Photocatalytic TiO<sub>2</sub>-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A Review
Contemporary technological and industrial advancements have led to increased reliance on chemicals for product innovation, leading to heightened contamination of water sources by traditional pollutants (organic dyes, heavy metals) and disease-causing microorganisms. Wastewater treatment processes no...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-02-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2624-781X/5/1/7 |
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| author | Maria-Anna Gatou Athanasia Syrrakou Nefeli Lagopati Evangelia A. Pavlatou |
| author_facet | Maria-Anna Gatou Athanasia Syrrakou Nefeli Lagopati Evangelia A. Pavlatou |
| author_sort | Maria-Anna Gatou |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Contemporary technological and industrial advancements have led to increased reliance on chemicals for product innovation, leading to heightened contamination of water sources by traditional pollutants (organic dyes, heavy metals) and disease-causing microorganisms. Wastewater treatment processes now reveal “emerging pollutants”, including pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and agricultural chemicals. While some are benign, certain emerging pollutants can harm diverse organisms. Researchers seek cost-effective water purification methods that completely degrade pollutants without generating harmful by-products. Semiconductor-based photocatalytic degradation, particularly using titanium dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>), is popular for addressing water pollution. This study focuses on recent applications of TiO<sub>2</sub> nanostructures in photocatalysis for eliminating various water pollutants. Structural modifications, like doping and nanocomposite formation, enhance photocatalyst performance. The study emphasizes photocatalytic elimination mechanisms and comprehensively discusses factors impacting both the mechanism and performance of nano-TiO<sub>2</sub>-based photocatalysts. Characteristics of TiO<sub>2</sub>, such as crystal structure and energy band-gap, along with its photocatalytic activity mechanism, are presented. The review covers the advantages and limitations of different TiO<sub>2</sub> nanostructure production approaches and addresses potential toxicity to human health and the environment. In summary, this review provides a holistic perspective on applying nano-TiO<sub>2</sub> materials to mitigate water pollution. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T17:52:57Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-907cc2072d1040efa4b6b1adcbdcf1ca |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2624-781X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T17:52:57Z |
| publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Reactions |
| spelling | doaj.art-907cc2072d1040efa4b6b1adcbdcf1ca2024-03-27T14:02:01ZengMDPI AGReactions2624-781X2024-02-015113519410.3390/reactions5010007Photocatalytic TiO<sub>2</sub>-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A ReviewMaria-Anna Gatou0Athanasia Syrrakou1Nefeli Lagopati2Evangelia A. Pavlatou3Laboratory of General Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, 15772 Athens, GreeceLaboratory of General Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, 15772 Athens, GreeceLaboratory of Biology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, GreeceLaboratory of General Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, 15772 Athens, GreeceContemporary technological and industrial advancements have led to increased reliance on chemicals for product innovation, leading to heightened contamination of water sources by traditional pollutants (organic dyes, heavy metals) and disease-causing microorganisms. Wastewater treatment processes now reveal “emerging pollutants”, including pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and agricultural chemicals. While some are benign, certain emerging pollutants can harm diverse organisms. Researchers seek cost-effective water purification methods that completely degrade pollutants without generating harmful by-products. Semiconductor-based photocatalytic degradation, particularly using titanium dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>), is popular for addressing water pollution. This study focuses on recent applications of TiO<sub>2</sub> nanostructures in photocatalysis for eliminating various water pollutants. Structural modifications, like doping and nanocomposite formation, enhance photocatalyst performance. The study emphasizes photocatalytic elimination mechanisms and comprehensively discusses factors impacting both the mechanism and performance of nano-TiO<sub>2</sub>-based photocatalysts. Characteristics of TiO<sub>2</sub>, such as crystal structure and energy band-gap, along with its photocatalytic activity mechanism, are presented. The review covers the advantages and limitations of different TiO<sub>2</sub> nanostructure production approaches and addresses potential toxicity to human health and the environment. In summary, this review provides a holistic perspective on applying nano-TiO<sub>2</sub> materials to mitigate water pollution.https://www.mdpi.com/2624-781X/5/1/7titanium dioxidenanostructuressynthesis methodsphotocatalytic mechanismdyesheavy metals |
| spellingShingle | Maria-Anna Gatou Athanasia Syrrakou Nefeli Lagopati Evangelia A. Pavlatou Photocatalytic TiO<sub>2</sub>-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A Review Reactions titanium dioxide nanostructures synthesis methods photocatalytic mechanism dyes heavy metals |
| title | Photocatalytic TiO<sub>2</sub>-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A Review |
| title_full | Photocatalytic TiO<sub>2</sub>-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A Review |
| title_fullStr | Photocatalytic TiO<sub>2</sub>-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Photocatalytic TiO<sub>2</sub>-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A Review |
| title_short | Photocatalytic TiO<sub>2</sub>-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A Review |
| title_sort | photocatalytic tio sub 2 sub based nanostructures as a promising material for diverse environmental applications a review |
| topic | titanium dioxide nanostructures synthesis methods photocatalytic mechanism dyes heavy metals |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2624-781X/5/1/7 |
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