Efficient Application to Remove Arsenic and Antimony from the Water Environment Using Renewable Carbon-Based Materials: A Review

Abstract

With the rapid development of industry, the environmental problems caused by heavy metal arsenic and antimony are becoming increasingly serious. Therefore, it is urgent to solve the problem of arsenic and antimony pollution in the water environment. Renewable carbon-based materials, as a kind of adsorbent widely used in wastewater treatment, have been the focus of scholars’ research for many years. In this review, the preparation methods, characteristics, and applications of renewable carbon-based materials (biochar, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, and graphene) for the removal of arsenic and antimony are described in detail. Based on adsorption kinetics, isothermal adsorption, temperature, pH, and coexisting ions, we discuss the process of adsorption of arsenic and antimony by renewable carbon-based materials, explore the mechanism of adsorption of anions in water by renewable carbon-based materials, and comparatively analyze the differences in adsorption performance of arsenic and antimony by different renewable carbon-based materials. Compared with biochar, activated carbon, carbon nanotube, and graphene renewable materials loaded with iron-manganese oxides have better removal effects on arsenic and antimony wastewater. Extensive research data shows that biochar, as a renewable material, is recommended, followed by activated carbon. Both are recommended because of their excellent adsorption properties and low production costs. Finally, the prospects and challenges of the application of renewable carbon-based materials in wastewater treatment are discussed, and the directions and development trends of future research are pointed out, which provide references and insights for further promoting the application of renewable carbon-based materials in wastewater treatment. © 2025 The Authors. Published by Tech Science Press.