Graphene-coated materials using silica particles as a framework for highly efficient removal of aromatic pollutants in water

Fabrication of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle-Decorated Graphene Oxide Sheets for the Effective Removal of Lead (Pb2+) from Water

Mesoporous silica nanoparticle-decorated graphene oxide nanosheets (MSiO2-GO) were synthesized and characterized for the active removal of lead (Pb2+) from the water. MSiO2 NPs were prepared via an ultrasonication method using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and GO sheets were obtained via a modified Hummers' method. X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy specified the composition of MSiO2 NPs and GO sheets. The surface charge and texture of the MSiO2-GO nanosheets were obtained using the ζ-potential technique and by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The relative cytotoxicity test of MSiO2 NPs and MSiO2-GO nanosheets was performed on Murine Raw 264.7 cells before implying the treatment of water. Adsorption of Pb2+ ions on MSiO2-GO nanosheets was examined at various parameters such as different aqueous pH values (2.0-10.0), MSiO2-GO nanosheet doses (3, 5, 10, 15, 20 mg L-1), time intervals (2-30 min), and temperatures (25-45 °C). About 90% of Pb2+ ions were removed from water within 30 min (MSiO2-GO dose: 15 mg L-1; initial Pb2+ ions: 50 mg L-1; temperature: 25 °C; shaking speed: 200 rpm). The maximal uptake of Pb2+ was obtained at solution pH 6.0. Pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetic rate equations describe the sorption dynamic data. Pb2+ sorption isotherms were modeled using the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The possible mechanism of binding of Pb2+ ions onto MSiO2-GO nanosheets has been discussed. The exhausted MSiO2-GO nanosheets were successfully regenerated using 0.005 M HNO3 as the desorbing agent.

Sustainable synthesis of graphene sand composite from waste cooking oil for dye removal

Waste cooking oil (WCO) appears to be a potential carbonaceous source for synthesizing graphene sand composite (GSC) adsorbent in removing pollutants. This study presents a green synthesis method of GSC using WCO as a sustainable carbon source for the synthesis of GSC through the thermal graphitization method. Characterization analysis conducted on GSCWCO verified the successful coating of WCO onto the sand surface and conversion to graphene, which possessed distinct functional groups and features of graphene materials. GSCWCO adsorbent effectiveness in removing Congo Red dye through batch adsorption was studied under the influence of different initial concentrations (20 to 100 mg/L), and the optimum pH (pH 2 to 10), contact time (5 to 240 min), and temperature (25 to 45 °C) were investigated. The GSCWCO showed removal rates of 91.5% achieved at an initial dye concentration of 20 mg L-1, 1.0 g of adsorbent dosage, a temperature of 25 °C, and 150 min of contact time. The GSCWCO exhibited a maximum capacity of 5.52 mg g-1, was well-fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model with an R2 value of 0.989 and had an adsorption mechanism that followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Negative values of enthalpy (ΔH) and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) revealed that CR adsorption onto GSCWCO was a spontaneous and exothermic process. The presence of functional groups on the surface of GSCWCO with such interactions (π-π attractive forces, hydrophobic forces, and hydrogen bonding) was responsible for the anionic dye removal. Regeneration of GSCWCO adsorbent declined after four cycles, possibly due to the chemisorption of dyes with GSC that resulted in inefficient adsorption. Being a waste-to-wealth product, GSCWCO possessed great potential to be used for water treatment and simultaneously benefited the environment through the effort to reduce the excessive discharge of WCO.

Three component synthesis of triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-trione and spiro triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-tetraones using GO/SiO2/Co (II)

In this study, a functionalized graphene oxide catalyst (GO/f-SiO₂/Co) was successfully synthesized by decorating the graphene oxide surface using the attachment of hybrid silane (silica/nitrogen) and chelation with Co (II). The catalyst has been characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectra, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and Thermal Gravimetric (TGA) analyses. The synthesized catalyst was used as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-trione and spiro triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-tetraones derivatives under solvent-free conditions at 90 °C. The high thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and ability of the catalyst to recycle make the catalyst favorable. In addition, easy work-up procedure and short reaction time with high conversion yields (91-97%) are some benefits of the current method.

