Porous carbon nanoarchitectonics for the environment: detection and adsorption

Abstract

As a post-nanotechnology concept, nanoarchitectonics has attracted much attention in recent years. Nanoarchitectonics is used to architect functional materials and systems from nanounits through the fusion of nanotechnology with other fields. Nanoporous carbon materials can be regarded as successful products of nanoarchitectonic approaches. High capabilities in structural regulations and modification of material nature would lead to various functional performances, especially in environmental usage. This review summarizes the recent progresses in the field of metal-free porous carbons nanoarchitectonics, mainly derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and fullerene self-assembled nanostructures. The preparation methods for both the MOF-derived and fullerene crystals-derived nanostructured carbons without metal species are explained in detail. Moreover, the applications of such carbons for environmental remediation through the adsorption of contaminants of emerging concern and detection of volatile organic compounds, especially with the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique, are summarized. Importantly, innovative ideas or trends will be suggested for future research in these fields.