Carbon-based nanomaterials: Multifaceted role in agrochemical recognition, remediation, and release

Abstract

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) including carbon nanotubes, activated carbon, carbon dots, carbon nanosphere, and graphene, stand out as promising candidates for recognition, remediation, and controlled release of agrochemicals. The structural diversity of these nanomaterials provides exceptional electrical and optical properties, combined with ease of modification, making them attractive materials for enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of agrochemical sensors. Their large surface-to-volume ratio, porosity, reactive sites, and photocatalytic behavior provide exceptional ability for the sorption and degradation of targeted agrochemicals. Further, to address environmental issues linked to agrochemicals, developing CNM formulations can enable controlled and precise delivery of these chemicals, reducing off-target effects, and bioaccumulation. Their unique features, including nanoscale porous structure, biocompatibility, and altered surface functionalities grant them excellent loading capacity and stimuli-responsive release behavior. Thus, to give insights into the CNMs, this comprehensive review discusses recent advancements in CNM design, the influence of surface functionalities, and properties on selective detection, adsorption/degradation, and release characteristics. However, there is still scope for improving the performance of CNMs by designing composites, providing specific functional sites, and altering surface area. Additionally, applications of a few CNMs are not yet realized despite their promising features, which are highlighted at the end. Finally, the scope for future research directions referring to each application has been discussed to fully realize the potential of CNMs to promote sustainable agricultural practices, paving the way for a healthier and safer environment.