Carbonised fibre-based materials for water purification and Industrial wastewater treatment: A review of textile-derived filtration systems
Marcin Henryk Kudzin, Magdalena Olak-Kucharczyk, Zdzisława Mrozińska, Martyna Gloc, Monika Sikora, Iwona Kucińska-Król, Joanna Olczyk, Anetta Walawska, Renata ŻyłłaAbstract
Carbonised fibres derived from polyacrylonitrile fibres, cellulose fibres, chitosan fibres, and lignin fibres, as well as from textile waste, have emerged as promising materials for industrial wastewater treatment. Their performance depends on precursor type, carbonization conditions, and activation, which determine the pore structure and surface chemistry. This review summarizes recent advances in the production and functionalization of carbonised fibre-based adsorbents, including oxidation, polymer grafting, nanoparticle incorporation, and nitrogen doping. Particular attention is given to textile-derived nonwoven structures used for the removal of heavy metals, dyes, aromatic amines, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. Challenges related to regeneration, fouling, industrial implementation, and circular-economy applications are also discussed.