Removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution using carbon-based adsorbents: A review

[Display omitted] •The removal of heavy metals by carbon-based adsorbents has been reviewed.•The adsorption mechanisms for heavy metal removal are discussed in depth.•Effects of pH, temperature, initial concentration, and coexisting ion are discussed.•The preparation and regeneration of adsorbents are prospected. Heavy metal contamination has been a serious threat to environment and human health. Carbon-based materials, from biochar/activated carbon to modified materials (i.e. carbon nanotubes-based materials, and graphene-based materials), have been widely studied as efficient adsorbents for the heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions. This review discussed the recent achievements in adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics and adsorption mechanism according to the existing forms of heavy metals in water. The effect of process conditions, such as temperature, pH value, and coexisting ions, on adsorption performance are combed, and the universal guidance law is obtained. The physical adsorption, electrostatic interaction, ion exchange, surface complexation, and precipitation/coprecipitation play important roles in heavy metals adsorption process. In addition to the common activated carbon(AC), biochar(BC) and the emerging carbon nanotubes(CNTs) and graphene(GN) adsorbent show good development potentials. Meanwhile, though the modified carbonaceous materials can achieve high adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of heavy metals, the modification operation is complex, especially chemical modification. Acid and alkali solution are often used to regenerate spent materials in desorption, however, further studies of other desorption reagent are really needed. This review highlights the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution using carbon-based materials as adsorbents, and discusses the existing deficiencies and suggestions on further study.