Carbon nanotube-zirconium dioxide hybrid for defluoridation of water

This study presents the synthesis of zirconia/multi-walled carbon nanotube (ZrO2/MWCNTs) hybrid as a novel sorbent for water defluoridation. The synthesis was facilitated by the high degree of functionalization of MWCNTs using a microwave assisted process. In the final product, nearly 3% of the carbon atoms were attached to ZrO2. The ZrO2/MWCNTs were effective in fluoride removal and mechanistic aspects of the process are presented. The research findings highlight the potential application for the use of MWCNT hybrids in environmental remediation.