Metal-free graphene-based catalytic membranes for persulfate activation toward organic pollutant removal: a review

Owing to their ultrathin two-dimensional structure and efficient catalytic ability for persulfate activation, graphene-based nanocarbons exhibit considerable application potential in fabricating carbonaceous composite membranes for in situ catalytic oxidation to remove organic pollutants. This approach offers significant advantages over conventional batch systems. However, the relationships between the physicochemical properties of carbon mats and performance of graphene-based catalytic membranes in water purification remain ambiguous. Herein, we summarize the main mechanisms of in situ catalytic oxidation and the facile fabrication strategies of carbonaceous composite membranes. Different factors influencing the performance of graphene-based catalytic membranes are comprehensively discussed. The defective level, heteroatom doping, and stacking morphology of carbon mats and operational conditions during filtration play critical roles in the oxidative degradation of target pollutants. Long-term operation leads to the deterioration of catalytic activity and transmembrane pressure, especially in the complex water matrix. Finally, the present challenges and future perspectives are presented to improve the anti-fouling performance and catalytic stability of membranes and develop scalable fabrication methods to promote the engineering applications of in situ catalytic oxidation in real water purification.

Silver Nanoparticles Functionalized Nanosilica Grown over Graphene Oxide for Enhancing Antibacterial Effect

The continuous growth of multidrug-resistant bacteria due to the overuse of antibiotics and antibacterial agents poses a threat to human health. Silver nanoparticles, silica-based materials, and graphene-based materials have become potential antibacterial candidates. In this study, we developed an effective method of enhancing the antibacterial property of graphene oxide (GO) by growing nanosilica (NS) of approximately 50 nm on the graphene oxide (GO) surface. The structures and compositions of the materials were characterized through powdered X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Raman spectroscopy (RM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area, and pore size determination. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with an average diameter of 26 nm were functionalized on the nanosilica (NS) surface. The composite contained approximately 3% of silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles on nanosilica supported over graphene oxide (GO/NS/AgNPs) exhibited a 7-log reduction of Escherichia coli and a 5.2-log reduction of Bacillus subtilis within one hour of exposure. Both GO/NS and GO/NS/AgNPs exhibited substantial antimicrobial effects against E. coli and B. subtilis.

Adsorptive and photocatalytic remediation of hazardous organic chemical pollutants in aqueous medium: A review

The provision of clean water is still a major challenge in developing parts of the world, as emphasized by the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6), and has remained a subject of extensive research globally. Advancements in science and industry have resulted in a massive surge in the amount of industrial chemicals produced within the last few decades. Persistent and emerging organic pollutants are detected in aquatic environments, and conventional wastewater treatment plants have ineffectively handled these trace, bioaccumulative and toxic compounds. Therefore, we have conducted an extensive bibliometric analysis of different materials utilized to combat organic pollutants via adsorption and photocatalysis. The classes of pollutants, material synthesis, mechanisms of interaction, merits, and challenges were comprehensively discussed. The paper highlights the advantages of various materials used in the removal of hazardous pollutants from wastewater with activated carbon having the highest adsorption capacity. Dyes, pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pesticides and other recalcitrant organic pollutants have been successfully removed at high degradation efficiencies through the photocatalytic process. The photocatalytic degradation and adsorption processes were compared by considering factors such as cost, efficiency, ease of application and reusability. This review will be good resource material for water treatment professionals/scientists, who may be interested in adsorptive and photocatalytic remediation of organic chemicals pollutants.

Tailored design of three-dimensional rGOA-nZVI catalyst as an activator of persulfate for degradation of organophosphorus pesticides

In this study, three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide aerogel (rGOA)-supported nanozero-valent iron (rGOA-nZVI) was successfully synthesized via tailored design and applied to activate persulfate (PS) to degrade three organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs; phorate, terbufos and parathion) in water and a historically contaminated soil. The results showed that loading nZVI nanoparticles on rGOA could prevent the aggregation of nZVI. rGOA-nZVI presented a better catalytic performance for PS activation to degrade the three OPPs than bare nZVI and rGOA, with degradation efficiencies of greater than 99.5% within 5 min. pH had negligible effects on the PS activated by rGOA-nZVI (rGOA-nZVI/PS). EPR measurements and radical quenching experiments showed that ·SO₄^- and ·OH were the main radicals responsible for OPP removal in the rGOA-nZVI/PS system. Furthermore, nine intermediates were identified, and the oxidation and scission of C-S-C, P-S/O and PS were the dominant degradation pathways of the three OPPs in aqueous solutions treated with rGOA-nZVI/PS. Additionally, rGOA-nZVI/PS achieved degradation efficiencies of 95.1% for phorate, 79.9% for terbufos and 89.1% for parathion in the contaminated soil, and the detected intermediates could be further degraded except triethylphosphate. Overall, this study provides practical knowledge for OPP removal by rGOA-nZVI/PS in wastewater and actual contaminated soil.

