Saheli Roy
ABSTRACT The growth of oil industrialization and recurring oil spill incidents poses significant environmental issues that impact human health, as well as aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, the rising demand for clean water worldwide necessitates more advanced water‐treatment systems. Membrane‐based separation has emerged as a leading contender due to its efficacy, compact design, and versatility. However, conventional polymeric membranes are often limited by fouling, low permeability, and insufficient mechanical and chemical stability. The integration of carbon‐based nanomaterials into polymeric matrices has led to the development of high‐performance carbon‐based polymeric nanocomposite membranes. Especially, carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene oxide (GO) based polymer nanocomposite membranes have attracted substantial interest due to their distinct physicochemical characteristics, including remarkable chemical and mechanical stability, enhanced water permeability, selectivity, reinforcement properties, and antifouling capabilities. This review provides an overview of the current progress in applying CNT and GO‐based nanocomposite membranes for treating oily wastewater. This is attributed to their ability to form nanochannels, promote hydrophilicity, and reduce foulant adhesion. Moreover, it addresses the key challenges related to nanomaterial dispersion, scalability, environmental safety, and long‐term membrane stability. The review also highlights the future directions for advancing next‐generation CNT and GO‐based polymer nanocomposite membranes for sustainable and efficient oil–water treatment.