Challenges and Opportunities of Graphene-Based Materials in Current Desalination and Water Purification Technologies

Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon sheet with a single-layered atom thickness, which gives it unique physical and chemical properties. Significant breakthroughs have been made on the development of next-generation, graphene-based membranes, adsorbents, catalysts, photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, photoelectrocatalysts, and disinfection and desalination agents in water purification applications. In this chapter, preparation and properties of graphene-based composites are studied. Applications of graphene-based materials are investigated for desalination and water treatment purposes. Another aim of this chapter is to explore the challenges and opportunities of graphene-based materials in advancing current desalination and water purification technologies. Moreover, the technological challenges, economic implications, and environmental impacts of these materials are explored.