Harnessing visible light: enhancing TiO2 photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutions

The emerging field of using titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photosensitizers for enhancing photocatalytic removal of thiazine dyes such as methylene blue (MB) from water has long been recognized for its exceptional photocatalytic properties, making it an attractive material for environmental remediati...

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Main Authors: Nyiko M. Chauke, Reagan L. Mohlala, Siphelo Ngqoloda, Mpfunzeni C. Raphulu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Chemical Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fceng.2024.1356021/full
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author Nyiko M. Chauke
Reagan L. Mohlala
Siphelo Ngqoloda
Mpfunzeni C. Raphulu
author_facet Nyiko M. Chauke
Reagan L. Mohlala
Siphelo Ngqoloda
Mpfunzeni C. Raphulu
author_sort Nyiko M. Chauke
collection DOAJ
description The emerging field of using titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photosensitizers for enhancing photocatalytic removal of thiazine dyes such as methylene blue (MB) from water has long been recognized for its exceptional photocatalytic properties, making it an attractive material for environmental remediation and energy conversion. However, its wide bandgap limits its responsiveness to visible light. As such, the utilization of TiO2-based photosensitizers for the removal of thiazine dyes, presents a promising avenue for diverse applications. In addressing the dual challenges of environmental pollution and harnessing sustainable energy sources, this review focuses on the removal of thiazine dyes from water and their subsequent application as photosensitizers for TiO2 materials. Thiazine dyes, ubiquitous in industrial effluents, pose environmental concerns due to their persistence and potential toxicity. Conversely, this innovative approach involves employing TiO2 materials as photocatalysts, utilizing the unique properties of thiazine dyes to enhance light absorption. Studies have shown that beyond the conventional role of thiazine dyes as colorants, they can serve as effective photosensitizers when coupled with TiO2. This tandem not only facilitates the elimination of thiazine dyes, such as MB, from water but also augments the improvement of the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 materials. The synergy between dye sensitizers and TiO2 enhances the overall efficiency of processes like dye degradation and water splitting. Dye sensitizers, acting as light energy absorbers, can efficiently transfer this energy to TiO2, thereby promoting electron transfer and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS, in turn, initiate chemical reactions, rendering dye sensitizers valuable in applications such as wastewater treatment, solar energy conversion, and environmental remediation. As such, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential drawbacks associated with thiazine dyes, including toxicity and non-biodegradability. Consequently, careful consideration must be given to thiazine dye application and disposal. Therefore, this review manuscript delves into the comprehensive exploration of TiO2-based photosensitizers, shedding light on their efficacy in various photocatalytic processes for thiazine dye removal.
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spelling doaj.art-d158a8d3a131420ebf3ad91a18f7b5872024-02-02T04:50:51ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Chemical Engineering2673-27182024-02-01610.3389/fceng.2024.13560211356021Harnessing visible light: enhancing TiO2 photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutionsNyiko M. ChaukeReagan L. MohlalaSiphelo NgqolodaMpfunzeni C. RaphuluThe emerging field of using titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photosensitizers for enhancing photocatalytic removal of thiazine dyes such as methylene blue (MB) from water has long been recognized for its exceptional photocatalytic properties, making it an attractive material for environmental remediation and energy conversion. However, its wide bandgap limits its responsiveness to visible light. As such, the utilization of TiO2-based photosensitizers for the removal of thiazine dyes, presents a promising avenue for diverse applications. In addressing the dual challenges of environmental pollution and harnessing sustainable energy sources, this review focuses on the removal of thiazine dyes from water and their subsequent application as photosensitizers for TiO2 materials. Thiazine dyes, ubiquitous in industrial effluents, pose environmental concerns due to their persistence and potential toxicity. Conversely, this innovative approach involves employing TiO2 materials as photocatalysts, utilizing the unique properties of thiazine dyes to enhance light absorption. Studies have shown that beyond the conventional role of thiazine dyes as colorants, they can serve as effective photosensitizers when coupled with TiO2. This tandem not only facilitates the elimination of thiazine dyes, such as MB, from water but also augments the improvement of the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 materials. The synergy between dye sensitizers and TiO2 enhances the overall efficiency of processes like dye degradation and water splitting. Dye sensitizers, acting as light energy absorbers, can efficiently transfer this energy to TiO2, thereby promoting electron transfer and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS, in turn, initiate chemical reactions, rendering dye sensitizers valuable in applications such as wastewater treatment, solar energy conversion, and environmental remediation. As such, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential drawbacks associated with thiazine dyes, including toxicity and non-biodegradability. Consequently, careful consideration must be given to thiazine dye application and disposal. Therefore, this review manuscript delves into the comprehensive exploration of TiO2-based photosensitizers, shedding light on their efficacy in various photocatalytic processes for thiazine dye removal.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fceng.2024.1356021/fulltitanium dioxide (TiO2)thiazine dyesphotosensitizersphotocatalysisvisible lighthybrid materials
spellingShingle Nyiko M. Chauke
Reagan L. Mohlala
Siphelo Ngqoloda
Mpfunzeni C. Raphulu
Harnessing visible light: enhancing TiO2 photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutions
Frontiers in Chemical Engineering
titanium dioxide (TiO2)
thiazine dyes
photosensitizers
photocatalysis
visible light
hybrid materials
title Harnessing visible light: enhancing TiO2 photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutions
title_full Harnessing visible light: enhancing TiO2 photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutions
title_fullStr Harnessing visible light: enhancing TiO2 photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutions
title_full_unstemmed Harnessing visible light: enhancing TiO2 photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutions
title_short Harnessing visible light: enhancing TiO2 photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutions
title_sort harnessing visible light enhancing tio2 photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutions
topic titanium dioxide (TiO2)
thiazine dyes
photosensitizers
photocatalysis
visible light
hybrid materials
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fceng.2024.1356021/full
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AT siphelongqoloda harnessingvisiblelightenhancingtio2photocatalysiswithphotosensitizersforsustainableandefficientenvironmentalsolutions
AT mpfunzenicraphulu harnessingvisiblelightenhancingtio2photocatalysiswithphotosensitizersforsustainableandefficientenvironmentalsolutions