NANO COMPOSITES AND WATER TREATMENT: REVIEW

Abstract

Water scarcity and the contamination of aquatic ecosystems by industrial, agricultural, and emerging pollutants present urgent global challenges that conventional water treatment technologies struggle to address effectively. Nanocomposites—multiphase advanced materials formed by embedding functional nanoscale fillers (such as metal oxides, carbon-based nanostructures, metal-organic frameworks, or biopolymers) into macroscopic polymer, ceramic, or metallic matrices—have emerged as a transformative solution. By synergistically combining the high surface area, catalytic reactivity, and targeted affinity of nanomaterials with the structural stability and ease of processing of matrix materials, nanocomposites overcome critical limitations of standalone nanoparticles, including agglomeration and difficult post-treatment recovery. These materials perform multifunctional roles in water purification, encompassing high-capacity heavy metal adsorption, photocatalytic degradation of persistent organic pollutants and pharmaceuticals, antimicrobial disinfection, and enhanced thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane filtration with superior antifouling properties. Despite significant performance advantages, widespread commercial deployment requires overcoming challenges related to scalable synthesis, long-term stability, nano-filler leaching risks, and cost-effectiveness in real-world wastewater conditions. Overall, nanocomposites represent a pivotal milestone toward sustainable, highly efficient, and integrated water treatment paradigms.