Recent Developments in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalytic Degradation of Antiviral Drug Pollutants

The prevalence of antiviral drugs (ATVs) has seen a substantial increase in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to heightened concentrations of these pharmaceuticals in wastewater systems. The hydrophilic nature of ATVs has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the low degra...

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Main Authors: Zhaocheng Zhang, Dongyang He, Siyu Zhao, Jiao Qu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-08-01
Series:Toxics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/8/692
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author Zhaocheng Zhang
Dongyang He
Siyu Zhao
Jiao Qu
author_facet Zhaocheng Zhang
Dongyang He
Siyu Zhao
Jiao Qu
author_sort Zhaocheng Zhang
collection DOAJ
description The prevalence of antiviral drugs (ATVs) has seen a substantial increase in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to heightened concentrations of these pharmaceuticals in wastewater systems. The hydrophilic nature of ATVs has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the low degradation efficiency observed in wastewater treatment plants. This characteristic often necessitates the implementation of additional treatment steps to achieve the complete degradation of ATVs. Semiconductor-based photocatalysis has garnered considerable attention due to its promising potential in achieving efficient degradation rates and subsequent mineralization of pollutants, leveraging the inexhaustible energy of sunlight. However, in recent years, there have been few comprehensive reports that have thoroughly summarized and analyzed the application of photocatalysis for the removal of ATVs. This review commences by summarizing the types and occurrence of ATVs. Furthermore, it places a significant emphasis on delivering a comprehensive summary and analysis of the characteristics pertaining to the photocatalytic elimination of ATVs, utilizing semiconductor photocatalysts such as metal oxides, doped metal oxides, and heterojunctions. Ultimately, the review sheds light on the identified research gaps and key concerns, offering invaluable insights to steer future investigations in this field.
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spelling doaj.art-a11d12d7d713424b9288e265604b267c2023-11-19T03:14:42ZengMDPI AGToxics2305-63042023-08-0111869210.3390/toxics11080692Recent Developments in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalytic Degradation of Antiviral Drug PollutantsZhaocheng Zhang0Dongyang He1Siyu Zhao2Jiao Qu3Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security of Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, ChinaSchool of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, ChinaSchool of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, ChinaSchool of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, ChinaThe prevalence of antiviral drugs (ATVs) has seen a substantial increase in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to heightened concentrations of these pharmaceuticals in wastewater systems. The hydrophilic nature of ATVs has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the low degradation efficiency observed in wastewater treatment plants. This characteristic often necessitates the implementation of additional treatment steps to achieve the complete degradation of ATVs. Semiconductor-based photocatalysis has garnered considerable attention due to its promising potential in achieving efficient degradation rates and subsequent mineralization of pollutants, leveraging the inexhaustible energy of sunlight. However, in recent years, there have been few comprehensive reports that have thoroughly summarized and analyzed the application of photocatalysis for the removal of ATVs. This review commences by summarizing the types and occurrence of ATVs. Furthermore, it places a significant emphasis on delivering a comprehensive summary and analysis of the characteristics pertaining to the photocatalytic elimination of ATVs, utilizing semiconductor photocatalysts such as metal oxides, doped metal oxides, and heterojunctions. Ultimately, the review sheds light on the identified research gaps and key concerns, offering invaluable insights to steer future investigations in this field.https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/8/692antiviral drugphotocatalysissemiconductorphotocatalytic mechanism
spellingShingle Zhaocheng Zhang
Dongyang He
Siyu Zhao
Jiao Qu
Recent Developments in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalytic Degradation of Antiviral Drug Pollutants
Toxics
antiviral drug
photocatalysis
semiconductor
photocatalytic mechanism
title Recent Developments in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalytic Degradation of Antiviral Drug Pollutants
title_full Recent Developments in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalytic Degradation of Antiviral Drug Pollutants
title_fullStr Recent Developments in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalytic Degradation of Antiviral Drug Pollutants
title_full_unstemmed Recent Developments in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalytic Degradation of Antiviral Drug Pollutants
title_short Recent Developments in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalytic Degradation of Antiviral Drug Pollutants
title_sort recent developments in semiconductor based photocatalytic degradation of antiviral drug pollutants
topic antiviral drug
photocatalysis
semiconductor
photocatalytic mechanism
url https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/8/692
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