Carbon Nanotubes in Water Treatment: Innovations and Challenges

Abstract

The increasing demand for clean and safe drinking water has spurred significant interest in advanced materials for water treatment. Among these, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as a promising solution due to their unique properties, including high surface area, exceptional strength, and the ability to adsorb a wide range of contaminants. This article explores the innovations in CNT-based water treatment technologies and highlights the challenges that hinder their widespread adoption. The application of CNTs in the removal of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens is discussed, along with the integration of CNTs into filtration systems. However, the high cost of production, potential toxicity, and scalability issues remain significant barriers. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the potential and limitations of CNTs in water treatment, with an emphasis on ongoing research and future prospects.