Hydrotalcite-like compounds and related materials as catalysts for the photodegradation of pharmaceutical compounds: Synthesis and catalytic performances

Abstract

The presence of pharmaceutical compounds in natural water is an increasing problem as these compounds have environmental effects even at low concentrations. Adsorption has been largely used for the removal of pollutants, in the last years advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have gained attention, as they may lead to the complete degradation of the pollutants. Several solids have been used as photocatalysts, from TiO2, by far the most used, to some families of other materials. In the present chapter, a review on the use of hydrotalcite-like compounds, also known as Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs), as catalysts for the photodegradation of pharmaceutical pollutants is presented.