Graphene is an interesting two-dimensional carbon allotrope that has attracted considerable research interest because of its unique structure and physicochemical properties. Studies have been conducted on graphene-based nanomaterials including modified graphene, graphene/semiconductor hybrids, graphene/metal nanoparticle composites, and graphene-complex oxide composites. These nanomaterials inherit the unique properties of graphene, and the addition of functional groups or the nanoparticle composites on their surfaces improves their performance. Applications of these materials in pollutant removal and environmental remediation have been explored. From the viewpoint of environmental chemistry and materials, this paper reviews recent important advances in synthesis of graphene-related materials and their application in treatment of environmental pollution. The roles of graphene-based materials in pollutant removal and potential research are discussed.
The interaction between radionuclides and solid/water interfaces is important to understand the physicochemical processes of radionuclides in the natural environment.Herein,the interaction of 60Co(Ⅱ) with TiO 2 in aqueous solution as a function of pH and ionic strength was studied by using batch technique combined with surface complexation model and density functional theory(DFT) calculations.The batch experimental results showed that the adsorption of 60Co(Ⅱ) was dependent on pH and independent of ionic strength,indicating the formation of inner-sphere surface complexes on TiO 2 surfaces.The results of surface complexation models and DFT calculations indicated that the surface species of 60Co(Ⅱ) adsorbed on TiO 2 followed the trend:B structure(i.e.,60Co(Ⅱ) was linked to one bridge oxygen site) was the dominant surface species at low pH,and TT structure(i.e.,60Co(Ⅱ) was linked to two terminal oxygen sites) became the important surface complex at neutral and alkaline pH values.These results demonstrated that a multi-technique approach could lead to definitive information on the structures of adsorbed 60Co(Ⅱ) at the molecular level at the TiO 2 /water interfaces,as well as realistic models to rationalize and accurately evaluate the macroscopic manifestations of radionuclide adsorption phenomena.
