A review of the application of visible light active photocatalyst for water contaminants

What is it about?

This paper reviews the current state of research on the use of visible light active photocatalysts, their modified methods, efficacy, and pilot-scale applications for the degradation of organic pollutants in water supplies and waste streams. Initially, the general mechanism of the visible light active photocatalyst is evaluated, followed by an overview of the major synthesis techniques. Since few of these photocatalysts are commercialized, particular attention was given to summarizing the different types of visible light active photocatalysts developed to the pilot-scale stage for practical application and commercialization. The organic pollutant degradation ability of these visible light-active photocatalysts was found to be considerable and in many cases comparable to existing and commercially available advanced oxidation processes Finally, this review concludes with a summary of current achievements and challenges as well as possible directions for further research.

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Photo by Rose Erkul on Unsplash

Photo by Rose Erkul on Unsplash

Why is it important?

In this study, we specifically reviewed the pilot-scale application of visible light active photocatalysis. Currently, most are still limited to laboratory-scale tests with only a few having explored the possibility of pilot-scale applications, and no review paper has summarized it to the best of our knowledge.

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