Functionalized carbon metal nanocomposites for efficient and sustainable removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from water - A comprehensive review.

Carbon-metal nanocomposites have emerged as promising materials for the sustainable remediation of pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic environments by integrating the high surface area, chemical tunability, and structural stability of carbon nanomaterials with the catalytic and redox functionalities of metallic nanoparticles. This review critically evaluates the synthesis strategies, physicochemical characterization, and pollutant removal mechanisms of functionalized carbon-metal nanocomposites, with particular emphasis on adsorption, catalytic degradation, and photocatalytic processes. Carbon-based nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and carbon dots, when combined with metal nanoparticles including silver, copper, zinc oxide, and iron oxide, exhibit pronounced synergistic effects that enable the efficient and selective removal of a wide range of pharmaceutical contaminants. Environmental and ecotoxicological considerations associated with the application of these nanocomposites are also discussed, highlighting the importance of comprehensive risk assessment and sustainable material design. Despite their significant potential, challenges related to scalability, cost, and regulatory acceptance remain major barriers to practical implementation. Future research directions focus on green synthesis approaches, the development of advanced hybrid nanocomposites, and their integration with complementary water treatment technologies, underscoring the promise of carbon-metal nanocomposites as sustainable solutions for pharmaceutical pollution control and the protection of aquatic ecosystems.