Carbon Nanotube Membranes from Waste Materials for Water Treatment

Abstract

Plastic is a non-biodegradable substance that has historically caused both environmental and human health concerns. Polymers obtained through plastic waste, such as polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), form a crucial part of waste obtained globally. Once discarded, this single-use object continues to exist for decades and creates rubbish for landfills. Many researchers have been drawn to the idea of turning such material into a highly valued product. On the contrary, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are defined as materials having exceptional physical and chemical characteristics that frequently require resource- and energy-intensive production methods. Researchers have recently raised the possibility of applying polymers from waste as the carbonaceous feed for the manufacture of CNTs. Water purification is one of the main applications of carbon nanotubes. A critical resource for human existence and our planet is clean water. This entire procedure is carried out meticulously so that the carbon nanotubes can be successfully utilized to finish the water purification process. However, as urbanization, economic growth, and population density increase, there is a greater demand for high-quality, clean water, which necessitates the use of cost-effective water treatment technology. The catalyst-free synthesis, growth process, characterization, and functionalization of CNTs for use in water treatment are all briefly covered in this chapter.