Nanosponge cyclodextrin polyurethanes and their modification with nanomaterials for the removal of pollutants from waste water: A review

Abstract

Water is a worldwide vital resource for sustaining life and due to the pollution of water by different classes of pollutants (inorganic, organic and pathogens), many ongoing studies in water purification remain a critical issue to governments, scientists and industries. The challenge is to develop a water purification technology which will be effective at removing these contaminants simultaneously and reducing their concentrations to ultra low levels from waste water. This review article serves to give an overview on cyclodextrin nanosponge adsorbents which have already been used for water treatment. The modification of these cyclodextrin nanosponges with existing adsorbent nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, TiO₂ and silver nanoparticles) and the factors affecting the adsorption capacity of these nanosorbents are discussed. The nanotoxicity of these engineered nanosorbents material is also addressed since nanotoxicity is a major concern to human health and environment.

Keywords: Adsorption; Nanosorbents; Nanotechnology; Nanotoxicity; Water purification; Water treatment.