Fabrication of RHA-silica/graphene oxide nanocomposites for removal of lead ions from water

In this study, rice husk ash-silica/graphene oxide (RHA-SiO₂/GO) nanocomposites were synthesized by the in situ method using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane as a coupling agent. The obtained products were used to remove lead ions (Pb²⁺) from aqueous solution. Effects of SiO₂:GO mass ratio, contact time, pH and initial Pb²⁺ concentration on the adsorption capacity were studied. It was found that the suitable ratio of SiO₂:GO for Pb²⁺ adsorption is 100:2. The suitable RHA-SiO₂/GO was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area and thermal gravimetric analysis. Accordingly, RHA-SiO₂/GO nanocomposite could be used as promising adsorbent for the removal of Pb²⁺ from water.

Research Progress on Synthesis and Application of Cyclodextrin Polymers

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a series of cyclic oligosaccharides formed by amylose under the action of CD glucosyltransferase that is produced by Bacillus. After being modified by polymerization, substitution and grafting, high molecular weight cyclodextrin polymers (pCDs) containing multiple CD units can be obtained. pCDs retain the internal hydrophobic-external hydrophilic cavity structure characteristic of CDs, while also possessing the stability of polymer. They are a class of functional polymer materials with strong development potential and have been applied in many fields. This review introduces the research progress of pCDs, including the synthesis of pCDs and their applications in analytical separation science, materials science, and biomedicine.

Porous Silica-Based Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Catalysts: A Review

Hybrid organic-inorganic catalysts have been extensively investigated by several research groups in the last decades, as they allow combining the structural robust-ness of inorganic solids with the versatility of organic chemistry. Within the field of hybrid catalysts, synthetic strategies based on silica are among the most exploitable, due to the convenience of sol-gel chemistry, to the array of silyl-derivative precursors that can be synthesized and to the number of post-synthetic functionalization strategies available, amongst others. This review proposes to highlight these advantages, firstly describing the most common synthetic tools and the chemistry behind sol-gel syntheses of hybrid catalysts, then presenting exemplificative studies involving mono- and multi-functional silica-based hybrid catalysts featuring different types of active sites (acid, base, redox). Materials obtained through different approaches are described and their properties, as well as their catalytic performances, are compared. The general scope of this review is to gather useful information for those approaching the synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, while providing an overview on the state-of-the art in the synthesis of such materials and highlighting their capacities.

A critical review of contaminant removal by conventional and emerging media for urban stormwater treatment in the United States

Stormwater is a major component of the urban water cycle contributing to street flooding and high runoff volumes in urban areas, and elevated contaminant concentrations in receiving waters from contact with impervious surfaces. Engineers and city planners are investing in best management practices to reduce runoff volume and to potentially capture and use urban stormwater. However, these current approaches result in moderate to low contaminant removal efficiencies for certain classes of contaminants (e.g., particles, nutrients, and some metals). This review describes options and opportunities to augment existing stormwater infrastructure with conventional and emerging reactive media to improve contaminant removal. This critical analysis characterizes media physicochemical properties and mechanisms contributing to contaminant removal, describes possible candidates for new engineered media, highlights lab and field studies investigating stormwater media contaminant removal, and identifies possible limitations and knowledge gaps in media implementation. Following this analysis, information is provided regarding factors that may contribute to or adversely impact urban stormwater treatment by media. The review closes with insights into additional research directions and important information necessary for safe and effective urban stormwater treatment using media.

Covalent anchoring of atomically precise glutathione-protected gold nanoclusters on graphene oxide nanosheets

This paper describes the development of a novel method of producing nanocomposites consisting of gold nanoclusters anchored on graphene oxide nanosheets in a cost-effective and reproducible manner. The novelty of the technique hinges on the covalent functionalization of atomically precise subnanometer gold clusters protected by glutathione (Au15SG13 and Au25SG18) on to graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets according to the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride crosslinking method, using the existing carboxylic groups present both at the surfaces of the nanoclusters and the GO nanosheets. The atomic precision of glutathione-protected gold nanoclusters was evidenced by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The formed hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by TEM measurements and exhibit nonlinear optical properties characteristic of GO, in particular a strong second harmonic scattering response as well as a multi-photon excited fluorescence spectrum characterized by a broad band in the visible range between 350 and 700 nm. Atomically precise nanoclusters covalently linked to GO nanosheets are therefore promising for new applications in the areas of optoelectronics and photovoltaics.

