronic band gap, and a large number of active sites on their surfaces. These properties lead to reduced material use, improved mass transport, shorter process durations, and greater efficiency in water purification. This review outlines various types of 2D nanomaterials, their manufacturing routes, and the properties of interest in water treatment, including photocatalysis, filtration, disinfection, and pollutant adsorption. It also examines the mechanisms underlying these processes and compares them with traditional methodologies. The authors highlight current trends and outline the investigation's perspectives to advance the application of nanomaterials for sustainable water purification, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, scalability, environmental considerations, and the toxicity of 2D nanomaterials.