Applications of SiO2 nanomaterials in water pollution remediation: A bibliometric analysis of research trends and future perspectives

This bibliometric study (2005–2025) examines the advancements and applications of SiO2 nanomaterials in wastewater treatment, utilizing CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze 747 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection. The analysis reveals a surge in research output, with China leading globally due to robust interdisciplinary collaboration. Keyword co-occurrence identifies 231 terms clustered into three groups, emphasizing “adsorption,” “silicon dioxide,” and “nanocomposites” as core research foci. SiO2 nanomaterials excel in pollutant removal, photocatalysis, membrane enhancement, and disinfection, driven by their high surface area, stability, and tunable properties. This study highlights theoretical foundations across physics, materials science, chemistry, and environmental science, underscoring the need for cost-effective, eco-friendly nanocomposites to address complex wastewater challenges. Enhanced cross-disciplinary collaboration is critical for innovation. These findings offer strategic insights for advancing SiO2 nanomaterial applications, promoting sustainable water management, and addressing global water scarcity.