Graphene/semiconductor nanocomposites (GSNs) for heterogeneous photocatalytic decolorization of wastewaters contaminated with synthetic dyes: A review

The advent of graphene revolution in recent years has opened up immense possibilities for creating and exploring new carbon-based materials for innovative technological applications. Recent advancements have shown that graphene/semiconductor nanocomposites (GSNs) can be envisaged as a promising new class of catalysts for the heterogeneous photocatalytic treatment of industrial wastewaters. While GSNs have been found effective in degrading and mineralizing a myriad of organic contaminants, photocatalytic degradation of synthetic colorants has been most extensively investigated. We present here the state-of-art review on GSNs in the context of photodecolorization of textile effluents. Various approaches to the synthesis of GSNs are first integrated and demonstrated by representative examples. The efficacy of these composite photocatalysts in decomposing selected dye pollutants is then discussed. We conclude the review by emphasizing the future research challenges and opportunities toward the large-scale commercialization of GSNs. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.