Title: Next-Generation Sorbents For Heavy Metal Removal: A Comprehensive Review Of Graphene, Biopolymer, And Nano-Composite Systems
Authors: Kholikulov D.B., Khudoymuratov Sh.J., Mutalibkhonov S.S., Khojiev Sh.T.
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 102-113
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
Heavy metal ion contamination in aquatic systems remains one of the most urgent global environmental challenges, demanding advanced, selective, and sustainable separation technologies. In recent years, rapid progress in materials science has driven the emergence of novel-generation sorbents engineered from graphene-based structures, biopolymer-derived materials, and multifunctional nano-composite systems. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of scientific development trends across these three major sorbent platforms, evaluating their structural characteristics, synthesis methodologies, adsorption mechanisms, and comparative performance. Graphene oxide and its functionalized derivatives demonstrate exceptional adsorption efficiencies due to high surface area, abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, and tunable electronic properties. Biopolymer-based sorbents, particularly chitosan, alginate, cellulose, and silk fibroin, offer biodegradable and cost-effective alternatives with strong chelating capabilities and promising regeneration behavior. Nano-composite architectures-such as zeolite-metal oxide hybrids, MOF/ZIF-based systems, COF materials, and hierarchical porous polymers-exhibit powerful synergistic effects, enabling unprecedented adsorption capacities exceeding 900 mg g?¹ for certain metal ions.