Synthesis of 3D graphene-based materials and their applications for removing dyes and heavy metals

Contamination of water streams by dyes and heavy metals has become a major problem due to their persistence, accumulation, and toxicity. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate and/or reduce these contaminants before discharge into the natural environment. In recent years, 3D graphene has drawn intense research interests owing to its large surface area, superior charge conductivity, and thermal conductivity properties. Due to their unique surface and structural properties, 3D graphene-based materials (3D GBMs) are regarded as ideal adsorbents for decontamination and show great potential in wastewater or exhaust gas treatment. Here, this minireview summarizes the recent progress on 3D GBMs synthesis and their applications for adsorbing dyes and heavy metals from wastewater based on the structures and properties of 3D GBMs, which provides valuable insights into 3D GBMs' application in the environmental field.