Application of Nanomaterials in Water Purification: A Thematic Review

Traditional methods of purifying water such as coagulation/flocculation and chlorine are being replaced by innovative concepts and technologies of nanofibers as they are not able to give satisfactory result in presence of organic matter in wastewater. Nanomaterials can be used in treatment applications of wastewater because of their large specific surface area, significant reactivity, high level of functionalization, size-reliant features, affinity for specific contaminants, etc. Nanomaterials can be used to produce membranes and filters that are energy and cost-efficient due to their good flux rates, selective permeability, reusability, and enhanced durability. Several different categories of nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), antimicrobial nanomaterials, nanosorbents, single enzyme nanoparticles (SENs), self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous silica (SAMMS), and dendrimers have been discussed in this paper along with their production processes and applications.