Airborne Particulate Matter Removal by Filters Containing Graphene Oxide-Based Materials: A Systematic Review

The use of nanomaterials in air filtration has emerged as a promising alternative to mitigate the hazard effects of airborne particulate matter (PM). In this context, graphene oxide (GO) stands out for its mechanical strength and high PM removal capacity. This review addresses recent advances in PM filtration using GO-based composite filters (e.g., reduced GO, large GO, holey GO, and functionalized variants), covering production methods, performance, and applications. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, from an initial pool of 392 records, 49 studies were included based on eligibility criteria from two databases (Scopus and Web of Science) published up to September 2026. Filtration efficiency (EPM), pressure drop (ΔP), and quality factor were evaluated across GO-based hybrids. GO’s high surface area, abundant active sites, and dielectric behavior enhance both mechanical and filtration performance in fibers, aerogels, membranes, and nanocomposites. Innovative strategies such as surface functionalization, pore size engineering, and nanocomposite reinforcement expanded GO’s applicability, enabling targeted capture and robust membrane design. Nonetheless, scalability, potential toxicity, and environmental concerns remain barriers to large-scale adoption. This review underscores GO’s potential for next-generation filtration technologies.