Bilirubin oxidase oriented on novel type three-dimensional biocathodes with reduced graphene aggregation for biocathode

Aggregation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) due to π-π stacking is a recurrent problem in graphene-based electrochemistry, decreasing the effective working area and therefore the performance of the RGO electrodes. Dispersing RGO on three-dimensional (3D) carbon paper electrodes is one strategy towards overcoming this challenge, with partial relief aggregation. In this report, we describe the grafting of negatively charged 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) onto a graphene functionalized carbon paper electrode surface. 4-ABA functionalization induces separation of the RGO layers, at the same time leading to favorable orientation of the blue multi-copper enzyme Myrothecium verrucaria bilirubin oxidase (MvBOD) for direct electron transfer (DET) in the dioxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at neutral pH. Simultaneous electroreduction of graphene oxide to RGO and covalent attachment of 4-ABA are achieved by applying alternating cathodic and anodic electrochemical potential pulses, leading to a high catalytic current density (Δj_cat:193 ± 4 μA cm^-2) under static conditions. Electrochemically grafted 4-ABA not only leads to a favorable orientation of BOD as validated by fitting a kinetic model to the electrocatalytic data, but also acts to alleviate RGO aggregation as disclosed by scanning electron microscopy, most likely due to the electrostatic repulsion between 4-ABA-grafted graphene layers. With a half-lifetime of 55 h, the bioelectrode also shows the highest operational stability for DET-type MvBOD-based bioelectrodes reported to date. The bioelectrode was finally shown to work well as a biocathode of a membrane-less glucose/O₂ enzymatic biofuel cell with a maximum power density of 22 μW cm^-2 and an open circuit voltage of 0.51 V.

Fe3O4-Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanosheets as Novel Adsorbents for Removal of Arsenic(III) from Contaminated Water

We report the application of Fe3O4-functionalized boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS-Fe3O4 nanocomposite) for the remediation of As(III) ions from contaminated water. The specific surface area of the nanocomposite has been found as 179.5 m2 g-1. Due to its superparamagnetic nature at room temperature, the nanocomposite can be easily isolated from the solution under an external magnetic field. For As(III) ions, the maximum adsorption capacity of the nanocomposite is obtained as 30.3 mg g-1, which is approximately 4 times more than that of the bare BNNSs (8.5 mg g-1). The results from density functional theory calculations are also in close agreement with experimental findings and show that As(OH)3 binds more (∼4 times) efficiently to the BNNS-Fe3O4 nanocomposite than the bare BNNSs, implying a 4 times higher adsorption capacity of the nanocomposite. Especially, it is found that the synthesized nanocomposite could lessen the concentration of As(III) ions from 134 to 2.67 ppb in a solution at 25 °C. On increasing the temperature to 35 °C, the level of As(III) ions could be reduced from 556 to 10.29 ppb, which is close to the limit prescribed by the World Health Organization. The adsorbent was easily separable and showed regeneration properties. These outcomes depict the prospect of using BNNS-Fe3O4 nanocomposites as commercial adsorbents for the removal of As(III) ions from contaminated water.

A thiourea cross-linked three-dimensional graphene aerogel as a broad-spectrum adsorbent for dye and heavy metal ion removal

A honeycomb-like three-dimensional graphene-based aerogel applied to remove pollutants was assembled via a mild, easy-to-operate hydrothermal synthesis method.

Sustainable synthesis of graphene-based adsorbent using date syrup

Here we demonstrate, a facile in-situ strategy for the synthesis of environmentally benign and scalable graphene sand hybrid using date syrup as a sustainable carbon source through pyrolysis at 750 °C. Raman and SEM images revealed that the as-prepared date syrup-based graphene sand hybrid (D-GSH) had imperfections with macroporous 2-D graphene sheet-like structures stacked on the inorganic sand support. The applicability of the D-GSH for decontaminating the water from cationic (Methyl Violet, MV) and anionic (Congo Red, CR) dye and heavy metals (Pb2+ and Cd2+) was tested. Batch experiments demonstrated that D-GSH showcased exceptional capability for both dye and heavy metals removal with fast adsorption following pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption capacities for MV, Pb2+, and Cd2+ were respectively 2564, 781 and 793 mg/g at 25 °C, the highest capacity graphene-based adsorbent reported in the literature to date. In addition, D-GSH also exhibited high adsorption capacity for anionic dye, CR (333 mg g-1) and good recyclability (3 cycles) for all the contaminants. The thermodynamic studies further confirmed that the adsorption of all contaminants was thermodynamically feasible, spontaneous and endothermic with ∆H° of 48.38, 89.10, 16.89 and 14.73 kJ/mol for MV, CR, Pb2+ and Cd2+, respectively. Thus, utilization of a simple one-step strategy to produce graphenic sand hybrid using date syrup helped in developing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly dye and heavy metal scavenger that can be used as a one-step solution for water decontamination.

