An Overview on Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Aerogels: The World’s 3D Lightest Materials for Environmental Applications

This study focuses on recent research achievements on three-dimensional (3D) CNTAs & GAs for purposes of environmental protection applications including removal of oils, organic pollutants and heavy toxic metal ions from contaminated water and adsorption of toxic gases in air. Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Aerogels (CNTAs & GAs) - the world’s lightest 3D materials (GA is seven times lighter than air - a cubic meter weighs just 160 grams) attracted widespread attention due to their excellent mechanical compressible properties, high temperature and thermal stability, recyclable and highly efficient organic pollutants adsorption capability. Furthermore, to assist advanced research for practical applications of these 3D materials, the technical challenges are discussed, and future research directions are proposed. With output of constant efforts, we believe that substantial breakthroughs for the efficient production technologies, finer structural control, and practical environment applications of 3D CNTAs, GAs and their hybrid aerogels would be expected in the near future.