Graphene-based materials for environmental applications: a review

The recent discovery and synthesis of graphene materials have led to many applications in various fields such as medicine, energy and environment. Here, we review the synthesis, functionalization, properties and applications of graphene materials with focus on environmental applications such as detection and adsorption of pollutants, and photocatalysis. For instance, hybrid systems can detect pollutants at levels of 0.1 nM Pb2+, 5 nM Hg2+ and 0.3 mu mol Cu2+ per L with a faster response time. Graphene-based materials have adsorption capacities ranging from 21 to 117.5 mg/g for metal ions, and from 1 to 827 mg/g for organic pollutants. Graphene oxide-based photocatalytic devices allow more than 95% of dye degradation.