Advances in Dendrimer-based Materials for Heavy Metals Adsorption

Abstract

The rapid increase in industrialization, technological and industrial hubs, and urbanization has raised serious environmental concerns; among them, water pollution has become a threat to the whole ecosystem. Currently, a variety of techniques are available for environmental engineering, such as adsorption, ion-exchange, chemical precipitation, etc. However, efficient and cost-effective treatment of water pollutants remains one of the World’s biggest challenges. In this context, dendrimer-based materials have recently attracted extensive research owing to their flexible synthesis, surface functional groups, free interior cavities, monodispersity, high solubility, low viscosity, scaffolding properties, biosafety, and the ability to assemble into nanoscale materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis strategies, structural characteristics, and functional properties of various dendrimer-based materials, with particular emphasis on their application in wastewater treatment through the adsorption of heavy metal ions. Additionally, this review identifies current limitations and knowledge gaps in the field, such as challenges related to large-scale synthesis, cost-effectiveness, regeneration, and long-term stability. Furthermore, future perspectives are discussed, focusing on the design of next-generation dendrimer systems with enhanced adsorption capacity, improved recyclability, and greater environmental compatibility. Overall, this review aims to provide a detailed and insightful resource to guide researchers in the rational design and fabrication of innovative dendrimer-based materials for sustainable water treatment applications.