Magnetic Nano-photocatalysts: Preparation, Structure, and Application

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants using suspended and dispersed nanosemiconductor photocatalysts in wastewater has unique advantages including high activity, low cost, solar utilization, and complete mineralization. However recovery and reuse of photocatalysts are diffi cult because fi ne particles are easily discharged in the waterfl ow. Immobilization of photocatalysts on supports such as glass and zeolite decreases activities due to the low specifi c area and slow mass transfer. Furthermore, a large amount of photocatalysts will lead to color contamination if they are released at industrial scale. Therefore, it is necessary to develop photocatalysts with separation function for reusable and cyclic application. The concept of magnetic photocatalysts with separation function was raised to benefi t from high activity and enable nanosemiconductor photocatalysts to be reused.