Chitosan, conducting polymer, and metal oxide nanocomposites: Mechanistic insights and sustainable approaches for water treatment

The role of nanomaterials in sustaining life and different environmental challenges related to water pollution needs to be addressed. This review article discusses the role of nanomaterials in the treatment and analysis of impure water. The focus of the review article is on the use of low-cost adsorbents, i.e., conducting polymers (CPs), Chitosan (CS), and Metal oxide nanoparticles (MO NPs) for wastewater treatment, evaluating their adsorption properties, mechanism, and feasibility for large-scale implementation. It highlights the growing concern about dye contamination in water and its removal using different adsorbents and photocatalytic agents. A comparison of nanomaterials' adsorption and photocatalytic capacity with different conventional water treatment technologies is made. This review examines the potential of CPs, CS, and MO NPs in water purification, focusing on their unique physicochemical properties that can enhance filtration systems and pollutant removal efficiency. The effect of surface modification of CS and CPs on water purification efficiency was investigated. The application of advanced technologies, including adsorption, oxidation processes, and biological treatments, was discussed in the context of their economic viability and environmental benefits. An insight into innovative and sustainable strategies for addressing water pollution, with an emphasis on cost-effective solutions and the promise of nanomaterials in revolutionizing water treatment processes, is discussed in detail. This review article highlights the innovative and cost-effective CPs, CS, and MO NPs-based strategies for wastewater treatment, emphasizing adsorption and photocatalytic efficiency to enhance pollutant removal capacity and sustainability.