Emerging Interest of Gold-Carbon Nanocomposites in Water Remediation: A New Way Forward

The water issue has emerged as a significant concern in the current century, mostly attributed to the exponential rise of the worldwide population and the process of globalization. Nanoscience and nanotechnology have emerged as crucial tools in effectively tackling a diverse array of water pollution challenges through the implementation of innovative and efficacious remedies. There has been a significant amount of attention given to the identification and management of new chemical pollutants in recent times. Consequently, it is desired to have dependable and expeditious analytical instruments that possess the capability to conduct sample analysis with heightened sensitivity, extensive selectivity, desirable durability, and less sample manipulation for the identification, breakdown, and elimination of perilous pollutants. This review examines the several gold–carbon nanocomposites-based systems that have been established to date. This paper examines the chemical functionalization of gold-carbon nanocomposites, focusing on its role in providing stable platforms, enabling different applications, and facilitating effective monitoring of water contaminants. The present study discusses the challenges faced in previous research and the potential future utilization of gold-carbon nanocomposites in prognostic sampling for real-time assessment of water quality. This approach offers a promising avenue for addressing the global water issue.