Optimization of the sorption of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by regenerable graphene wool

A novel graphene wool (GW) material was used as adsorbent for the removal of phenanthrene (PHEN) and pyrene (PYR) from aqueous solution. Adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics of adsorption and effect of pH, ionic strength, and temperature on the adsorption of PHEN and PYR onto GW were comprehensively investigated. Isothermal and kinetic experimental data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Sips and Dubinin-Radushkevich models, as well as pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption kinetic data best fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for PHEN and PYR sorption with R² value >0.999, whilst the Sips model best fit isotherm data. Kinetic data revealed that 24 hr of contact between adsorbent and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was sufficient for maximum adsorption, where the Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity of GW for PHEN and PYR was 5 and 20 mg g^-1 and the optimum removal efficiency was 99.9% and 99.1%, respectively. Thermodynamic experiments revealed that adsorption processes were endothermic and spontaneous. Desorption experiments indicated that irreversible sorption occurred with a hysteresis index greater that zero for both PAHs. The high adsorption capacity and potential reusability of GW makes it a very attractive material for removal of hydrophobic organic micro-pollutants from water.

Engineered multifunctional sand for enhanced removal of stormwater runoff contaminants in fixed-bed column systems

The degradation of surface water quality in the US is mostly contributed by nonpoint-source pollution, in which stormwater runoff plays a major role. Stormwater runoff pollution is difficult to control due to its diffuse and stochastic loading. In this study, multifunctional AlMg/GO engineered sand synthesized via a simple method was used to address four major categories of runoff contaminants, namely nutrient (phosphate), metal (zinc), organic contaminant (caffeine), and pathogen (E. coli), simultaneously. For chemical contaminants (phosphate, zinc, and caffeine), Freundlich and Thomas models can successfully describe the batch isotherms and breakthrough curves of column flow-through experiments, respectively. Better E. coli retention capacity and antibacterial activity of the engineered sand than that of the raw sand was demonstrated in E. coli retention and revitalization experiments. The engineered sand also showed good performance in actual surface runoff. Based on the results of the column flow-through experiments and the literature-reported typical field conditions and design criteria (e.g. 50 m³ engineered sand for 5000 m² catchment; dissolved concentrations in the runoff: phosphate 0.2 mg/L, zinc 0.3 mg/L, and caffeine 0.0002 mg/L), a preliminary operational lifetime estimation was conducted, which indicated that the engineered sand can maintain its effectiveness for 90% removal of the dissolved phosphate, zinc, and caffeine from stormwater runoff for 81, 15, and >100 years, respectively. The engineered multifunctional sand proved to be a promising solution to future stormwater runoff management.

Magnetite-Coated Boron Nitride Nanosheets for the Removal of Arsenic(V) from Water

It is widely known that the existence of arsenic (As) in water negatively affects humans and the environment. We report the synthesis, characterization, and application of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) and Fe₃O₄-functionalized BNNS (BNNS-Fe₃O₄) nanocomposite for removal of As(V) ions from aqueous systems. The morphology, surface properties, and compositions of synthesized nanomaterials were examined using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, surface area analysis, zero-point charge, and magnetic moment determination. The BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites have a specific surface area of 119 m² g^-1 and a high saturation magnetization of 49.19 emu g^-1. Due to this strong magnetic property at room temperature, BNNS-Fe₃O₄ can be easily separated in solution by applying an external magnetic field. From the activation energies, it was found that the adsorption of As(V) ions on BNNSs and BNNS-Fe₃O₄ was due to physical and chemical adsorption, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite for As(V) ions has been found to be 26.3 mg g^-1, which is 5 times higher than that of unmodified BNNSs (5.3 mg g^-1). This closely matches density functional theory simulations, where it is found that binding energies between BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite and As(OH)₅ are 5 times higher than those between BNNSs and As(OH)₅, implying 5 times higher adsorption capacity of BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite than unmodified BNNSs. More importantly, it was observed that the synthesized BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite could reduce As(V) ion concentration from 856 ppb in a solution to below 10 ppb (>98.83% removal), which is the permissible limit according to World Health Organization recommendations. Finally, the synthesized adsorbent showed both separation and regeneration properties. These findings demonstrate the potential of BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite for commercial application in separation of As(V) ions from potable and waste water streams.

