Dendrimers, mesoporous silicas and chitosan-based nanosorbents for the removal of heavy-metal ions: A review

The application of nanomaterials as nanosorbents in solving environmental problems such as the removal of heavy metals from wastewater has received a lot of attention due to their unique physical and chemical properties. These properties make them more superior and useful in various fields than traditional adsorbents. The present mini-review focuses on the use of nanomaterials such as dendrimers, mesoporous silicas and chitosan nanosorbents in the treatment of wastewater contaminated with toxic heavy-metal ions. Recent advances in the fabrication of these nanoscale materials and processes for the removal of heavy-metal ions from drinking water and wastewater are highlighted, and in some cases their advantages and limitations are given. These next-generation adsorbents have been found to perform very well in environmental remediation and control of heavy-metal ions in wastewater. The main objective of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the research and development in this particular field and to give an account of the applications, advantages and limitations of these particular nanosorbents in the treatment of aqueous solutions contaminated with heavy-metal ions.