Research progress in structure design of carbon nanofibers and their adsorption mechanism and applications toward sewage pollutants

In order to better understand the applications of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in sewage disposal and to realize the well-directed design of CNFs adsorbents with high adsorption performance, this paper comprehensively reviewed the structure design, preparation methods and functionalization strategies for CNFs prepared by electrospinning, chemical vapor deposition, template synthesis and other green methods, with adsorption mechanisms highlighted. In addition, a thorough comparison of adsorption performances toward heavy metal ions, cationic dyes and organic pollutants were listed. The advantages and disadvantages of CNFs prepared by different methods were compared based on their preparation efficiency, structures, adsorption and recycling performances. The extensive applications of CNFs adsorbents were elaborated, especially in the field of electric desalting and ion determination. Key research and development directions of CNFs absorbents for the future were concluded including industrialized and low cost preparation, adsorption toward various varieties of pollutants, improvement of mechanical properties, electric facilitated adsorption, recycling use and more extensive applications. Copyright No content may be reproduced or abridged without authorization.