Anti-fouling and thermosensitive ion-imprinted nanocomposite membranes based on grapheme oxide and silicon dioxide for selectively separating europium ions

The increasing amount of europium in aqueous environment from rare earth industry has become a serious environmental challenge. Significant efforts have been focused on ion-imprinting membranes (IIMs) for selective separation of ions from analogues. Based on ion-imprinting technique, we have developed Eu³⁺-imprinted nanocomposite membranes (Eu-IIMs) for selectively separating Eu³⁺ from La³⁺, Gd³⁺ and Sm³⁺. Polydopamine (pDA) was previously synthesized on basal membranes to augment the interfacial adhesion. Grapheme oxide (GO) and modified silicon dioxide (kSiO₂) were synergistically stacked on pDA-modified substrates to form hydrophilic nanocomposite membranes. Ag nanoparticles were modified on the surface to enhance anti-fouling performance. The temperature-controlled selective recognition sites were formed using N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and acrylamide (Am) as functional monomers as well as europium ions as templates by RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) method. Large enhanced Eu³⁺-rebinding capacity (101.14 mg g^-1), adsorptive selectivity (1.82, 1.57, 1.45 for Eu³⁺/La³⁺, Eu³⁺/Gd³⁺, Eu³⁺/Sm³⁺) and permselectivity (3.82, 3.47, 3.34 for La³⁺/Eu³⁺, Gd³⁺/Eu³⁺, Sm³⁺/Eu³⁺) were achieved on Eu-IIMs with superior regeneration performance. Additionally, the negligible damage of the membranes after buried for 20 d indicated the superior anti-fouling property of the Eu-IIMs. The ion-imprinted nanocomposite membranes synthesized in this work have shown great potentials for selective separation of rare earth ions.

Graphene particles supported on silica as sorbent for residue analysis of tetracyclines in milk employing microextraction by packed sorbent

This paper describes the use of graphene-based sorbents for determination of four tetracyclines in milk. The synthesized materials were combined with microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) to act as the sample preparation step. The extraction performance of these sorbents was compared to commercial phases, and graphene supported on silica provided the best results. The analytical method optimization was carried out by employing experimental design. Firstly, an evaluation of the experimental variables (elution solvent, use of EDTA, ionic force, and pH of the washing solution) was made by a 24-1 factorial experimental design. The variables sampling, washing and elution cycles of MEPS were further optimized under a full 23 experimental design. The validation parameters were determined under optimized conditions resulting in a linearity ranging from 15 to 110 μg/L with R2 values above 0.98, and LOQs ranging from 0.05 to 0.9 μg/L. The accuracy ranged from 87.9 to 118.4% and intra/inter-day precision reported by the RSDs were lower than 19%. The proposed and validated method was successfully applied to the analysis of 11 milk samples from different animals, revealing traces of tetracyclines in only two of them. This study focused on the evaluation of graphene-based sorbents combined with MEPS for tetracycline analysis provided equivalent or even better results than other proposed methods, suggesting being a sensitive, fast and reliable alternative method for the determination of tetracyclines in milk samples.

Application of as-synthesised MCM-41 and MCM-41 wrapped with reduced graphene oxide/graphene oxide in the remediation of acetaminophen and aspirin from aqueous system

In this study, ASM41 (as-synthesised MCM-41), MCM-41, MCM-41 encapsulated with graphene oxide (MCM-41-GO) and reduced graphene oxide (MCM-41-G) were fabricated and utilized in the remediation of acetaminophen and aspirin from water. A surfactant template (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) was added to ASM41 to make it more hydrophobic and its effects on the remediation of acetaminophen and aspirin from wastewater was studied. To further improve the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent, MCM-41 was encapsulated with GO and G which also aided in easy separation of the adsorbent from the aqueous solution. Comparative studies of the adsorption of acetaminophen and aspirin on all four adsorbents were investigated. Batch adsorption studies of acetaminophen and aspirin were carried out to determine the effects of pH, initial concentration, time and adsorbent dose. Adsorption mechanism was through EDA, π-π interactions, and hydrophobic effects. Data from sorption kinetics showed ASM41 had the highest q_m value for aspirin (909.1 mg/g) and MCM-41-G had the highest q_m value for acetaminophen (555.6 mg/g). The significant adsorption by ASM41 can be attributed to increased hydrophobicity due to the retention of the surfactant template. Thermodynamic studies revealed the adsorption process as spontaneous and exothermic. Desorption studies revealed that adsorbents could be regenerated and reused for adsorption.

Graphene, electrospun membranes and granular activated carbon for eliminating heavy metals, pesticides and bacteria in water and wastewater treatment processes

The availability of safe water has a significant impact on all parts of society, its growth and sustainability, both politically and socioeconomically.

