Carbon-based Hybrid Nanomaterials (Graphene, GO, rGO, CNT composites) for their Potential Application in Photocatalysis Reactions

Nanomaterials (e.g., nanoparticles, nanotubes) have been employed in various applications such as water treatment, sensors, catalysts, electronics, and drug delivery. Early research focused on metal oxide nanoparticles like TiO2, ZnO, and Fe2O3, as well as metal sulfides such as CdS. These materials have very high surface areas, which make them highly reactive and effective in environmental applications. These materials enabled the degradation of pollutants using photocatalysis. For example, nanoparticles and nanotubes improve electron transfer in photocatalysis which improve the efficiency of removing pollutants and reducing water pollution. Materials such as graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes enhance membrane performance by increasing permeability and enabling pollutant removal through adsorption. However, more recently, carbon-based nanomaterials—including graphene, graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)—have emerged as highly versatile materials. Their properties arise from sp²-hybridized carbon networks and delocalized π-electrons, providing exceptional conductivity and stability. GO contains oxygenated functional groups (–OH, –COOH, epoxy) that enable hydrogen bonding and metal ion coordination, while reduction to rGO restores electrical conductivity and ultimately, they become essential components in the design of next-generation functional materials.Carbon-based nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) possess oxygen-containing functional groups (–OH, –COOH) that enhance contaminant adsorption and enable effective integration with semiconductors such as TiO2 to form hybrid photocatalysts. In TiO2/GO (or rGO) systems, light irradiation generates electron–hole pairs in TiO2, where photogenerated electrons are transferred to GO/rGO, reducing charge recombination due to their high conductivity and electron mobility. The remaining holes oxidize water or hydroxyl groups to form hydroxyl radicals (•OH), while electrons reduce dissolved oxygen to produce superoxide radicals (O₂•⁻). These reactive oxygen species drive the degradation and mineralization of organic pollutants into less harmful products such as CO2 and H2O. Additionally, GO/rGO improved pollutant adsorption and extend light absorption, enhancing overall photocatalytic efficiency. Despite these advantages, further investigation into charge transfer mechanisms and long-term stability is required for scalable water treatment applications.Our goal is to advance the understanding and practical use of nanotechnology, emphasizing the novelty of work on understanding the mechanism during functionalization of photocatalysts with carbon-based nanomaterials and creating sustainable solutions for global water pollution challenges. We also request high-impact studies on next-generation sustainable nanomaterials (graphene, GO, rGO, CNT composites) for the efficient removal of emerging contaminants. Additionally, we welcome work on the environmental impact and sustainability of these nanomaterials used in water treatment.• Tailoring and synthesis of carbon-based nanomaterials (graphene, GO, rGO, CNT composites).• Applications in photocatalytic reaction systems.• Mechanism and materials design of carbon-based nanomaterials for photocatalysis• Heterogeneous photocatalysis using hybrid nanocomposite photocatalysts.• Identification and characterization of intermediate products formed during photooxidation processes.• Environmental impact of nanomaterials.Please note: Manuscripts focused solely on dye degradation (decoloration) will not be considered, as colour removal may reflect dye-sensitized mechanisms rather than true photocatalysis. Studies employing dyes as model pollutants will only be considered if authors provide robust evidence of genuine photocatalytic activity, including: (i) proper control experiments performed in the absence of catalyst and under dark conditions to distinguish adsorption from catalytic degradation; (ii) evidence of mineralization, such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis, rather than colour disappearance alone; and (iii) radical scavenger studies to identify the reactive oxygen species responsible for degradation. Topic editors: Khalid Umar, Olga Sacco, Waseem Raza Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80703/carbon-based-hybrid-nanomaterials-graphene-go-rgo-cnt-composites-for-their-potential-application-in-photocatalysis-reactions