Graphene based materials are popular as adsorbents for water remediation. But how can we achieve maximum separation effeciency through post-separation processes like; settling/centrifuge or filtration? Is there any other method just to make sure that graphene is completely removed after batch adsoprtion process? Any suggestion please!
Dear Tanveer why not synthesize graphene/Fe3O4 as magnetic composite then you can easily separate it by applying magnet.
The ultimative solution for applying a sorbent or reactive material that isn't degraded in the water treatment process is really to graft it as a surface coating on something suitable to build a column from. The cheap options that the water industry are used to is activated carbon and quarts sand.
Once a treatment material is fixed in a filter the water can be drawn through and cleaned until the capacity of the material is exhausted completely. One avoid to continuously remove active nanoparticles from the water, which the public is very concerned with.
@ Dear Henrik, Many thanks for your detailed answer, I really appreciate your suggestions and recommendations. The problem with actiavted carbon and quarts sand is adsoption capacity. Through using graphene nanocomposites, we can get excellent adsorption capacity because of higher surface area. I was a bit confused for the separation of graphene oxide after using it as adsorbent. I have synthesized some novel derivatives of graphene with extraordinary surafce area. I was wondering for some suggestions regarding the separation and ecotoxicity to support the main findings. Thanks again
I think you didn't get the concept right. If you attach graphene sheets or nanotubes on particles of a suitable size for making columns (3 mm is good) you can get the high reactivity of the material without separation problems. As your active material stay attached to the particles there is no need to be concerned with toxicity of the material in the water.
there is a basic mistake in your statement that graphene is popular in water clean-up, maybe it is for playing in the lab.
For doing basic work on it, the path suggested by Henrik maybe followed. Fix graphene to a support of activated carbon and compare its effectivity against some grades of activated carbon in use for water treatment. You should study real or close to real wastewater in numerous cycles. Then make a cost comparison. If it is beneficial you made it.
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