3D graphene-based nanostructured materials as sorbents for cleaning oil spills and for the removal of dyes and miscellaneous pollutants present in water

Oil spills over seawater and dye pollutants in water cause economic and environmental damage every year. Among various methods to deal oil spill problems, the use of porous materials has been proven as an effective strategy. In recent years, graphene-based porous sorbents have been synthesized to address the shortcomings associated with conventional sorbents such as their low uptake capacity, slow sorption rate, and non-recyclability. This article reviews the research undertaken to control oil spillage using three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based materials. The use of these materials for removal of dyes and miscellaneous environmental pollutants from water is explored and the application of various multifunctional 3D oil sorbents synthesized by surface modification technique is presented. The future prospects and limitations of these materials as sorbents are also discussed.

Sugar Cane-Converted Graphene-like Material for the Superhigh Adsorption of Organic Pollutants from Water via Coassembly Mechanisms

A sugar cane-converted graphene-like material (FZS900) was fabricated by carbonization and activation. The material exhibited abundant micropores, water-stable turbostratic single-layer graphene nanosheets, and a high BET-N2 surface area (2280 m2 g-1). The adsorption capacities of FZS900 toward naphthalene, phenanthrene, and 1-naphthol were 615.8, 431.2, and 2040 mg g-1, respectively, which are much higher than those of previously reported materials. The nonpolar aromatic molecules induced the turbostratic graphene nanosheets to agglomerate in an orderly manner, forming 2-11 graphene layer nanoloops, while polar aromatic compounds induced high dispersion or aggregation of the graphene nanosheets. This phase conversion of the nanosized materials after sorption occurred through coassembly of the aromatic molecules and the single-layer graphene nanosheets via large-area π-π interactions. An adsorption-induced partition mechanism was further proposed to explain the nanosize effect and nanoscale sorption sites observed. This study indicates that commonly available biomass can be converted to graphene-like material with superhigh sorption ability in order to remove pollutants from the environment via nanosize effects and a coassembly mechanism.

Ionic liquids modified graphene oxide composites: a high efficient adsorbent for phthalates from aqueous solution

In 2015, more than 30% of erasers were found to contain a PAE content that exceeded the 0.1% limit established by the Quality and Technology Supervision Bureau of Jiangsu Province in China. Thus, strengthening the supervision and regulation of the PAE content in foods and supplies, in particular, remains necessary. Graphene oxide (GO) and its composites have drawn great interests as promising adsorbents for polar and nonpolar compounds. However, GO-based adsorbents are typically restricted by the difficult separation after treatment because of the high pressure in filtration and low density in centrifugation. Herein, a series of novel ionic liquids modified graphene oxide composites (GO-ILs) were prepared as adsorbents for phthalates (PAEs) in eraser samples, which overcame the conventional drawbacks. These novel composites have a combination of the high surface area of graphene oxide and the tunability of the ionic liquids. It is expected that the GO-ILs composites can be used as efficient adsorbents for PAEs from aqueous solution. This work also demonstrated a new technique for GO-based materials applied in sample preparation.

Aggregation, Adsorption, and Morphological Transformation of Graphene Oxide in Aqueous Solutions Containing Different Metal Cations

The colloidal behavior of graphene oxide (GO) has been extensively studied in the presence of common environmental cations, but the aggregation, adsorption, and morphological transformation of GO under heavy metal ions have not been investigated. We observed that heavy metal cations (Cr³⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺) destabilized GO suspension more aggressively than common cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). In addition to electric double-layer (EDL) suppression, heavy metal cations can easily cross the EDL, bind to GO surface, and then change the surface potential, which is a more efficient pathway for GO aggregation. According to aggregation kinetics, the destabilizing ability of cations follows the order of Cr³⁺ ≫ Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ ≫ Ag⁺ > K⁺ > Na⁺. The destabilizing capability of metal cations is consistent with their adsorption affinity with GO, which is determined by their electronegativity and hydration shell thickness. GO nanosheets can be transformed to 1D tube-like carbon material, 2D multiple overlapped GO plane, and 3D sphere-like particles during aggregation, thereby combined to form a sphere-like aggregated GO, which is for the first time observed by TEM and AFM images. Therefore, the aggregation of GO 2D nanosheets follows the Schulze-Hardy rule, which is usually used for spherical particles. An integrative process of adsorption-transformation-aggregation is proposed to better understand the nanomaterial (e.g., GO) colloidal behavior, environmental risk, self-assembly process, and application as a novel adsorbent.

