Evaluating the role of functionalized graphene systems in achieving wastewater treatment: A paradigm for sustainable development

The increasing need for pure and potable water, the escalating problems of environmental pollution, and the quest for energy sustainability all demand innovative approaches in the field of carbon-based nanotechnology. This article presents a thorough review of the nanocatalytic process, with a special focus on the potential of graphene-based materials to revolutionize wastewater treatment and make a significant impact on the global water quality index. We have searched the relevant articles from Scopus, WoS, and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords to select the articles for writing this narrative review article. Graphene and its derivatives are excellent catalysts for degrading pollutants due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, electrical conductivity, enhanced adsorption characteristics, and chemical reactivity. This review also explores their mechanisms for removing heavy metals, organic compounds, and pathogens. Amalgamating graphene with other nanoparticles or functional groups enhances its catalytic efficiency and selectivity. Advancements in graphene composites can lead to nanocatalysts for water purification and resource recovery from waste. Furthermore, this review article highlights graphene-based nanocatalysts' environmental and scalability aspects, emphasizing their role in enhancing water treatment and energy conservation for better public health. It advocates for their integration into a circular economy and suggests that future research focus on long-term stability, toxicity, and regulatory considerations in wastewater treatment applications.