Graphene-supported organic-inorganic layered double hydroxides and their environmental applications: A review

Functional properties of two-dimensional (2D) nano-hybrid materials have received much attention in advanced research and technology due to exponential need of green energy, clean water and pollution free environment. Nowadays, it is a demanding apprehension to develop advanced stratigies for the synthesis of nano-hybrid multifunctional materials such as graphene oxide supported layered double hydroxides (GO/LDHs) by employing different chemical routes with extraordinary properties that can lead to novel technologies for identifying and addressing the current global environmental challenges. Starting with paradigm graphene doped with other 2D materials including layered metal hydroxides (LMHs), mixed metal oxides (MMOs), metal nitrides (MXenes) and metal carbides have gradually emerged as potential hybrid nanomaterials for the removal of environmental pollutants. The current review highlights the ongoing advances of hybrid LDHs-supported nanomaterials in various fields. Association of LDHs with carbon-based nanomaterials (graphene/graphene oxide, carbon quantum dots, carbon nanotubes/nanofibers) exposed that these nanocomposite materials have outstanding environmental applications owing to their distinctive combination of architectural properties, exfoliation, and nanoarchitectural topological transformation features. GO/LDHs have many potential applications in wastewater treatment, adsorption and separation of toxic gases from environment, environmental sensors and catalysts. Sooner, the LDHs-supported nanomaterials are anticipated to open an innovative eco-friendly way for their possible applicability in environmental systems.