Graphene-augmented nanofiber scaffolds demonstrate new features in cells behaviour

Three-dimensional (3D) customized scaffolds capable to mimic a native extracellular matrix open new frontiers in cells manipulation and advanced therapy. The major challenge is in a proper substrate for in vitro models on engineered scaffolds, capable to modulate cells differentiation. Here for the first time we demonstrate novel design and functionality of the 3D porous scaffolds of aligned, self-assembled ceramic nanofibers of ultra-high anisotropy ratio (~10⁷), augmented into graphene shells. This unique hybrid nano-network allows an exceptional combination of selective guidance stimuli of stem cells differentiation, immune reactions variations, and local immobilization of cancer cells, which was not available before. The scaffolds were shown to be able to direct human mesenchymal stem cells (important for stimulation of neuronal and muscle cells) preferential orientation, to suppress major inflammatory factors, and to localize cancer cells; all without additions of specific culture media. The selective downregulation of specific cytokines is anticipated as a new tool for understanding of human immune system and ways of treatment of associated diseases. The effects observed are self-regulated by cells only, without side effects, usually arising from use of external factors. New scaffolds may open new horizons for stem cells fate control such as towards axons and neurites regeneration (Alzheimer’s disease) as well as cancer therapy development.

Characteristic Evaluation of Graphene Oxide for Bisphenol A Adsorption in Aqueous Solution

This paper investigates the characteristics of graphene oxide (GO) for Bisphenol A (BPA) adsorption in water. Batch experiments on the influence of significant parameters were performed. While an improvement of the adsorption capacity of BPA was obtained by the increment of contact time and the initial BPA concentration, the increment of pH above 8, GO dosage, and temperature showed the reverse results. The thermodynamic study suggested that BPA adsorption on GO was an exothermic and spontaneous process. The kinetics was explained by the pseudo-second-order model which covers all steps of adsorption. The fit of the results with the Langmuir isotherm indicated the monolayer adsorption. At 298 K, the adsorption reached equilibrium within 30 min with the maximum adsorption capacity of 49.26 mg/g. The low BPA adsorption capacity of GO can be interpreted by the occurrence of oxygen-containing functional groups (OCFGs) that are able to form hydrogen bonds with the surrounding OCFGs and water molecules. This effect inhibited the role of π–π interactions that are mainly responsible for the adsorption of BPA.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of sandwich-like mesoporous silica nanoflakes as promising anticancer drug delivery system

We present the new promising nanostructure- sandwich-like mesoporous silica nanoflakes synthesized on graphene oxide sheets core. In the first step biocompatibility of the nanoflakes with PEG and without functionalization in human fibroblast, melanoma and breast cancer cells was assessed. In order to define the cellular uptake in vitro and biodistribution in vivo the nanostructures were labelled with fluorescent dye. In the next step, the silica nanostructures were filled by the anticancer drug- methotrexate (MTX) and cytotoxicity of the complex in reference to MTX was evaluated. The WST-1 assay shows mild, but concentration dependent, cytotoxicity of the nanoflakes, most significant for the non-functionalized structures. PEG-modified silica nanoflakes didn't produce a disruption of cell membranes and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Cell imaging revealed efficient internalization of the silica nanoflakes in cells. Ex vivo organ imaging showed high accumulation of the nanostructures in lungs, bladder and gall bladder, whereas confocal imaging revealed wide nanoflake distribution in all tested tissues, especially at 1h and 4h post intravenous injection. Cytotoxicity of the nanoflake-MTX complex in reference to MTX showed similar cytotoxic potential against cancer cells. These findings may provide useful information for designing drug delivery systems, which may improve anticancer efficacy and decrease side effects.

Efficient simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation of high-concentrated N,N-dimethylformamide from water by Paracoccus denitrificans-graphene oxide microcomposites

Water contamination becomes one of the most pervasive environmental issues all over the world in recent years. In this paper, the functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with copolymers containing methacrylic acid (MAA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) was investigated to prepare a new microcomposite material (PGO) via free radical solution polymerization. PGO was used for the adsorption of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) from aqueous solution by utilizing the characteristics of ultralarge surface and the Van der Waals force between DMF molecules and polymers on the surface of PGO. Besides, PGO was used not only a high-capable adsorbent but also a carrier for the immobilization of Paracoccus denitrificans cells in the treatment of high-concentrated DMF. Bacterial cells could immobilized on the PGO (PGO@P. denitrificans) stably by covalent coupling process after acclimatization and high-concentrated DMF (2000 mg/L) could be removed completely and relatively rapidly from aqueous solutions by the simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation (SAB) process of PGO@P. denitrificans. Furthermore, the excellent recycle performance of PGO@P. denitrificans made the whole process more economical and practical.