Facile synthesis and applications of carbon nanotubes in heavy-metal remediation and biomedical fields: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have drawn great attention due to the rich science underpinning their applications coupled with a unique combination of properties like large aspect ratios, superior thermal and electrical conductivity, excellent optical characteristics and high surface area. Through chemical modification, re-engineering and functionalization, control of parameters such as surface chemistry, size distribution, surface area, agglomeration and structure have been made possible leading to improved functionality. CNTs not only holds promise in a wide range of applications in medicine, nano and microelectronics, and environmental remediation but can also be used for laboratory experimental tenacities. More particularly, CNTs serve as an excellent adsorbent in the removal of heavy metal ions (HMI) from wastewater. Equally, they are capable of coupling with many therapeutic and diagnostic agents hence being used in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, cancer therapy, drug delivery, biosensing and imaging. These two distinguished and noble applications have offered improved human health services and ensured a safer environment thus momentously revolutionizing human life. In that regard, this article has reviewed the advancements in the applications of CNTs in the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated water and biomedical applications drawn from several research articles and other publications.