Recent Developments of Graphene-Based Nanotechnology towards Energy and Environment

In recent decades, graphene nanotechnology has emerged as an escalating field of research owing to the excellent physicochemical properties of graphene. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb-like structure, has shown potential utility in multifarious sectors of science and technology such as energy, biomedical engineering, wastewater treatment, environmental pollution, etc. Graphene and its composites have been extensively used as electrode materials in energy storage devices such as Lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and metal-air batteries. In addition, graphene-based materials have emerged as potential electrodes material for fuel cells, thereby contributing to a low-carbon economy. Graphene gave a new dimension to electronic industries by replacing the conventionally used material i.e., Silicon (Si) in electronic devices. Moreover, the tunable surface area, functionalization, hydrophilicity, and strong π- π interaction properties of graphene prove its potential applications in medical and environmental science and technology. Recently, graphene-based adsorbents, membranes, and catalysts provide a simple, low-cost, and efficient water and wastewater treatment method. The materials not only detect but also remove various pollutants from wastewater even at very low concentrations. However, due to its extremely small size in devices and components, it is difficult to handle graphene in real applications. Graphene nanotechnology enables the researcher to unfold new properties and functions of graphene in the nanoscale realm providing solutions to unresolved issues related to the health care systems, energy demand, and environmental pollution. These materials not only enhance efficiency but also cause a paradigm shift in many applications. This book chapter sheds light on the earlier investigations, current progress, and future perspective of graphene-based nanotechnology.

Keywords: Air pollution, Energy, Graphene, Nanotechnology, Water treatment.