Photocatalytic Degradation of Heavy Metal Ions Using Graphene

The presence of persistent and non-biodegradable toxic heavy metal ions in aqueous media is a serious threat to both human health and environmental systems. Researchers around the globe are compelled to develop new materials and methods that meet the present requirements. Photocatalysis is therefore considered as a promising approach to tackle the problems that raise environmental concerns. This method, with the aid of light, removes the harmful pollutants leaving behind no harmful secondary bi-products. Semiconductor photocatalyst suffers from higher charge-recombination rate and poor visible light response. Graphene and its derivatives, owing to their distinct optical and electrical properties are therefore highly used to support or modify semiconductor photocatalysts.