• Kiran Jeet
• Sumali Bansal
• Priyanka

Heavy metal contamination in water systems has emerged as a critical global concern due to the toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulative nature of metal ions such as Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, As³⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Hg²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺. Conventional treatment methods—including precipitation, ion exchange, coagulation, electrochemical processes, and membrane filtration—often face limitations such as low selectivity, high energy requirements, secondary waste generation, and reduced efficiencies at trace concentrations. In recent years, carbon-based nanomaterials have gained significant attention as advanced adsorbents for heavy metal remediation. Among them, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stand out due to their unique structural properties, high surface area, tunable functional groups, and exceptional physicochemical stability. This review systematically summarizes developments in the application of fullerenes and CNTs for heavy metal ion removal, highlighting adsorption mechanisms, surface functionalization strategies, removal efficiencies, and reusability. Special attention is given to recent experimental breakthroughs and comparative performance analyses with conventional adsorbents. Current challenges and future prospects are discussed to guide the development of next-generation carbon-based materials for sustainable water purification.

Water purification; Carbon nanotubes (CNTs); Fullerenes; Adsorption; Nanomaterials; Surface functionalization; Wastewater treatment; Environmental remediation

"FUNCTIONALIZED FULLERENES AND CARBON NANOTUBES AS HIGH-PERFORMANCE SORBENTS FOR HEAVY METAL REMOVAL: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no.35-41, September-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRHX06006.pdf

"FUNCTIONALIZED FULLERENES AND CARBON NANOTUBES AS HIGH-PERFORMANCE SORBENTS FOR HEAVY METAL REMOVAL: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no. pp35-41, September-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRHX06006.pdf