Syngas-derived hydrophilic nanocarbons for water purification

Fibrous hydrophilic nanocarbon (HNC) materials were synthesized via the catalytic reaction of a gas mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂), i.e., syngas. The synthesized HNC features high specific surface areas and strong adsorption capabilities, rendering it effective for water purification. The HNC surface consists of graphite edge planes functionalized with phenolic hydroxyl groups through interactions with a synthetic byproduct, H₂O vapor. The expanded interlayer spacing of the functionalized edge planes offers an open framework rich in adsorption sites for water-soluble chemical species. Adsorption tests with aqueous dye solutions and actual wastewater demonstrated that HNC outperforms conventional activated carbon, owing to the ability to form strong hydrogen bonds between surface phenolic groups and contaminants.