MatSci Express

From the Journal:

MatSci Express

Volume 2, Issue 1 (March 2025)


Exploring the Potential of Carbon Based Materials in Air Purification 

Neha Garg, Armaandeep Kaur, Abhijit Dan, Savita Chaudhary

Neha Garg 1

Armaandeep Kaur 1

Abhijit Dan 2

Savita Chaudhary 1,*

1 Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India

2 Department of Applied Chemistry, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Simhat, Haringhata, West Bengal 741249, India

 

*   Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:

schaudhary@pu.ac.in (S. Chaudhary)

Abstract

The deteriorating air quality possessed serious health concerns among human beings and displayed damaging impact on our ecosystem. Thus converting adverse atmospheric particulate materials to high valued carbon based nanomaterials (CBNs) with photocatalytic properties in air purification has gained significant interest among researchers. This review highlights the different methodological aspects of transforming waste atmospheric particulates into useful CBNs. The review begins with a special emphasis on the synthesis and mode of action of CDs on air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and many toxic gases. Various mode of synthesis of CBNs along with mechanisms used for air purification such as adsorption has also been explored in this review. The synergistic effects of combining CBNs with other materials such as TiO2 and graphene have also explored. The feasibility of prepared CBNs in air purification processes involving the photocatalytic conversion of toxic air particulates have also been discussed in this review. The current study also highlights the sensory performance of CBNs. This exclusive study will surely assist a new opportunity in mitigating the issues related to air pollution and will improve the efficacy in environmental remediation activities for a clean and safe ecosystem.

Significance of the study:

This review emphasizes the innovative approach of utilizing atmospheric particulate matter (PM) to synthesize carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) for air purification. It highlights the transformative potential of converting harmful pollutants into valuable materials with photocatalytic properties, providing a sustainable solution for improving air quality. The study’s exploration of CBNs’ adsorption and photocatalytic mechanisms, combined with their synergistic effects with materials like TiO₂ and graphene, offers significant advancements in air pollution control and environmental remediation technologies.

Summary of the study:

This review explores the potential of carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) synthesized from atmospheric particulates for air purification. It covers various synthesis methods, adsorption mechanisms, and photocatalytic processes used for air pollutants like VOCs and toxic gases. Additionally, the synergistic effects of CBNs with other materials, such as TiO₂ and graphene, are discussed. By converting harmful pollutants into useful materials, this study presents new opportunities for environmental remediation, addressing air pollution challenges while enhancing air purification technologies.